The 29th Annual Art Classic fine arts competition presented by the Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA) and the County of Los Angeles will be held Saturday, Sept. 29.

The Gala event will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Hart Hall at the historic William S. Hart Park in Newhall.

“This is our largest annual fundraiser. Members prepare their art entries many months before the deadline, and are excited to see them displayed and judged. It is our biggest and most elegant art show of the year. Hart Hall is transformed into a glamorous gala and exciting awards are presented to the winners of the show, as judged by renowned guest judges,” said Zony Gordon, SCAA president. “Entertainment will be provided by the Riva Spier Trio.”

– Riva Spier teases that she rode from a working ranch in the Canadian Rockies. “Along the trail I’d sing to my horse. If he swung his ears back to listen that was a good sign and I’d perform that song at the local honky-tonk.” Through college years in Quebec, she performed with local musicians in Montreal bistros and coffee houses. Folk, blues, country and classical all influenced Spier’s music. Both parents were classical pianists and she recalls how beautiful, unearthly pieces would flow throughout the house. “When you grow up listening to ethereal music as part of your everyday life, something kindles your soul and you are hooked on the magic of music forever.”

Spier’s had a successful career performing in films, television commercials and doing voice-overs in animated films. Relocating to Los Angeles brought opportunities to form her band of top local musicians and to perform in venues and studios. Currently she writes songs and performs a spicy repertoire of vintage torch, sultry blues, jazz standards and playful country tunes with a unique voice which has been described as ‘a delightful blend of soul and sass with a pinch of trail dust.’ Her latest album Unbridled is available at cdbaby.com/cd/riva.

– Michael Hughes on keyboards: Since graduating from and teaching at the Berklee College of Music, Hughes has backed up established artists including Thelma Houston and Kenny Rankin. He arranged music for the Buddy Rich Band, written and performed music for the TV shows: The Untouchables, Wings, Cheers and Dear John; led his own ten-piece band and is comfortable conducting and leading bands of all kinds. Hughes’s favorite thing to do is to play the keyboards.

– Larry Stensvold on guitar: Stensvold has been strumming a guitar since his early rock band years in the 70’s and has kept busy and happy as a working guitarist ever since. He is primarily known for his outstanding work as a sound engineer and won an Oscar for Best Sound for the film Out of Africa. Additionally, he was nominated for three Emmys. Stensvold has engineered sound for over 150 films.

Two notable judges, David Deyell and Frank Lennartz, will judge approximately 150 pieces of art in all categories. All of the exhibited artwork will be available for purchase at the show. A silent auction will provide additional opportunities to purchase original high-quality artwork at reasonable prices, amusement park tickets, restaurant coupons, and other fun items.

“This is also our annual fundraiser for scholarships for three local high school seniors who are majoring in art,” said Dody Rogers, event chairperson.

Special Note: the art exhibit will be open free to the public on Sunday, Sept. 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Hart Hall.

Tickets for the Gala on Saturday afternoon are $25 each.

For information or for tickets call 661.252.7639 or see website www.santaclaritaartists.org.