Thanks For Making The Artists Tour A Success

by Marlene Berlin

Thanks to all who came out last Sunday for Forest Hills Connection’s first annual artists tour!

The weather was picture perfect with a bright blue sky and lots of sun. More than 100 neighbors walked up and down 30th, Brandywine and Albemarle Streets, holding their bright green tickets and eager to meet the three artists who agreed to open their studios for the afternoon.

And the artists Joan Danziger, Annette Polan and Setsuko Ono wowed their visitors.

This band helped create a festive mood in Joan Danziger's yard. — This band helped create a festive mood in Joan Danziger’s yard.

Joan Danziger, second from the right, explains some of her work to guests.

Setsuko Ono, right, showing visitors a handout with thumbnail photos and titles of the pieces on display.

Lee Cannon, upper right, acted as a docent at times when Ono lost her voice.

Annette Polan, in her paint-splattered white coat, talking to guests.

This three-year-old, shown in front of Setsuko Ono's home, said he appreciated how Annette Polan made “ghosts.” — This three-year-old, shown in front of Setsuko Ono’s home, said he appreciated how Annette Polan made “ghosts.”

It was also wonderful to see long-time neighbors reconnecting, and even meeting each other for the first time.

By the end, Joan Danziger could not remember how many times she answered the question of how she got into doing beetles. Setsuko Ono was surprised to see so many visitors. She was a trouper, too. Though she was still getting over a cold and was losing her voice, she came out at times to greet her visitors. Lee Cannon, who has written about Ono’s work (as well as Polan’s) was able to take over that role. Lee was also promoting an exhibition of Ono’s work at the Japan Information and Culture Center. It opened yesterday and continues all weekdays through June 20th.

After the event, the artists, organizers and volunteers gathered at my home, which was just a block away from each of the three artists and served as the tour’s home base.

Left to right: Setsuko Ono, Annette Polan, Marlene Berlin, Joan Danziger.

Lee Cannon and Setsuko Ono's husband, Pierre Gleijeses. — Lee Cannon and Setsuko Ono’s husband, Pierre Gleijeses.

The tour raised money to support the Forest Hills Connection, a project of the Forest Hills Neighborhood Alliance. Alliance President Denise Warner and Joan Danziger worked with me to organize this event, with the assistance of many hosts. Volunteers included Julia Baller and Willia Hennigan, who signed in participants, and Tracy Johnke, my partner in creating the Forest Hills Connection. All agreed that this should be first of an annual community event for the community, involving more of the many artists who make their home here.

Indeed, we saw this event as a practice run. The next one will be bigger and better. If you are interested in helping to organize the next Forest Hills artists tour, please sign up here. I will be in touch in September.

And again, thanks to all who came to meet your neighbors, see amazing works of art, and support this community publication.

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