On March 24, it was another magical moment when GP DEVA X-Power Gallery joined forces with artist Cindy Thornton to raise funds for LA Art Alliance, a non-profit organization that aims to spread art to every corner of the world. With the same mission in mind, GP DEVA reached out to Florida-based artist Cindy Thornton, and was pleased to host her second exhibition here at our gallery in Beverly Hills.
During the Sunday afternoon opening, raffle tickets and 20% of the proceeds from Cindy’s artworks were donated to LA Arts Alliance, who shared that the funds would be used to support local school art programs. By end of the day, over two thousand dollarswere raised for these school children!
PHOTO: Artist Cindy Thornton with President of LA Arts Alliance, Peter Drivas, grateful for the support of the GP DEVA Art Charity Exhibition program
New series, new characters
Cindy’s latest series, “Go Beyond,” takes the viewers into her colorful world of wonder. She introduced us to new characters, such as the Astronaut, Peter Rabbit, Rapunzel, and Red Riding Hood. The most common question Cindy hears from her numerous fans and collectors, is where she finds her inspiration. During Cindy’s presentation, she explained that as a mom with two daughters, she can’t help but be influenced by the world of Disney princesses. However, Cindy takes her own creative approach to telling the stories.
In this exhibition, astronaut takes a visible presence, showing up in many of her paintings, often in humorous and unexpected scenes. Cindy’s son, Bobby, is also fascinated with the space as result of frequent trips taken to Kennedy Space Center. As for Cindy herself, living in Orlando, rocket launches can be viewed from her own backyard. Also, her father was a pilot so she has always had a connection with the sky and the space. Hence, the title of this series of paintings, “Go Beyond.” Cindy truly hopes everyone will aspire to reach for the sky and beyond!
PHOTO: GP DEVA customers, Jean and Steve reminiscing about the day when Apollo 11 landed on the moon.
July 20, 1969
In celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the Moon, Cindy’s painting “July 20, 1969” became the talk of the exhibition and long after. Many guests and visitors to the gallery have shared personal memories about witnessing this historical moment as a child, huddled together in front televisions with their families.
PHOTO: Dr. Helen Lavretsky purchased Cindy’s paintings for her granddaughters.
A happy ending
The opening ended with raffle drawings where winners took home a special canvas print from Cindy. Dr. Helen Lavretsky went home with two paintings for her granddaughters, hoping they will be as inspired as the little girls in the paintings to reach for the stars.
PHOTO: Friend and long-time GP DEVA customer, Fred Neman, became Cindy’s collector for the second time and took home the “Thunderbird.”
PHOTO: Artist, collectors, friends & families of GP DEVA