Alice Hernandez-Gaona was a cherished member of the Art Gallery Showcase Foundation and a dear friend whose gentle spirit and unwavering dedication enriched our community in countless ways. As a working artist and gallery owner, Alice brought her passion for the arts to every endeavor, championing artists and fostering creative connections.

Alice’s love for the arts was matched only by her kindness and generosity. She was not just a colleague but a dear friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vision and tireless efforts helped shape the foundation into a welcoming space for creativity and inspiration.

Alice passed away June 6, 2017 at her home n Long Beach, CA.  SHe will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us. Her commitment to the arts and her compassion for others leave an indelible mark on our hearts and the foundation she helped nurture.

Rest in peace, Alice. Your light will shine on in the art and community you so dearly loved.

Monica Edwards was a gifted artist whose work and life were deeply intertwined with her love for nature and her passion for preserving its beauty through art. As a champion for the arts and the natural world, Monica’s legacy is one of inspiration, creativity, and reverence for the outdoors.

From an early age, Monica was drawn to adventure, exploring the outdoors through skiing, scuba diving, and paragliding, which immersed her in the natural world. This connection became the foundation of her artistic journey, as she sought to capture the essence of fleeting moments in nature.

In her own words, Monica painted to serve, to preserve, and to share. Her plein air landscapes conveyed not just the light and atmosphere of a place but its soul—often depicting scenes lost to time or human development. Her artwork reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our environment, urging us to cherish and protect it.

As an illustrator, Monica created with purpose for her clients, but her paintings were an expression of her personal joy and fulfillment. She found immense happiness when her art resonated with others, bringing them a sense of peace and connection to the world around them.

Monica passed away on October 31, 2024.  She is  deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit lives on through her breathtaking work and the love she shared for art and nature. May her brushstrokes continue to inspire and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us.