Experience Art, Dinner, and Wine at September 16 Event

To celebrate the unique exhibit of art on display at Studios on the Park by Allen Cox and Tom Peck, a fundraiser will be held at the spectacular home of Ken and Marilyn Riding on Sunday, Sept. 16. The intimate event – We’d Like to Explain Ourselves – Confessions of Two Abstract Painters – promises to be an exciting evening of art, dinner, and wine.
“Naming our shows is always an ordeal for us,” Peck said. “At this event, we are going to talk about how and why we do the work we do, with examples of our paintings, so this ‘Explain Ourselves’ name seemed to fit. Plus, it suits our personalities. We have different styles and concepts, but we are both of the abstract persuasion. I don’t remember how we met, but we hit it off because we take our work seriously, but not ourselves.”

Abstract Artists Allen Cox and Tom Peck featured at benefit for Studios on the Park

“Obelisk“ by Allen Cox

The Ridings will complement the conversation with their perspective as life-long collectors, and guests will have the opportunity to view their incredible art collection. Ken is a board member at Studios, and Marilyn volunteers with Studio’s Kids Art Smart program.
“We enjoy art, and have always been enamored by Studios and what they are doing,” Ken said. Hosting the fundraiser at their home, Marilyn said, is “A way of giving back to Studios and to the community in general. We love sharing and motivating people to collect art at whatever level they are able – reproductions or original pieces.”
Dinner will be provided by Carole and Santos MacDonal of Il Cortile and La Cosecha, from their new culinary enterprise, The Truck. Studio’s Winery Partners will pair fine wines of Paso Robles with the meal, and guests will enjoy stunning views of the Adelaida countryside while dining on the patio.
“This [will be] a very cool event, attended by interesting people who are not only interested in the arts, but in actively supporting the arts,” Peck said. “The venue is spectacular and then there’s fine food, fine art, and fine wine. Really, what more could one want?”
Proceeds from the event will benefit Studio’s Kids Art Smart programming. Since 2011, thousands of schoolchildren have visited Studios on the Park for hands-on professional art classes completely free of charge.