The annual Community Art and Chocolate Party celebrating World Art Day will take place on Sunday, April 19 from noon to 6 p.m. in the yard of Randy and Becky Mate at 7862 Apperson St. in Sunland. World Art Day was established in 2012 by the International Association of Art and then formally recognized as a UNESCO international observance in 2019 to promote global awareness of creative activity, artistic freedom and the contribution of artists to society. Rebecca (Becky) Mate’s work has appeared in the IAA’s past virtual shows and her painting, Artist Day at Rancho Camulos was accepted to this year’s online show under the theme of “Confluence, a coming or flowing together.”

“I hold this annual party as an example of how one can invite artists and celebrate World Art Day and I’ve always suggested that everyone ‘give the gift of art,’” said Becky Mate. “It is time for me to set an example of art giving with a free art giveaway. Without prompting, other artists have donated works to this effort. My hope is that each attendee leaves with one piece of art that speaks to them … while the art lasts.”

This year’s featured artist is Syvie Abrams of Sunland, a member of the Glendale Art Association who paints animals, landscapes and abstracts in oil. She studied painting in Lyons, France where she exhibited some of her works at one of the Hewlett-Packard offices and in the international contemporary art showcasing event Biennale de Lyon. Her virtual art has been projected on buildings in New York and Madrid via Metro Expo. She moved to Sunland in 1995 with her husband Andrew Abrams, who passed away in 2025. As a tribute to him as an artist, Abrams will bring a “coffee table” book, a collection of her husband’s artwork.

“My theme right now is soul-searching, exploring grief and other strong emotions and the connectedness of all people. I work with animals; I’m concerned with the environment. I am excited about this arts event!” Abrams said.

She introduces her animal portraits, especially the primates, by the animal’s name; not only does she know them from working with them but it can almost be seen in their eyes that they know her.

Two of Becky Mate’s paintings will hide under velvet until the reveal during the arts party. One of the paintings, Rocket Gallery, inspired by Lady Rocket of space assets fame, has a round wire on the back so that it can be hung at any angle (to enhance the weightlessness feel).

Members of California Creative Arts, who regularly exhibit art in venues in Burbank, will show their work, along with art, poetry and song brought by attendees from the community. Children may create at the Kid’s Table and hang their art for all to see.

This year’s event is sponsored by artistsforabetterworld.art (AFABW), a network of artists who are making a difference through art and social betterment. AFABW has World Art Day events in Florida, Texas, Switzerland, The Gambia and Ghana. 

AFABW President and Founder Barbara Oliver said, “These days people are focused on the crisis in the world and people are at odds with one another, but we focus on the positive. Our theme for this 250th year of our country is ‘Celebrate Creative Freedom’ where artists have always been free to dream, create the future and give hope. We are doing something about it by encouraging the celebration of creation, instead of dwelling on destruction.”

The director of the local chapter of AFABW, Lallah Rowe, plans to attend and speak for a few minutes about reviving Hollywood. 

“Movies that promote drugs, immorality and crime have degraded Hollywood, which has the purpose of creating uplifting communications,” said Rowe. “During the 1930s, this purpose resulted in movies that made people feel good and brought them together. It lifted people out of the Depression and helped create the American culture that then changed the whole world. That purpose still exists. It can be re-kindled. We can use our art to uplift the whole world again.”

    Randy Mate’s company New Castle Remodeling plans to provide shaved ice this year along with barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches. People often bring a potluck dish.

For more information or to RSVP for the Community Art and Chocolate party, contact artday@earthlink.net or just stop by.