REACHING TO EMBRACE ART (RTEA) is an important new philanthropy group in L.A. that's dedicated to raising funds for the dwindling arts programs in the city's school system. Founded by young art lovers with an activist approach towards saving the arts... RTEA believes that "Art and thinking outside of the box is essential to learning." All funds raised by RTEA will go to the Los Angeles Unified School District's encompassing arts programs for youth arts education. RTEA will be presenting it's first benefit fundraising exhibition this coming July 12th, 2003.

If you'd like to help RTEA, contact them at: elizabeth@rtea.org ... or reach them by Fax/Voicemail, at: (213) 596-5753. For more information, visit the official RTEA website at :

http://www.rtea.org/events.htm

Yours truly, Mark Vallen, will be donating and exhibiting artworks along with Richard Duardo, Mick Haggerty, Mear One, John von Hammersveld, and dozens of others. The exhibit will take place in downtown L.A. at the Inshallah Gallery. The Gallery is located at 244 South Main Street in downtown Los Angeles (just outside of the Little Tokyo district).

The serious Art buying part of the evening will begin with a Pre-Reception for the Artists from 7 to 9:30 pm, where you'll get a chance to bid on artworks specially donated by the Artists for the evening's silent auction. You'll also be first in line to purchase the many other artworks that will be on exhibit. Admittance to the pre-reception is $30.00 (refunded with purchase of artwork). Includes refreshments and H'ors doeuvres. Remember... ALL monies are being donated to School Arts programs, so come prepared to spend money!

Later that evening starting at 9:30... after the frenzy of the art auction and other purchases, there will be a separate "after party" for the general art loving public. You'll be able to view the art exhibit and enjoy acoustic music by Butaface, Bower Bird, Kenichi, Spoken Word by Abstract Rude and Mecca... and also video art projections, Deejays, and a space for general audience participation art. Also includes refreshments. Admittance to the 9:30 "after party" is $10.00. ALL monies are being donated to School Arts

programs!

MORE ART! LESS WAR!

Mark Vallen

www.art-for-a-change.com