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Spring/Summer 2016
www.alchemia.org
My Story
by Tony Scagliola
I like my art to look real with lots of detail, all kinds of perspective and tons of shading.
I love it in my paintings and even my clay work.
I used to be left-handed when I was a kid and I loved to draw macho types of dudes. I would
pile on the muscles. I also made sure every character I invented had a weapon, at least one,
but sometimes multiple styles. I almost always just drew guy stuff except when I was a nineyear-old kid. It was at that time that I drew a baby doll with big sappy eyes for a girl. It is one of
her most prized possessions in the world. She keeps it in a fireproof and waterproof safe and
only she has the key to it.
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When I was a kid, I almost always drew violent stuff. But after I was shot in the head, my entire
outlook on guns changed. And now I don’t even think about the things any more. In fact I was
drawing a picture of a RoboCop / Terminator type of thing, just making it up as I went along.
You see, because I was old enough to know about copyright infringement I changed it enough to not get trouble from anybody.
So, I was drawing the picture, and the phone rang. It was my old buddy Mark’s girlfriend, Marsha,
calling me to tell me to tell Mark to meet her over at their school. So I went over to tell him. When I
got to his house, he let me into his room and he closed the door. I told him what I was supposed to tell
him and I sat down and began reading a Dungeons and Dragons book.
Mark said, “Tony.” I looked up and he shot me in the head, actually right between the eyes.
You see, he thought that there were five empty gun chambers to go before he got to the bullet-filled
one. Boy did he get that wrong!
So in 1988, right before I was shot, I was working on the robot picture. It is truly ironic and amazingly
remarkable because it has no head on one side and no left arm too. The leg has a big hydraulic press
underneath the skin, like the type on a garbage truck or something. Another thing it has is a big
machine gun just like in the movies Predator One and Terminator Two. In Predator One they named
the big gun “Old Painless” because you’re dead as soon as it hits you, the bullet I mean.
When I was shot, I flew back and hit my head against the wall. The bullet caused a large brain hemorrhage incapacitating the right side of my
brain, which controls the left side of my body. It also took out my olfactory system so it keeps me from being able to smell and taste. Plus, the
gland that keeps you growing vertically was gone. Another thing it did was to take away the math side of my brain. So I couldn’t add, subtract,
multiply or divide.
I also couldn’t tell time on a face clock for years. But eventually I learned to do it all again – slowly, very slowly – working with teachers, nurses,
and high school counselors. There was no clock master to teach me magically to tell time again.
I joined Alchemia when I was twenty-one and I liked it. I had made five or six pictures of animals and insects and my mom, who is a really
good artist herself, thought I would be a good candidate for Alchemia. And I was. And I continue to be, just as Alchemia continues to make a
world of difference in my life.
Photos (above right): Tony’s Self-Portrait; (above left): Robo-Cop drawn by Tony as a young boy; (below right): Seeing double, Tony plays with photography effects in the
Alchemia Photo Studios.
Alchemia
394 Tesconi Court
Santa Rosa, Ca. 95401
www.alchemia.org
EDitorial Thoughts
About Me
Notes from the Executive Director
By Zach Weil
Spring has burst forth with pops of brilliant color…green grasses dotted with wild flowers,
trees and gardens that twinkle in yellow, red and golden blossoms. The days are growing
longer and life seems to be getting busier. This is a season actively engaged in new
beginnings; so, too, are the actors, musicians and artists of Alchemia.
As I spoke about in the winter newsletter, Alchemia has been immersed in the process of
revisiting its role and its strategies to bring about a future in which all folks with disabilities
are valued and contributing members of society. Through the course of these conversations,
we have reaffirmed our commitment to nurturing creative expression as a powerful means
for personal growth and accomplishment. Now, during this new season of bustle, we begin
to move forward and act upon this commitment.
If you have been following us in the local media, you have seen the recent coverage in the
Argus-Courier, the Sonoma Magazine, and the Press Democrat that highlighted the work
of our participants. If you follow us on our social media channels (via Facebook, Instagram,
and YouTube), then you know our folks have been busy singing the national anthem at the
Warrior’s game, performing (and winning first place!) our Drumline routine at the Northern
California Percussion Alliance’s regional competition, dancing and painting live at the
Sonoma International Film Festival, and producing art for local galleries. You see the hard
work generated by our volunteers and staff. Our email-blasts have also been keeping the
Alchemia community informed of upcoming events, highlighting the daily goings on
around campus, and introducing you to individual artists, instructors, and volunteers.
We hope you will continue to follow us. After all, you are our closest community partners,
our ambassadors, and often a source of feedback and ideas for Alchemia’s continuing
development. We believe that your engagement and support is crucial to the success of our
participants. It is from our community of interested friends and neighbors that we draw
audiences for our performances, attract collectors of the art that is produced, and rally
volunteers and donors, and even teaching staff.
Please share your thoughts with us regarding what you want to know about Alchemia,
our participants, and our staff. And feel free to share our stories with your friends, neighbors,
and colleagues who you think may be interested in learning a little about who we are and
what we’re up to. With your continued engagement, our bounty will continue to grow
and feed the creativity within Alchemia.
I am handsome
I am clever
I am smart
I am a vampire
I am healthy
I am athletic
I am beautiful
I am outgoing
I am an angel
I am pokemon
I am barbie doll
I am video games
I am not a child
I am not a thing
I am not a monster
I am not a psycho
I am not a drama
I am not light­headed
I am not a boyfriend
I am not a girl
I am not a princess
I am not a zombie
I am not an Amy
I am not a design
John McCue
Interim Executive
Director
707.978.3229
Liz Jahren
Program Director
Sonoma County
707.978.3229
Terra Mickens
Program Manager
Marin County
415.897.2222
Mary Lester
Gallery Coordinator
Downtown Petaluma
707.775.37.94
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
I am not a bad guy
I am not a WHO
Photos: (top): paper dress created in Alchemia Studios as a group project, now on display in our gallery; (bottom, right): Michael
Cheney’s Skeleton Carmen Miranda; (bottom left): King by James Dushkind.
www.alchemia.org
On the road again....
Alchemia is proud to announce that our original production of Lil’ Red
will be touring throughout Sonoma County for its third consecutive
season! Based loosely on the story of Little Red Riding Hood,
Alchemia’s “Lil’ Red” is an original musical focused on
teaching valuable lessons about independence and safety, two issues
that are of particular concern for the developmentally disabled
community.
Please join us on
May 7th, from 4 -7 p.m,
to celebrate our newest exhibit
at the Alchemia Gallery:
Focus on Four
Celebrating four unique women,
with four very unique styles.
111 Kentucky Street
Downtown Petaluma
Gone Wishin’
just a few items on our wish list....
Technology:
•Two Laptops •Eight Mac minis with a monitor, and keypads •Microsoft Office on all of the machines
•Text Help (a writing program that will define words, spelling correction designed for folks with learning disabilities)
•Six iPad Minis •Four Samsung Graphic Tablets •Projector for laptop: videos and power points Large screen for projection
•Three 32" or larger Flat screen TV’s (or monitors)
It is an unfortunate reality that individuals with development disabilities
are highly likely to become targets of abuse. In light of these circumstances, the Predator Awareness
Task Force was created. This collaboration of agencies includes: Alchemia, SCOE Special Education,
North Bay Regional Center, Becoming Independent, and the United Against Sexual Assault. Together,
we provide outreach to individuals with disabilities, and their families, in order to reduce the risk of
victimization.
Lil’ Red was created by our own Alchemia artists, as an entertaining program appropriate for an
audience of all ages and abilities. In this production, there are many important terms, themes, and
ideas that help our community learn to be aware of their own well-being and enhance their personal
growth. This musical highlights topics such as safety, good boundaries, self esteem, gratitude, family,
and love. The production is meant to foster positive discussion among the community, empower
individuals, and delight our viewers. We are really excited to have added so many new talented actors
to our cast this year!
Please tell your friends and family, and help us spread awareness about this issue.
Tour will occur during the month of May. Please call 707-978-3229 to schedule a showing.
More info about show dates will be coming soon, so be sure to join our email list and follow us on Facebook for upcoming performances.
Equipment:
•A puppet stage •Easels for collage
•A storage unit for theatre and band equipment
•Costumes for theater
•Marching band uniforms
Vehicles:
•Two Wheelchair lift equipped vans •A 7-passenger van
If you have these, or other items, to donate please contact:
Liz Jahren, Sonoma County Program Director, 707.978.3229
[email protected]
Cash donations are always greatly appreciated. You may donate online at:
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/alchemia
Or mail checks payable to Alchemia to:
394 Tesconi Ct., Santa Rosa, 95401
Photo: Actors Alicia Cottrell, Devon Perkins, Allison Coon, and Mary Gannon Graham perform in Lil’ Red.
www.alchemia.org
Spotlight on...
In Memory of Kylee
Marilyn Lund
This month Alchemia mourns the loss of a beautiful young
woman named Kylee. She was only a part of our program
for a few short years but she made a powerful impact on all
of us during this time.
The Alchemia Gallery actively relies on volunteers to keep our doors open
seven days a week. Over the last several years, we have been lucky to find
a number of individuals who bring heart and soul to the gallery, sharing
the stories of our artists and their work with the community in ways that
inspire our patrons and encourage further conversation about our
program. No volunteer exemplifies these qualities more than
Marilyn Lund. She and her daughter, Gretchen, bring amazing talent,
vitality, and flamboyance to the Gallery floor each week.
Kylee was a friend, a mentor, and a big sister to her peers,
who took the time to care for her friendships in deeply
soulful and loving ways. She paid attention to those
around her, and infused each interaction with generosity and sincerity. Kylee always
found opportunities to include others, and to create comfortable spaces for them to be
socially present. She, too, was always present; in her artwork, in her spirituality, and
in her relationships.
“I think the program is fantastic because, at a certain age, people with
disabilities are left behind,” says Marilyn, contemplating the benefits
of a public exhibition space. “People just need to walk in to see how
fabulous the art and the artists are. I’ve gotten to know on a personal level several of the artists, both at the
gallery as well as out and about in the community. On occasion, my daughter Gretchen joins me in the gallery.
She is an artist in her own right, and a great greeter and conveyor of the Alchemia story.”
A ray of sunshine, with a great big smile to greet everyone, she quickly earned the
nickname “Smiley Kylee”. When she wasn’t providing support to her fellow
classmates, she was sure to be found writing in her journal. Writing helped her learn
her lines in theatre class, writing helped her express herself freely, and writing was,
for Kylee, one of the purest forms of self-expression. She used her powerful voice in
song, as well, and was a remarkable performer with an imaginative approach to life.
From her desire to recreate the movie Heathers onstage, to her inspiration to film an
original movie while in the hospital, we were always impressed by her creative spirit
and proud of the art she chose to share with the world.
As an art lover, a dancer and a retired hair stylist, Marilyn brings the same tremendous creative energy to the
gallery that she applies to every aspect of her busy life. Mother of four and grandmother of three, Marilyn grew
up in Bellflower, a small city in Los Angeles county. She attended BYU, earning her BA in Interior Design. She
also graduated from the Hollywood Beauty School in Cosmetology. Marilyn worked her design magic in a
number of salons, before opening her own place, Scissors Palace, for many years. She says that “Big Do’s” were
her big thing, helping her clients celebrate major events, such as weddings, with style. She, herself, has
experimented with every hair style and color imaginable.
Kylee touched our hearts in profound ways. It was a
pleasure to know her, and we will cherish the legacy
she left behind. We will be celebrating Kylee’s life and
spirit with a dance performance in May. Kylee’s family
will be in attendance as our guests of honor.
Marilyn and her daughter also participate in “One Billion Rising”, a campaign that focuses on ending violence
against women and girls. One Billion Rising uses dance as a medium for protest, and organizes flash mobs to
draw awareness to this issue. Marilyn performs in plays, dances in groups, and participates in flash mobs to
support this mission. The campaign was launched on Valentine’s Day, 2012, and so every February you will find
Marilyn among the throng of supporters who have descended upon the Golden Gate Bridge.
Marilyn is also an avid traveller, who brings her many passions with her on the
road. Last December, she joined a boat full of dancers as they embarked on a
two-week trip to Cuba. Their days were packed with dance lessons, and their
evenings filled with music, entertainment, and shared stories. Marilyn recounts
her adventures in a way that is exhausting and exhilarating, and well beyond the
limits of most of us. Other travels have included Norway, Japan, England,
Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, and Mexico.
Her passion for volunteerism, her love of adventure, and her bright smile make it
easy to strike up a conversation with this incredible individual. So, during your
next visit to the gallery, look for the woman with the pink, or blue, or green hair –
that will either be Marilyn or her daughter, Gretchen. We are so lucky to have
them in the family!
Photos: After joining the gallery Marilyn’s home, which was always filled with art, has been lovingly referred to as the
“east annex of the Alchemia gallery”. She is pictured here (top) in front of her “Alchemia wall”, and (bottom left) with a
“Skeleton Hairdresser” painting she commissioned from Alchemia artist, Michael Cheney.
OPEN YOUR EYES
by Julie Yeager
Open your eyes.
Where is that ground?
Coming out from nowhere.
Hiding well my friend
who could have
been here last.
Anyone knows the answer
judging blank faces tells us
nothing considering darkness
where no man was found.
Listen no voices were in earshot
but footsteps came near
only one was there
with wild imagery.
Noises never found why
how foolish this seems.
Open all these doors
but stay far.
No danger became of this
sometimes people confuse thoughts
as ones true soul mate.
Believe willingly others
who realize life from
realistic views towards forgiveness.
Poem for Kylee
by Julie Yeager
No one but words filled inside floating waiting to say something.
She gave justice she believed art can live on she remains pure deep love heartfelt.
Blessings show her light no words could describe so read this matters most of having her live on through arts eyes.
Sad ending has been put to paper but letters to her begin now and forever.
Never forgotten passionate smile drawn upon her face every moment is remembered.
She now is an angel who’s watching over all her loved ones.
Devotions her strong suit with stars for eyes willing power she still holds that’s how she will be remembered by.
History she made lovingly touches everybody who matters to her and who she loves and still keep her inside our hearts.
www.alchemia.org
“We’re artists.
And people know
that. We make
art when we walk
into a room.
We make art when
we make our own
entrance.”
Lucky
by Juan Carlos Godoy
He had on a dark blue shirt
and black bead cross necklace
She was wearing a long blue dress
Offbeat Odyssey
She just came back from vacation
Outdoor Adventure has always been a popular class for Alchemia's Marin County participants. With a quick
glimpse at a list of past journeys, it's easy to see why; from tourist attractions in San Francisco like Pier 39
and Coit Tower, to cultural institutions like the Legion of Honor and Exploratorium, to North Bay favorites like the Charles Schultz Museum and the Jelly Belly Factory, these adventurers are certainly getting a
well-rounded taste of the Bay Area. Nature is experienced first­hand at sites like Muir Woods, Bodega Bay,
Tilden Park, Point Reyes, fishing at Paradise Pier, and so much more.
He said Happy Birthday
She gave him a warm hug
He smiled widely and said,
“LUCKY LUCKY ME!”
-Julie
“Even if it's cold it's fun. I feel safe in the van,” says Stacey, a longtime participant who joins Outdoor
Adventure every semester. “I love going out because, not only is it fun but we learn a lot about things and
that helps us care about nature.” She adds, “When I go on field trips I don't play around, I take it seriously.
I can look back at what we did and I can keep the photos and share with my friends.”
Another client, PJ, said his favorite trip was to the lighthouse in Point Bonita by Rodeo Beach. “We also
went to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers, and all the flowers are so pretty. Also
the Academy of Sciences, the De Young, Legion of Honor. I love museums. It's fun being there with all
my friends, outside and enjoying the weather. On the rainy days we go bowling.”
The bus ride itself is part of the fun, and can be a great bonding time for everyone on board. Josh gives us a
little peak into why he loves the transportation aspect of the day: “On the van we talk a lot, listen to music,
sing, and look outside.”
We asked the current main Outdoor instructor, Jeff Scherf, why he chooses to teach Outdoor Adventure.
“Each individual walks away feeling more integrated and connected to our local
communities, and to each other,” Jeff explains. “We get to participate in the
general everyday stuff that most folks take for granted. Outdoor Adventure
and Education is about broadening lives and developing independence by
sharing new experiences together.”
This semester Jeff has included a new activity for the class, which involves
journaling and scrapbooking about their weekly adventures. The travelers
collect photographs and reflect on their experience. Journaling provides a
great opportunity to hone writing skills, with the bonus of creating a keepsake
reminder of the magic that happens at Alchemia.
Photos: Outdoor Adventure group travels (top left): Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco;
(top, right): the gift shop at the Wildbird Refuge in Novato; (bottom, right) : the Marine
Mammal Center in Sausalito.
Photo: (above): Paddington BearGoes to Burning Man with Hunter S. Thompson, by Tim
Shorten; (below): Elsa by Molly Wills; (left): photography portraits (L) Mitch Moffett and
(R) Shane Conroy, taken by Eva Sapper; (below left): letters sent for Pen Pal exchange with
Sunrise.
Letter Exchange
Do you remember the magic of opening a letter from a
penpal? Novato’s Creative Writing class is experiencing just that feeling with a new project of exchanging
letters and art with a similar organization called
Sunrise, located in Miami, Florida. We exchanged one
round so far and are looking forward to hearing from
them again! Novato writers compiled a large envelope
filled with introduction letters, friendly greetings, and
questions we’d love to know about their lives in
Florida. Stay tuned to hear more about this budding
friendship between clients along the Pacific and
Atlantic!
www.alchemia.org
Mastering the Art of Business
Julia is as savvy as she is talented. When she first considered the idea of running her own
art business, she began by selling her hand-sewn ukulele pillows to friends and family.
Eventually, she sold enough to afford her own iPad, a reward which, ultimately, sealed the
deal in terms of her motivation to move forward.
“I’ve finished my quadrant!” Julia squeals when I enter her lilac-colored studio in downtown
Sonoma. “Look, the Snow Comforters are walking. They are looking for Zen.”
She launches into an elaborate story as she holds up each of four canvases, following the path of
the Snow Comforters along their travels. It’s a very powerful and mysterious tale, punctuated by the
finely drawn details and grid-like lines that are the trademark of her work. “See here, the Zen is in
the glass!” She laughs, and then begins to shuffle through more canvas.
“She needed some support in building a legal business entity to continue her entrepreneurial endeavors,” said Dow. “I tracked down Dale Dutton at Casa Allegra, who provides
individualized day program services that support artists with disabilities who want to start
their own businesses. The rest is history. Pansy Creations is one of those things that simply
was meant to be.”
On the walls original canvas strikes a post next to framed prints. The table top displays a beautiful
array of silver jewelery, hand-sewn dolls, and ceramic vessels. This is Pansy Creations, the personal
business of artist, entrepreneur, and Alchemia graduate, Julia Pozsgai.
“Initially when Julia started her business I was thinking it would be a great success if it could be a self
sustaining hobby for her that would continually buy her fun art supplies, provide her with
opportunities to learn new craft skills, foster her community integration, and
enhance her sense of purpose in life,” says her business manager, Anna Dow.
“Pansy Creations has definitely done all of that and more.”
It certainly has done more for Julia, who feels a strong sense of pride not only
in the income she has generated for herself, but also in her ability to establish
her own professional path. “She now proudly tells people that she is a business
woman, a ceramicist, and a professional painter,” says Dow. “She has had the
opportunity to form an adult life that is distinct from her adolescent life, in which
she has control of her schedule and gets to spend her days doing work that she
truly loves. If only everyone could be so blessed.”
Julia glows as she shares each of the carefully crafted items in her studio. She is clearly
proud of her work, and she has many reasons to be. Her style, self-described as “intricate
detailed designs” is appealing to a broad audience, and she has exhibited in a number of
shows throughout Sonoma County. Most recently, she hosted an Open Studios in her very
own space. How was it? “Exquisite”, says Julia, smiling a shy smile.
What is next for the artist? Julia has so many big dreams. Many of them are based on story lines, such as the Snow Comforter quadrant, or
her castle landscapes. Many of them are personal, about her plans to treat herself and to stay active in her studio space. Many of them are
major, like her plans to travel around the world.
“She would like to make enough money to travel to some beautiful places like Paris, London, and New York, to ride on their underground
trains,” Dow smiles. “I believe with her talent, work ethic, and zest for life that goal is in sight.”
Julia Pozsgai’s studio is located at 430 West Napa Street, Suite F.
You can read more about her on her website:
www.pansycreations.com
“I feel elated. Elated and exquisite,” says Julia, when I ask her about running her own business. “I can work here when I want. I come here
two or three days a week, and I work on my own.” The other days? “I go to Alchemia one day a week. And I walk Henry and Captain around
the neighborhood one day.” Who are Henry and Captain? “Dachshunds.”
Julia’s path has been a wonderful twisty, turny one. At 18 months old, she was diagnosed with being at-risk for Autism, and through the support
of her family and some very engaged educators, she thrived in mainstream classes as a youth. Her skills in art quickly became obvious, and at
Casa Grande High School she took her first sculpture class. It was in this class that she learned how to construct weight-bearing furniture out of
corrugated cardboard.
After graduation, Julia continued to create art, joining Alchemia after her mother, Karen, had researched many options. “I had looked at the
work training programs available to Julia at that time - they were all supported employment and they did not seem to try to explore Julia’s
strengths,” Karen said. “I am happy that she participated in Alchemia - it gave her the opportunity to find her path as an artist with the support
of Alchemia’s staff. Alchemia has also provided Julia with a community, which I have much appreciated.”
Her work at Alchemia helped prepare her for her role as a business woman. Dow said, “Julia definitely gained valuable skills through her time
at Alchemia that have fostered her professional development. It is at Alchemia that she found herself as an artist and had the freedom to
experiment with different mediums and styles to evolve her unique artistic style. She also certainly gained interpersonal skills through
integrating into the community there that benefit her in her business endeavors and beyond.”
Photos (above, top): Welcoming sign on Julia’s studio door; (bottom): Julia holding a finished canvas.
Photos (this page, top): Julia “live painting”
at the Sonoma International Film Festival; (above); A ceramic dish from Julia’s
Diamonds in Dirt collaboration with ceramic
artist Abi Akers; (near right, top): Monkey
& Cat painting; (near right, bottom): An
anatomically correct painting of a bird; (far
right): Julia’s completed “Snow Comforters”
quadrant.