In association with the Venice Community Trust, Abbot Awards were presented for the first time to members of the greater Venice community for Excellence in Arts & Community Service. The award ceremony took place during the Abbot Kinney Street Fair on September 26, 2005, with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villagairosa and Councilman Bill Rosendahl in attendence.Mayor Villagairosa (left) with Rueben dela Casas. -->
Edward Ruscha
A painter, printmaker and filmmaker, Edward Ruscha was born in Nebraska and moved to Los Angeles in the 1950’s. He has been a Venice local for many years, and he is one of America’s most important and influential contemporary artists. While he has been recognized time and time again and his works are in the permanent collections of the most prestigious museums in the world, one of his most exciting moments is his participation this year in the Venice Biennale as the sole artist to represent the United States.
<-- Ed Ruscha (right) with AJ Peralta.
Orson Bean
An American film and theater actor, published author and an award-winning director, Orson Bean’s career spans over five decades. He is also an acclaimed story teller and raconteur who survived the industry blacklist of the 1950s. From being on The Tonight Show over 200 times, 100 of them as the guest host, to a 20 year run on Broadway, numerous films and TV shows, Orson is a Venice local for many years, staring in scores of productions at our local Pacific Residents Theater.
Orson Bean (right) with his wife, actress Alley Mills. -->
Gregory Hines
Born in New York City, Gregory Hines started dancing at the age of 3 and went professional at 5 and is regarded by many as the greatest tap dancer of his generation. After many years on the road, he moved to Venice for the good life and began exploring music with his jazz/rock band Severance and films and TV. He appeared in over 20 films and was a regular on Will & Grace and had his own show for a time. A Tony Award winner and member of our community, Gregory Hines passed away in August, 2003.
<-- Gregory's partner, Negrita, accepts the award on his behalf.
Carol Tantau
Without Carol Tantau, we might be standing on West Washington Bl. Instead of Abbot Kinney Bl. As a small business owner, she is the owner of Just Tantau, an eclectic collection of gifts, jewelry, accessories and clothing, but as a force in Venice for many years, including the key organization of the Abbot Kinney District Merchants Association (who are the force behind the Abbot Kinney Street Fair). Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as an extraordinary woman entrepreur, Carol is a blessing to the Venice community.
Photos by John Decindis
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