Marin Arts & Culture MAC_Feb_Mar-18 | Page 3

arts culture
for Marinites
O Written
and their friends who love the arts
k, so I believe in nepotism (but only if the relative is supremely
talented.) Which brings me to my husband, Noah Griffin. Starting
with the Boy’s Chorus of San Francisco at the ripe old age of 7,
Noah spent his childhood as a performer. After high school, he was
derailed from his dream of a singing career by the “practical” advice of
a college professor. “Noah, not many people can walk into Columbia
Records and walk out with a contract, why don’t you minor in music and
major in something else.” That something else was history, which led
him to a law degree which led him to the law firm which represented
Cole Porter. His journey is fascinating and took a stroke to bring him
back to his original path and the formation of The Cole Porter Society.
Now, instead of singing on the side as he has done his whole life, his
35- year career in media, government, and politics is his sideline. A
fascinating journey.
A few months ago, at a performance at Marin Theatre Company, a
woman seated next to me introduced herself to me…turns out it was
Irene Belknap. Her husband Dr. Robert Belknap had been our family
doctor before he transitioned into a concierge model. I marveled at the
exquisite artwork in the waiting room. Irene Belknap’s paintings. So
unique! It is a pleasure to feature her in this issue.
Exciting news is coming out of San Rafael! The California Arts Council
has designated San Rafael as one of 14 cities in the state to receive the
designation of a new pilot program bringing together the San Rafael
Arts community as a cultural arts district.
I love Jeff Burkhart’s Barfly column in the IJ. I got to know him through
a fan letter I mailed to him 10 years ago admiring his lively and
literate column about the bar scene with all the ups and downs, joys
and challenges; with his extensive knowledge of spirits and wine and
with his witty quotes from philosophers about the human condition,
especially while sitting at his bar.
Meredith Griffin,
Founder and Publisher
Beautiful photo by my
friend Keven Seaver
below.
Stay tuned for the
April/May issue!
San Quentin is a marvel. The focus on rehabilitation gives hope to lost
lives and voice to the human spirit that lives in us all. I hope that the
prison is a role model for the prison programs across the country to
provide the opportunity to rebuild and recast the path for those who
choose to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them. Even
those on death row, with no possibility of freedom, are given an outlet
for expression and reflection. We write about one such inmate who
found art and some beauty within the walls of confinement.
Out of the ashes, Paradise Ridge Winery, which burned to the ground in
the Tubbs fire has risen. Their four-acre sculpture garden survived as the
pieces were surrounded by gravel, which saved them. Spring is coming;
the black is starting to turn green. Plan a visit to see all unfold.
Music! We always have a musical feature. This issue brings us to Daniel
Canosa and his story of his journey from a tough neighborhood in
Argentina to Marin County as director of Marin Baroque, an ensemble
4 MARIN and
ARTS instrumentalists
& CULTURE
of singers
devoted to baroque music.
Super Blue Moon
©2018 Keven A. Seaver
Photography
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Marin Arts & Culture