The sun shone down upon us as a light breeze rustled the eucalyptus trees rooted in Wildcat Canyon last Saturday as we gathered with generous patrons of the arts to support black and white film photography students in Monterey County. Standing atop Edward Weston's home on Wildcat Hill, the Pacific Ocean could be seen glistening beneath a setting sun as guests sipped wine from Bernardus Vineyards and feasted on delectable cuisine from La Balena at Bohemian Nights 2017.
A Hunt Through History
A scavenger hunt ensued after Kim led the group on a tour of his grandfather, and photography legend, Edward Weston's home. The simple wood cabin on Wildcat Hill now belongs to Kim, his wife Gina, their son Zach, and, of course, the Weston kitties.
We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to Huntington (Hunter) Witherill and Tracy Morrison for donating Hunter's book, Botanical Dances to be awarded to the team with the fastest time. Each team member walked away with a book!
Grazie, La Balena!
Emanuele Bartolini, co-owner, and Roberto, sous-chef, from La Balena, Carmel prepared small bites packed with tremendous flavor and unmistakable Italian authenticity. Starting with fried cauliflower and meatballs to beet salad, wild boar sausage and grilled chicken, each dish presented a new and exciting flavor.
Thank You, Bernardus Vineyards!
We were honored to pour hand-crafted, local wines from Bernardus Vineyards at Bohemian Nights 2017! We would especially like to thank Rob Baker and his team for going above and beyond with the selection of wines provided to support black and white film photography students in Monterey County.
Thank you, Kim Weston, Katherine Edison, and Margaret Hunt for keeping the wine flowing all night long!
Fireside Readings From Edward Weston's Daybooks
As the sun set over Wildcat Hill, Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts read from Edward Weston's Daybooks and recited poems by Robinson Jeffers beside a crackling fire on the patio. Weston and Jeffers were present as Elliot's recitations transfixed the group with each passage and stanza.
Elliot Roberts recites poems by Robinson Jeffers and reads from Edward Weston's Daybooks at the Weston Scholarship's annual fundraising dinner on Wildcat Hill.
Supporters of The Weston Collective listen as Elliot Roberts recites poems by Robinson Jeffers and reads from Edward Weston's Daybooks.
The Great Reveal!
The night concluded with the guests discovering what print they would take home with them. Excitement and anticipation simmered as they walked down the gravel walkway to Kim's studio. What awaited them were 25 prints, a combination of Kim's and Roman's, each carefully placed on an easel. As the guests matched up their numbers their excitement came to a boil. Shouts of joy and smiles filled the studio as they realized what they would be bringing home to hang on their wall.
Our Rockstar Summer Intern: Madeleine Oh
Madeleine Oh is a rising senior at Santa Catalina School for Girls in Monterey California, a 2017 Weston Scholarship recipient, and our intern this summer!
Maddie was able to join us for Bohemian Nights this year and we are so grateful for her energy, hard work, and willingness to help. We are so looking forward to working with her this summer and know that she has a bright future ahead of her. You're a rockstar, Maddie!
