PASADENA, CA--There's a new art scene in East Pasadena. At least that's what United Picture & Frame Company owners, Alan and Mark Greenstone, along with artist/curator Victor Cass, are hoping for with their inaugural show "Art Goes East," which opens Sunday, January 20, 2008, 7-10 p.m., at 2295 E. Colorado Blvd.

 

Brothers Alan and Mark, who have operated the venerable framing and art restoration business for years, had long been interested in opening up their front showroom as a gallery space for art shows. They teamed up with artist Victor Cass, who recently curated the "Art By Families in Transition" show at Armory Center for the Arts. Cass, a graduate of Pasadena's John Muir High School and Art Center College of Design, is known for his concept of "bringing art to the people," producing and showing work in non-traditional spaces such as a credit union, a vocational school, and even the hallway outside LA City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's office, among other places.

     

"Aside from a coffee house or two, there really aren't any major venues for artists to show their work east of Hill Avenue," Cass explained from his studio in Old Pasadena. "Hopefully, Alan and Mark's space can become the kick-off venue for a new art renaissance in East Pasadena."

 

Cass assembled a seasoned slate of artists to join him, most of whom are from Pasadena or live in the area, including Barbara Kaleta, Nora Koerber, Dom Gilormini, Caroline Maxwell, Allison Proulx, and Andrew Robinson. The show runs through January 27.