Impresario Andy Expands Region’s Art Horizon

On Dec. 3, hundreds of arts fans viewed and partied at sculptor and photographer Steven Steinman’s 4,000-square-foot studio, located in the trendy Zonolite district, for one of the art events of the winter season.

The “Art Adventures Holiday Party,” hosted by the Steinmans, whose own home was featured the Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style column on Nov. 21, 2017, capped off the end of 2023 with the monthly Art Adventures tour series, where Andy takes participants to various venues, from galleries to private homes, viewing noteworthy art collections. Guests on Sunday came from as far away as Texas and Tennessee.

Joanie Levine displayed abstract impressionistic paintings.

Art Adventures is Andy’s brainchild, where for the past 11 years she has organized tours by primarily conducting live events at local venues. During the pandemic, her tours went virtual via Zoom, featuring museums across the country and drawing participants across the United States, Europe, and Israel. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, regularly drawing professionals, artists, gallery owners, and a panoply of others who want to widen their artistic horizons.

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Guests attending on Dec. 3 included Dr. Harvey and Eve Mannes (featured in the AJT Chai Style column on Dec. 8, 2017), architect Tom Ventulett, artist Susan Cofer, Dr. Malcolm, and artist Lynette Joel (featured in the Chai Style column on Feb. 26,2016), viewed an array of Steinman’s work, which predominantly features metal sculptures in the round crafted from recycled materials. They also got a sneak peek at new pieces Steinman plans to roll out in spring 2024 at his 50-year retrospective exhibition hosted by the City of Atlanta.

Other Jewish artists included Joanie Levine, Mitzi Rothman, Judie Jacobs, Gail Wegodsky, and Margery Diamond, who showcased their work alongside more than a dozen other local artists.

Judy Jacobs, who recently retired as an art teacher at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, featured a series of abstracts in bursts of white, red, black, and green tones.

A passionate painter whose condo doubles as her studio, Levine displayed abstract impressionistic paintings featuring soft palettes of yellow, green, and orange.

Rothman, a University of Georgia grad and one of Atlanta’s top animal portrait painters, featured a series of canine pieces.

Wegodsky, who taught at Kennesaw State University and has had work auctioned by Sotheby’s, showcased pieces capturing slices of life reminiscent of Norman Rockwell.

Gail Wegodsky’s work captures slices of everyday life.

The party also featured author Margery Diamond, whose book, “Torah and Trails,” is available on Amazon. Diamond is an avid hiker and photographer, and her book provides a visual trail guide connecting Judaism with nature.

Visitors dined on an enormous “Sweet Table,” rich with hand-crafted baked goods and fresh fruits and cheeses, prepared by Andy, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in London, and Sherry Habif, an Atlanta caterer and wedding planner. Ruth Klopper also assisted with the food, showcasing her famous triple chocolate cookies.

Margery Diamond, Jewish nature expert, displays her book.

A cadre of volunteers, coordinated by Dori Hurwich, executed the logistics. John Hyjek organized the studio as well as the participating artists. Leslie Gerber and Julia Ogletree were “the greeters.”

The party drew accolades from artists and attendees like Irwin Wheeler, who also displayed his work, labeled it “a great meeting of artists, patrons, and volunteers. With few exceptions, everyone was extremely welcoming and appeared to respond positively to my art.”

Artists Eleanor and Alan Stecker came from Barnesville, Ga., and emphasized that the party was “so much fun.” Carol Wien called the event “Atlanta’s art party of the century, with a list of who’s who in the Atlanta art scene,” likening it to Truman Capote’s 1966 Black and White Party at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Wien also noted the colorful outfits “bedecking the ebullient ‘A List’ crowd … and the food fruit kabobs, cookies, and chocolate confections were ‘to die for’ — along with the yummy sherbet punch — all emanated an air of cozy camaraderie.”

Media consultant Liz Willding Robbins contributed to this article.