25 years of sharing the world’s art and architecture will help fight AIDS
In just one evening, Orange Coast College Professor Irini Vallera-Rickerson plans to take people on a journey to the exotic sights of Greece, Spain, Africa and France while also raising funds to help fight AIDS and for student scholarships.
The art professor’s 25th annual “Art and Architecture around the World” lecture will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the OCC Robert B. Moore Theatre.
The multimedia lecture will feature a presentation of locations such as an underwater park of sculptures in Cancun, African houses built entirely by women and a house in France made of mosaics inside and out. A digital plane in the presentation, which Vallera-Rickerson refers to as the “Harmony Airline,” will take viewers from country to country.
“We are going to see things you would not commonly see in the classroom,” Vallera-Rickerson said. “I’m very grateful to my colleagues and the community at large for their moral support and for allowing me to go into their classrooms to announce this event.”
Proceeds of the benefit event will go toward the AIDS Service Foundation of Orange County’s Christmas Wish List for Children to provide for individuals suffering with AIDS.
Other funds raised support two scholarships. Both are named after artists and friends of Vallera-Rickerson’s, PJ Freeman and David Torosian. Torosian died of complications from AIDS. These scholarships will be given to two students at another OCC event to be held in the spring.
Canned goods and dry packaged food will also be accepted at the event so they may be given to the AIDS Service Foundation of Orange County. Additional donations in the form of a check can also be made that evening.
Vallera-Rickerson first began this benefit because of a former student she said had passed away from AIDS 25 years ago.
“Every time I think about it, it still breaks my heart,” she said. “He was the nicest person, always smiling in class and he was such a promising student.”
Since then, she has seen guests return each year for the lecture.
“I’ve had many former students and friends come back,” Vallera-Rickerson said. “Everyone always points out the energy that’s in the lecture hall. People want to be there to make a difference.”
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IF YOU GO
What: “Art and Architecture around the World,” the 25th annual AIDS benefit
When: 5:45 p.m. Nov. 6
Where: Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa
Cost: $10
