Creating Joy

Malibu artist Ann Krasner’s works were featured on December 3 at the Montana Avenue art walk. Her exhibit of other works opened that night at Malibu’s Tracy Park Gallery. The next day, she and seventeen other artists’ works were highlighted at Music Inspired Art at Malibu City Hall Gallery.

Pasternak once said an artist’s goal is to transmit the “joy of one’s existence.” This encapsulates what Krasner achieves as she invites viewers to enjoy her intriguing sculptures in bronze, ceramic and mixed media at her West Malibu Sculpture Garden. Her rooster sculpture welcomes viewers to enjoy her sculptures at Tracy Park gallery. “He’s inspired by Marc Chagall’s roosters,” Krasner says, coyly noting, “The reference to 42 denotes that this algebraic equation has not been solved for a century: X3 + Y3 + Z3 = 42.”

That’s a paradigm example of Krasner’s intellectual approach to art. She thoroughly researches her subjects, then cleverly includes nuances of their perspectives and eras. Her sculptures and paintings focusing on artists, musicians, and authors include intricate details about their lives, their loves, and their impact.

“Her colors, shapes, and characters are very joyful and full of life,” said Anna Sapenuk, a Getty museum educator. “Ann is a beautiful, energetic person whose imagination and positivity flow through her works.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Ann Krasner for sharing joy with every piece of art she creates.

MERLIN CLARKE

Helping People Give Back

Affable and full of creative ideas, Malibu’s Merlin Clarke catalyzes people’s efforts to contribute to the greater good. “The highest form of being is being in service to others,” said Clarke, who serves as Director and Head of Happenings. “Our nonprofit organization provides two experiences - Our Do Good Bus arranges outings for businesses, such as Hulu, Disney, and AT&T, for team building activities and days of service, and there are outings for individuals as well. Our healing bus is a small bus that travels around where attendees gather, and that effort focuses on having conversations with thought leaders from many backgrounds in smaller settings.”

The DGB makes volunteering easy by organizing pre-planned days of direct giving. Participants meet at a designated place, sometimes not knowing one another at all - and all not knowing what type of philanthropic effort they’ve signed up for. They might be helping address homelessness, obtaining food for students, or planting a garden.

They hop on the bus off to a mystery volunteer location, Clarke explained, adding, “People make friendships and build relationships.”

The DGB’s mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of the communities we serve through meaningful connections and purpose, he noted, adding by creating fun volunteering opportunities to connect businesses and individuals with giving, we keep adding to our incredible community of do-gooders.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Merlin Clarke for creating ways that allow people to give back to the community.

DIANE PETERSON