Wonderwall is a Perfect venue for Holiday Parties, Weddings and Events

Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo.

Sand City, CA, September 19, 2019 - Wonderwall is a unique 3,000-square-foot architectural furnishings and gallery space and is home to a wide array of objects of desire curated by co-owners Mark and Carina Cristofalo. Located in the Sand City Arts district, Wonderwall has elements of both glamour and industry and serves as a memorable backdrop for holiday parties, weddings, receptions or special gatherings and events. This elegant ambiance offers the perfect setting for photographs as it provides an intimate yet on-trend look and feel. A gathering space that is both spacious and comfortable, Wonderwall has both accessibility and convenient parking.

Facility rentals are available in 2-hour, 5-hour and full-day increments, with custom rental packages available upon request. Book your holiday party by October31st and receive 25% courtesy discount once space is scheduled and deposit is received.

Wonderwall only contracts with licensed caterers to ensure that your event runs smoothly. For questions and availability, please contact flourish@wonderwallhome.com or call (831) 241-4214.

Wonderwall
1714 Contra Costa St., Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 241-4214
Email: studio@www.wonderwall.life
Website: www.wonderwallhome.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
studio@www.wonderwall.life
http://www.wonderwallhome.com

Wonderwall design and furnishings shop in Sand City hosts two fun-filled events in support of the arts

For home builder, designer and collector Mark Cristofalo, authenticity speaks for itself.

Sand City, CA, April 10, 2019 - For home builder, designer and collector Mark Cristofalo, authenticity speaks for itself.

“That’s what people respond to, the authentic, the intuitive, the creative,” said Cristofalo, co-owner with his wife Carina of Wonderwall design and furnishings showroom in Sand City.

Toward that end, the couple will hold two upcoming events at Wonderwall honoring creativity and the arts within a community where they’ve raised four children.

On Friday, May 10, Wonderwall will hold an appreciation reception for Pacific Repertory Theater from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sip wine, savor small bites and shop for a cause as the Cristofalos given back 20 percent of all sales to the Carmel-based theater company.

On Thursday, May 23, Wonderwall will host an art opening for acclaimed Carmel Valley contemporary artist Patricia Qualls, Ph.D, who will debut several of her large-scale, high-impact paintings (on display through Sept. 15).

The reception (from 5:30-8 p.m.) includes wine tasting, small bites, and a meet-and-greet with the artist, who will give a presentation titled “Why We Need Art in the Home.” Guests will have a chance to view and purchase her artwork.

Qualls’ art is represented by an international collection in Switzerland, and national collections in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Phoenix, Dallas and other cities across the country. Her work is also part of the George Blair permanent collection at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

Qualls believes strongly in the freedom of expression, and believes that, by unblocking our internal restraints, we can begin to relinquish the creative comparisons and competition that limit our own expressions.

Qualls can often be found painting in her studio/gallery Patricia Qualls Contemporary Art in Carmel Valley, a beautiful 1,200-square-foot gallery with 15-foot ceilings and a half dozen skylights that bring sunshine to each of her high-impact, large-scale paintings.

There is great synergy between the artist and Wonderwall, blessed with a 3,000-square-foot space filled with antiques, art, furniture, furnishings, home décor and architectural elements. Every piece in the showroom has been unearthed by the Cristofalos, with an eye toward their uniqueness, originality and appeal.

“Wonderwall is a word I’ve always loved,” said Mark. “That’s what Wonderwall means to me, it’s a wall between the ordinary world and the extraordinary world. We try to build the extraordinary here that transcends the normal into a beautiful space.”

Carina believes our homes should be filled with things we love.

“We love to create beautiful sanctuaries,” she said. “And it may only be one piece that completes a look, a reflection of yourself. We’ve tried to find the one piece that defines that room, that defines that space.”

To attend the free events at Wonderwall, RSVP to Marci Bracco, marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com or 831-747-7455.

Contact Wonderwall
1714 Contra Costa St., Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 241-4214
Email: studio@www.wonderwall.life
Website: www.wonderwall.life or www.wonderwallhome.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.wonderwall.life

State of the Art: An Exhibition and Celebration

An Invitational Exhibition at the R. Blitzer Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA

Carmel, CA, October 07, 2018 - The Center for Photographic Art (CPA) expands its reach beyond Carmel, California, with an exhibition and related events in Santa Cruz, CA, at that city’s premier art space, the R. Blitzer Gallery, located in a renovated warehouse, once home to the historic Wrigley chewing gum factory. A broad-ranging invitational exhibition, State Of The Art (SOTA) features fifteen prominent and innovative Northern California photographers. The exhibition will run from November 2 through November 29, 2018, and will kick off with a festive opening reception during Santa Cruz’s First Friday, November 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. In addition, a variety of SOTA events will run throughout November, with all tickets available via Eventbrite. Please join us in exploring photography’s fascinating and inspiring State of the Art during the entire month of November.

Center for Photographic Art is thrilled to welcome an expanded audience to a groundbreaking exhibition of leading Northern California photographers who explore a range of contemporary issues. Exhibiting are Brigitte Carnochan, Linda Connor, Binh Danh, Janet Fine, Sara Friedlander, Shelby Graham, Chris Johnson, Karolina Karlic, Bob Kolbrener, Robin Lasser & Adrienne Pao, Kathryn Mayo, Ryuijie, Jerry Takigawa and Huntington Witherill. Their photography reflects a diverse array of current and historical mediums, including digital imaging, gelatin silver, platinum/palladium, wet plate collodion, daguerreotype, and mixed media.

In addition to the exhibition, on Saturday, November 3, CPA hosts Freestyle Photographic Supplies for an on-site digital printing workshop. Following the workshop, CPA presents a panel discussion, “Breaking Boundaries,” with participating photographers Binh Danh, Sara Friedlander, Karolina Karlic and Robin Lasser, moderated by CPA’s Executive Director, photographer and educator, Brian Taylor, and Wallace Baine, former Santa Cruz Sentinel Arts Editor and freelance art writer. Then on Wednesday, November 14, CPA hosts a special reception with former long-time Congressman, Honorable Sam Farr, in acknowledgement of his contributions and support of the photographic arts in the Monterey Bay area.

Finally, as a complement to the exciting SOTA exhibition, CPA hosts a thematic online photography competition titled, “The Human Spirit.” Our jurors are Ann Hazels, Director of the Radius Gallery, Santa Cruz, and photographer, educator and CPA Assistant Director, Rick Murai. All are welcome to enter and vie for five hundred dollars in prizes. All entries will be featured on CPA’s website and viewable by our global audience. A lively and informative jurors’ talk and awards presentation will take place on Saturday, November 17.

Join us in celebrating the Center for Photographic Art’s State of the Art exhibition and its first foray into the North Monterey Bay area, with a month of groundbreaking photography and events at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz! Don’t miss the festive First Friday Opening Reception on Friday, November 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. To learn more about SOTA and accompanying events go to:

https://photography.org/event/state-of-the-art

What:

STATE OF THE ART Exhibition
· Freestyle Photographic Supplies Digital Printing Workshop

· STATE OF THE ART “Breaking Boundaries” panel discussion and reception

· An Evening with former Congressman, Honorable Sam Farr

· STATE OF THE ART online competition awards presentation and Juror’s talk

When:

Exhibition: November 2 – 29, 2018, Opening reception November 2, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Freestyle Photographic Supplies Digital Printing Workshop: Saturday, November 3, Noon to 4:00 pm
STATE OF THE ART “Breaking Boundaries” panel discussion, Saturday November 3, 6:00 to 7:30 pm; Reception: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Reception and award presentation with former Congressman Sam Farr, November 14, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
STATE OF THE ART online competition entry period: September 26 – November 6. Juror’s event, Saturday, November 17, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: R. Blitzer Gallery, Wrigley Building, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Gallery hours: Noon to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday

Tickets:

Exhibition: Free
· Freestyle Photographic Supplies Digital Printing Workshop and “Breaking Boundaries” panel discussion, General admission: $75 for both (includes CPA annual membership),
CPA Members: $35 for both. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2DnMoeY

· “Breaking Boundaries” panel discussion only, General admission: $10; free for CPA members. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2DnMoeY

· Sam Farr Reception: Free to the public, limited seating, RSVP via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/202YwWJ

· “The Human Spirit,” State of the Art online competition. To enter: https://bit.ly/2znnHeC

· “The Human Spirit,” Online competition, juror’s discussion and awards announcement: Free to the public, limited seating, RSVP via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2xBTsiE

PR Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zunikclg0poe3j9/AACcLy3fBNehjq7Q3qgniNOIa?dl=0

Info: https://photography.org/event/state-of-the-art/

CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
Sunset Center

San Carlos and 9th Avenue
P.O. Box 1100

Carmel, CA 93921
www.photography.org

Contact:
Brian Taylor, Executive Director
brian@photography.org
408-334-0040

November 2 – November 29, 2018

ABOUT CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
Tracing our roots back to the Friends of Photography, founded in 1967, the Center for Photographic Art (CPA) remains the second oldest members’ photography gallery organization in the country. A short walk from Ocean Avenue in Carmel, CA brings you to the venerable gallery launched by iconic artists Ansel Adams, Cole Weston, and Wynn Bullock. Today, CPA continues to serve as a valuable cultural resource to its members, the community and the greater world of the photographic arts.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.photography.org

Big Sur Foragers Festival Dates Announced: January 17-20, 2019

Foragers Festival Fungus Face Off to be Held at Big Sur River Inn Saturday, January 19, 2019

Big Sur, CA, September 12, 2018 - The historic Big Sur River Inn serves as the host and backdrop of one of the Big Sur Foragers Festival’s most popular events, the "Fungus Face-Off," set for Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019.

The Face-Off at the River Inn, set under the oaks overlooking the Big Sur River, features celebrated local chefs competing for the best foraged dish, and will include food tastings, fine wines, craft beers, raffles, a silent auction and more.

This event sells out early, and tickets will be on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-2019-tickets-47639320490

The River Inn has a significant presence in Big Sur history and lore. The inn’s history goes back to 1888, when Jay Pheneger acquired a 160-acre parcel from the federal government and gave his name to the creek that bounds the River Inn on the south.

Homesteaders Barbara and Michael Pfeiffer bought the property, and in 1926, Michael, and Barbra’s son John took over the land on which the Big Sur River Inn now stands. The inn was opened in 1934 by his daughter Ellen Brown. She opened her living and dining rooms to the public and began serving hot apple pie, which is still served today and gave the place its first name, Apple Pie Inn. Lodging units were built and Big Sur’s first resort was established.

In 1943, Ellen’s sister, Esther Pfeiffer Ewoldson and her husband, Hans, took over the operation. Esther replaced her mother as Big Sur Postmaster and the Post Office was moved to the River Inn, situated where the front office of the motel is now.

With a lot of help, Hans built the General Store and lodging units 10 through 15. He rebuilt the dining room and “fixed it up fancy.”

The Pfeiffer and the Ewoldson families started a tradition at the Big Sur River Inn of fine food, excellent service, and warm hospitality. In 1988, the Perlmutter family, along with a small group of close friends, formed a partnership to carry on that tradition.

This year, the Big Sur River Inn extends its tradition of hospitality to host the Big Sur Foragers Festival.

The Foragers Festival has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

The four-day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs, who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer.

In addition to the Fungus Face-Off, events will include:

>A Thursday Night Fundraiser at Lugano's Swiss Bistro. Details to come.

>Friday night winemaker's dinners as locations around Monterey County include Il Grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea

>Saturday Foraging walk led by local experts. "Wild Mushroom Walks and Talk" led by Steve Copeland of Big Sur Guides and his team of expert mushroom foragers.

>Sunday we are finalizing several brunch fundraisers around Monterey County.

Stay tuned for more details coming soon. For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa Announces Hiring of New Director of EventsHyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa Announces Hiring of New Director of Events

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa has announced the hiring of Jenny Lopez as Director of Events.

Monterey, CA, April 04, 2018 — The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa has announced the hiring of Jenny Lopez as Director of Events.

Just prior to joining the Hyatt, Lopez was part of the management team at Hilton San Jose, and before that, at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose.

Lopez started her hospitality career at the luxurious Westin Century Plaza Hotel & Tower in Los Angeles. In the 10 years she worked at the property she gained a well-rounded experience in the areas of Housekeeping, PBX, Reservations and Catering/Event Service. She assisted and serviced some of the most prestigious gala events the property was well known for hosting.

To expand her career growth, Lopez relocated to Orlando, Florida, where she worked at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels in the Disney World area. She spent seven years in the Orlando area working for Westin, Starwood, independent hotel chains such as Adam’s Mark and IHG.

She returned to Los Angeles to be closer to family and joined Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Burbank. Her career came full circle in 2008 when she returned to the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, by then part of the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts family. Lopez says it was great to see familiar faces and to go back to where it all had started for her.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions.

With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000-square-foot full-service spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com