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Laurel Holloman Paints to the Benefit of Kathmandhu Valley Preservation Trust
Photo: Miki Turner
Actress-turned-painter, Laurel Holloman (The L Word), has been living and breathing art for over a year now. A prolific artist, she painted last summer in New York the Tribeca Series which sold out in less than two months. She's been a busy bee ever since.
As she recently announced at L8 in Brighton, Laurel is taking a hiatus from acting for the next 12 months to focus on painting full-time. She is now working on a solo show in Paris and is doing a large commission for a bank in Italy. It's great news that she aims at the 'vieux continent' with her artwork!
Besides that, Laurel's soft spot for charities is well known. Her art contributions to Bark, Masaai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Sewing Hope did remarkably well in support of such great causes.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that Laurel is repeating the experience tomorrow, May 2nd, in New York. This time to the benefit of the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT), an organization that safeguards the extraordinary and threatened architectural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
A couple of weeks ago Laurel tweeted that she was "painting with pink", a color of good health and life. She was working on a painting which she is donating to a silent auction for KVPT, to be held tomorrow on KVPT's 20th anniversary. On this very special occasion, the organization's board members set a Gala in New York - "New York For Nepal". Laurel Holloman will be there. This is a fantastic opportunity to make her art even more visible for yet another worthy cause.
Best of luck, Laurel!
UPDATE 05/02/2011: Laurel tweeted that she decided to name the pink painting "mukti"! Coincidence given the last night news? Everything happens for a reason.
Best of Belgium vs Best of the World - Kim versus Serena
The way I found out about this event was through a tweet from Kim Clijsters herself. She just happily announced late May that more than 30,000 tickets had been sold at “Best Of Belgium”. I didn’t know what that was. So I googled it and realized all I needed to know was right at my fingertips. And since I could not refuse myself a new occasion to visit the city that was my home for three years a long time ago, I prepped myself for a little trip to Brussels.
The concept behind this show was to shatter – not just break – the former attendance record at a tennis match set by Billie Jean King and Bobbie Riggs in 1973 on Astrodome Houston in what was called “Battle of Sexes”. 30,472 people had watched it then.
Initially it was planned to be a match between the two best Belgian tennis players, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin. Unfortunately, due to an elbow injury she got in Wimbledon, Justine was no longer able to play. The organizers had then quickly found a replacement in Serena Williams which did not dampen the festive joy, on the contrary.
The whole show was a combination of music, sports, politics, music again and fireworks. Why politics? Because this was supposed to mark Belgium’s six-month presidency of the European Union (July 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010). Regarding the concert, the master mind behind it was the Belgian musician Ozark Henry who reunited on King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels a number of top Flemish and Walloon musicians, singers & artists. Among them: Maurane, Clouseau, Jo Lemaire, Sarah Bettens and Sandra Kim, the latter best known for her Eurovision Song Contest win in 1986 (“J’aime la vie”).
I arrived at the stadium at 7:30pm roughly while the concert had already begun, just in time for the opening ceremony and the start of what promised to be a new Guinness Book record. Soon after I found my seat, which was pretty good for a computer randomly-selected one, the Belgian Crown Prince Filip and his wife, Princess Mathilde, have taken their seats in the official box.
Justine and Kim came on the stadium in a green convertible collection car and after one tour joined the hosts on the stage for a brief interview. A few minutes later, Serena joined them after she made her entrance also in a convertible. As the chair umpire a radiant Martina Navratilova who did not have any help as there were no linesmen.
The match itself, won by Kim in two straight sets 6-3, 6-2, was a bit of a disappointment. Whether it was because Serena came to play with a foot injury, or because it was too hot (for the Belgians, at least, who are not used to 30 C temps) I missed those impressive rallies, memorable winners, daring drop balls. During the breaks, apart from upbeat tunes, the crowd could enjoy the image of Jada, Kim’s daughter, on the LED screen, who was cheered more than her Mom.
After the game was over, Justine joined by Francesca Schiavone (who was invited as an understudy, just in case Serena wouldn’t be able to play) came to congratulate the winner and offer some nice flower bouquets and take some final pictures before the second part of the concert started.
What followed was the highlight of the night: a rain of green lights (from BNP Paribas, the sponsor, ‘sausages’) through the sultry summer air and then a sea of green lights on the athletics track.
The record was broken: 35,681 people were present on King Baudouin Stadium on July 8, 2010! And, more importantly, all proceeds went to various charities that Kim, Serena and Justine support.
More info on the official event web site (in French and Dutch only)
Sewing Hope Fashion Show - NYC, May 22nd, 2010
I have been using Twitter for more than 8 months now. At first, it was like a new toy. Following some of my favorite celebrities – musicians, actors, athletes, even royalties - seemed to be the coolest thing to do. I liked the way some of them would promote themselves or the projects they work on as well as endorse friends and family. In time, I came to the realization that it was much more than that. In my opinion, when it comes to social change, social media is undeniably powerful.
Since the beginning of the year too many tragedies happened, which raised everyone’s attention worldwide. Haiti and Chile are only two examples. The list is longer though. No sane individual can remain insensitive and watch from the sideline. Starting by spreading the word through social media, to making donations or joining the causes as volunteers, there is plenty to do to help those in need.
Most recently, Liza Morgan, a close friend of Laurel Holloman (“The L Word”), is doing a great job in raising awareness about the Sewing Hope, a program of Fount of Mercy, which empowers women in Uganda by providing them with the skills they need to support their kids by sewing.
Like in the past two years, Fount of Mercy is organizing a charity fashion show that will present the work of 15 fashion and costume designers. A great opportunity to learn about the work Sewing Hope has done in Uganda, while networking with professionals in the film, theater, television, and fashion industries.
The show will also include a live drummer and African step dancers and offer a raffle of high-end, one-of-a-kind items. Anyone is welcomed to attend the show by donating $75 or more on www.sewinghope.net.
Laurel Holloman will attend the event in order to show her support to yet another cause she believes in. Not only will she be there, but, as she tweeted, she used "some paint and creativity" on this particular occasion. For those who don't know yet, apart from being a gifted actress, Laurel is a passionate painter, too (see below the outcome - photos taken by Liza). One more reason for you to participate!
So, if you’re a New Yorker, or you happen to be in New York on May 22nd, try squeeze this event into your weekend schedule. If you can’t make it you can still donate. “… a little help goes a long way and can change these women's lives and the lives of many orphans in Africa.” – Laurel Holloman
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010
7-10 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.
Located at Touch
240 West 52nd Street, NYC
For more details follow @SewingHopeNYC and @lizamorgan
My Personal Take on Jennifer Beals’ L Word photo book
It took me a month to have my book delivered. I was among those who ordered it as soon as it was available online. But a software glitch has frozen and delayed a significant number of initial orders. Eventually, as good things happen to those who wait, I got it. My own “L Word photo book”.
It was well worth the wait and then some!
It is THE Journey of a group of distinct individuals who grew to become a family, the way they valued their friendships on and beyond screen and so many more other aspects we wouldn’t have had access to hadn’t this book been printed.
Reading it more than once by now brought back lots of memories of what this group of women shared over a 6-year span. 6 years that made such a difference in the viewers’ lives. Each and every one of us has, for sure, a story about the way “The L Word” has influenced us one way or the other, whether it’s about coming out, becoming a better partner, friend, or simply a better person.
As Jennifer points out “This show was, among others, about the power of storytelling.” We were so lucky to be part of this exceptional adventure, firstly as viewers of the show and secondly as readers of this treasured photographic journal.
The photos as well as the girls’ conversations are absolutely priceless.
I was particularly impressed by Laurel Holloman’s note to Jennifer and Rachel Shelley’s story about gaining two friends once she met Laurel.
But above all, three pictures got my attention and all of them, coincidently or not, are related to Laurel and her becoming a mother.
Laurel pregnant in Jennifer’s trailer. I must admit I rarely had a chance to see so much beauty in a pregnant woman. Laurel was glowing the whole second season and her transformation through motherhood was the best thing I’ve had the chance to witness along the show. Jennifer, who was so emotional the day Lola was born, had later benefited - thanks to Laurel - from a nice paved way while becoming a mother herself.
The cast meets Lola. To me this is another emotional moment. Laurel, the proud mother, holds Lola and introduces her to the girls. The excitement on Erin, Kate and Leisha’s faces says it all.
I am so appreciative of the idea Jennifer had to make this book not only for the cast, but also for us and moreover to support various charities. A big THANK YOU to Jennifer Beals and all “The L Word” cast and crew members for letting us be a part of this incredible journey! I enjoyed every minute of it and the book will be instrumental in keeping TLW spirit alive and memories fresh.
You can order Jennifer’s photo book at http://www.lwordbook.com/, with or without a dedication page in front. Also, a personalized version of the book will be available, where fans can add their own photos at the end. Apart from that, a selection of images featured in the book will be available at a variety of sizes. Make a gift to yourselves, your friends and the community.
ALL proceeds are going to a number of charities that Jennifer kindly and actively supports.
