Meet Vince Takas, local artist & shhh! he’s Santa, too!

Mary Dawson

Now his cover is blown. This Christmas when you see our perfect Santa walking the streets and handing out candy canes, look closely at his face and you will find Vincent Takas, fully in character. But I warn you: When the red suit goes on, Vince has “left the building” and you feel as if you are seeing the real Santa. He throws himself into it, just as he does with all his talents.


Vince was born in Eden, N.Y., a tiny town 20 miles south of Buffalo. He received a master of arts degree in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and went on to be a Senior Court Officer in Manhattan. He has spent the last 20 years as a safety specialist with Walt Disney Studios, an important and interesting job. You can imagine all the famous people he has met. It was Disney where Vince caught the painting bug. He learned how to watercolor through the Disney Employee Development classes. Now, when on vacation from Disney, Vince teaches watercolor on cruise ships. What a life, huh? He has taught on the Queen Mary II, The Queen Victoria, and is looking forward to the new Queen Elizabeth. This fall he will be painting his way through Venice and Barcelona.
These days Vince describes himself as a “Sunday Painter.” And guess who is blessed by his presence? None other than the Montrose Shopping Park. Vince can be found every Sunday at the Harvest Market painting away, answering questions, and selling his work. His specialty is L.A. landmarks and European scenes. He is the painter of the famous Montrose Clock, used on our Shopping Park posters, and has done several Montrose establishments. You can see lots of his work on his website www.postcardstory.com.  At the shopping park you can buy notecards for only $2 or 3 for $5. They are so nice it will be hard for you to part with them. Matted 8x10s are $10 and the sizes go up from there. You will also find Vince at this weekend’s 27th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival, June 5 -6. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Over 450 crafters and vendors will be lining Honolulu Avenue. Vince will be near B of A. Now if all this is not enough, would you believe Vince is also a stand up comic! He will be performing at The Pasadena Ice House on June 7 at 8:00 p.m. in the main room. We are so thankful for a man like Vince. He helps make Montrose a special place. When you see him, give him the secret CV Weekly greeting, “Ho-ho-ho” and he will know you read about him here. Do you want to be the first to know what’s going on in the Montrose Shopping Park? Join us on Facebook, it’s free and it’s fun. Can’t wait to see YOU this weekend!
Mary Dawson owns Revelation Tops with her sister Carole,
and serves as vice president of the Montrose Shopping Park