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Generations Unite In the Spirit of Chouinard CalArts honored its Chouinardian roots—without which the Institute would not exist—as generations of artistic legends gathered at Maggiano’s Little Italy at The Grove for the 2018 Chouinard Alumni Reunion. “Today was the first time I saw a friend in 45 years, and I’m so glad she recognized me without my nametag!” said Anahid Sultanian ’69 with a laugh. She paused and placed a hand on her chest. “I hope we do it again because I will definitely come back. I will always support Chouinard, it was the love of my life.” What started as a small get-together and spontaneous art showcase, held in Timothy and Marriott Clark’s backyard, has expanded into a reunion that grows in attendance each year and attracts artists from across the globe. On Saturday, February 10, alumni shared memories of their days at Chouinard, a heartfelt awards 54
CalArts Alumni Magazine
Back: Masako Watanabe ’60, Larry LeGras ’60, Sharon Jeniye ’67, Jerry Eisenberg ’56, Lois DeArmond, Jean Loew ’49, Tim Clark ’72, alumnx Janet Rogoff, Bill Stout ’71, Stace Aspey ’70, Joy Parker ’70, Ian Kennedy ’69, Robert Rodriguez ’69, Vicki Laszlo ’65. Middle: Barry Friedrich ’70, Mona Thalheimer ’71, Anahid Sultanian ’69, Ellen Romm Lampert ’70, alumnx Sangeeeta Sydney Levy, Stan Tusan ’60, Russell Blandino ’70, Phyllis Fields ’70. Front: Doris Olga Gotsinas Kouyias ’69, Claudia Hurtz ’69, Nobuyuki Hadeishi ’61, Joel Goldstein ’68, Barbara Salanitro ’62, Glen Kittelson ’56, Leo Monahan ’58, Bob Kurtz ’59, Becky Bristow ’76, Carole Castillo-Ramsdell ’67
ceremony, and enjoyed a program representing both Chouinardians and current CalArtians. Each year, award recipients are selected by a Chouinard alumni peer committee whose members this year were artist and committee chair Timothy J. Clark ’72, Glen Kittelson ’56, and artist Doris Olga Gotsinas Kouyias ’69. The Chouinard Alumni Award Committee and CalArts presented the Nelbert Chouinard Award to artist Leo Monahan ’58 for elevating the art form of paper sculpture, and the Grand View Award to fashion designer Larry LeGras ’60, honoring his artistic and professional career and service as an Alumni Council Leader. “Leo’s professional achievements and dedication to his work embodies the spirit of Nelbert Chouinard,” said Kittelson. “He’s taken, what I considered at the time to be a craft and
elevated it to, what I can say today, is, a fine art.” Monahan’s art has appeared in galleries in California and throughout the Southwest, as well as the Smithsonian Art and Space Museum. He is a 35-year participant in the U.S. Air Force documentary art program and a founder of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s documentary art program. Monahan received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, and he has taught at Chouinard, CalArts, USC, and Disney Imagineering. In accepting his award, Monahan shared memories of Nelbert Chouinard’s own artistic ability, wit, and pedagogical savvy. “Mrs. C was just an incredible person. If it were not for Chouinard, then nothing,” he said, throwing his arms out in passion. A round of heartfelt applause followed his remarks, and Clark took