Award Winning Author Shows New Talent in Painting

Sonia Levitin has led a remarkable life. Born in Nazi-dominated Germany in 1934, she escaped with her family to the United States as a child, just prior to World War II. This adventure inspired a series of semi-autobiographical novels for young readers about a Jewish family who escapes the Holocaust. Also an accomplished playwright and essayist, her book “Incident at Loring Groves” was the winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Book.

In recent years, Levitin has begun to paint again, something she enjoyed when she was younger. Several of her paintings will be on exhibit for one night only, at Studio Christofle on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. This premiere exhibit is Wednesday, June 24 from 6 to 8 pm only, and will offer several pieces for sale.

Says Levitin, “Most recently I have re-discovered the joy of painting.” She says she mostly works in ink and water color. “I find it to be exciting and spontaneous, quite different from writing, which requires another kind of concentration.”

This show, including works never before seen, was curated by 20-year old entrepreneur Anthony Angelini. According to Angelini, “I am just so happy that these beautiful works of art have finally found their way into the public arena.”

The two have become friends and Angelini considers it an honor to show her works.

Levitin’s trilogy of books based on her family’s escape and their early years as German Jewish Refugees has been in print since 1970 and is still a reference to the Holocaust in many schools.

Attendees can enjoy a glass of Benevento Italian Wines, imported by Angelini Trading Company. As a fun part of the evening, the wine bottles will feature Levitin’s art on limited edition labels.

The event is free to the public, but due to limited space the organizers request an RSVP to ATCrsvp@gmail.com. More information can be found by calling 805-630-3931. Proceeds will benefit the Animal Foundation of America.

Visit Sonia Levitin’s web page at www.sonialevitin.com