The Art of Positivity :: APLA Presents 4th Annual Art Project Los Angeles

When AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) marks its 30th Anniversary with the annual gala charity benefit Art Project Los Angeles on Saturday, June 29, the esteemed service organization will have the support of one of the art world's most prominent interactive artists.

David Aaron Russo has distinguished himself in the media of painting, publishing and television since the early 1990s. His current "What A Great Life" brand of whimsical works shines a spotlight on what Russo considers the many positive dimensions of modern living and has been captivating audiences everywhere.

Attendees at the event will have a front-row seat to witness Russo creating his latest piece of art; an original painting on which guests will have the opportunity to bid. Other limited edition prints of Russo's work will also be available for purchase. All proceeds from Art Project Los Angeles benefit APLA's numerous life-saving programs.

"This event is a wonderful experience," Russo said during a recent phone conversation. He contributed several silent auction pieces last year, which was his first involvement with Art Project Los Angeles. "People are very open to inspiration and my style seems to make people happy," he continued. "My attitude toward charitable organizations is 'Use my work; I'm going to give it to you for free.'"

I asked Russo how he came to be involved with APLA. "I'd been looking for opportunities to support AIDS causes and I had a cousin who passed away of AIDS a couple of decades ago," he replied. "It was during the early years and I visited him every day and felt blessed to spend time with him."

The painful experience of losing his cousin also, unbeknownst to Russo at the time, planted seeds that would eventually inspire and guide his art. "Through challenges and difficulties, we are led to great things," Russo believes today. His conviction was heightened by the break-up of his 20-year marriage a couple of years ago. Russo now regularly asks himself, "What magic is going to happen today? How can I find the magic in everyday life?" He has learned that the magic is in "trying to improve someone's life in some small way."

Although Russo had little formal art training, he comes from a family of artists that included Perry Como, who was second cousin to one of Russo's grandparents. I asked Russo when was it he decided to be an artist. "It's been my whole life," he replied. "I was afraid at first but I could not go anywhere else (but art). It flows out of me like a faucet; it's something that's in me that I can't stop."

Russo started out by going to various restaurants around L.A. and painting all day. Passersby would stop to watch him work and soon celebrities were showing up as well. One of them was Singer-Songwriter Richie Havens. "Richie, who just passed away in April, was one of my closest friends," Russo shared. "He taught me, 'If you can make us say WOW, chances are we'll buy it,' when it comes to my art." Russo has also learned what he calls his responsibility to "add to the world's portfolio, that which doesn't exist."

Flatteringly, Russo commented on how much he was impressed by The Rage Monthly when he checked out our humble publication prior to the interview. He praised the magazine's layout and diversity of subjects as well as our "vibrant covers."

The artist and his style also seem to hold a special appeal for LGBT art patrons. "Someone came to me recently and said, 'you're the arbiter of art for the gay community," Russo shared. "There are a lot of incredible values I see at work in the community that inspire me."

Art Project Los Angeles will be Saturday, June 29 at Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers at 601 West Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. For tickets and more information go to apla.org/artproject.