Renowned filmmaker and photojournalist Catherine Bauknight’s photography exhibit, “All One World Turn of the Century: 20th-21st,” had a spectacular opening night on Friday, July 5, 2024, at The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center Gallery in Burbank, CA, marking one of the summer’s premier art events. With
over 200 attendees, members of the art world, media, as well as many friends and family who flew in from various parts of the U.S. and Norway, the event was a resounding success.
The exhibit’s theme and goal is to promote a peaceful movement to connect humanity globally and reduce the fear of differences through photojournalistic coverage of culture, events, and influential figures across five continents from the latter 20th to the 21st centuries. Catherine’s photographs are not just aesthetically pleasing but are deeply thought-provoking, telling powerful stories that resonate with a global audience.
VIP Attendees and Highlights: The opening night brought together a gathering of notable VIPs, distinguished guests, and media including:
Burbank Mayor Nick Schultz
Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez
Larry Namer, Founder of E! Entertainment
Nick Ut, Special Guest – Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer (known for his
iconic photograph that contributed to ending the Vietnam War)
Camille Nighthorse, Actress and AZ Hualapai Tribe Member
Kamaka Brown, Comedian, Actor, and Writer, owner of Sandwich Island
Network
Rodney Allen Rippy, Actor and former child star
Patrika Darbo, Emmy-winning Actress (Days of Our Lives), and her friend
Donna White
Visual Arts Guild Members including Ann Lau, who were also Gold Sponsors
of this event
Joey Zhou, LABA Founder, Journalist, and International Celebrity TV Host
Jaime Monroy, Comedian and Entertainment Correspondent (Owner of Multi-
Media Content Studio)
David Laurell, former Burbank Mayor and current Burbank Leader Journalist
Peter Foldy, Writer, Director, Filmmaker
Bella Trost, Fitness Champion, Actress, and Producer
Dawna Shuman, President of Lighthouse Public Relations
Special Appearance by Robot RT-ZK with his creator Walter Martinez Marconi
Special Thanks: Virginia Causton-Keene, Director of The Betsy Lueke Art Center,
and her dedicated staff, who did an outstanding job supporting the event throughout the
evening. Jackie Lewis Media and her team orchestrated an exciting event, with media
photographers and video interviewers filling the Red Carpet. Their seamless
management ensured a smoothly run event, providing attendees with an exceptional
and memorable experience.
Ambiance and Special Features: The opening night embraced the spirit of Aloha with
a Hawaiian theme. A special appearance by Robot RT-ZK, built by roboticist Walter
Martinez Marconi, delighted guests as Robot RT-ZK interacted with them with verbal
robotic sounds and posed for photos. Live Hawaiian music set the tone for the evening,
featuring a performance by Auntie Geri Brigoli-Kahia traditional Hawaiian singer and
band. One of the hottest DJ Teams in Southern California, The Jack of Grooves
(@thejackofgrooves) with owner DJ Louis Palos and acclaimed DJ Raul Mora DJed
live and continued the Hawaiian music theme, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The evening commenced with Mayor Nick Schultz presenting a certificate from the City
of Burbank to Catherine Bauknight statement reading, “Your incredible work shows the
beauty of different cultures and captures meaningful moments in everyday lives around
the world”, followed by actor and Hawaiian cultural connector Kamaka Brown emceeing
the program. Catherine shared riveting stories of her experiences and the risks she’s
taken to capture compelling images, highlighting her commitment to giving a voice to
those who cannot speak freely. Native American, Camille Nighthorse and other
Hawaiian speakers discussed the significance of Hawaii and its Indigenous peoples,
emphasizing Catherine’s unique ability to connect with and document their stories
authentically.
Friends and colleagues shared their admiration and anecdotes about their adventures
with Catherine, emphasizing the excitement and unpredictability that she brings when
they are with her, and how she enriches their lives.
Exhibit Theme and Impact: “This evocative collection captures pivotal moments and
influential figures that have shaped the transition from the 20th to the 21st century, such
as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Sting, Muhammad Ali, U.S. Presidents, and more.
Bauknight’s work has consistently elevated social change and fostered communication
across diverse cultures through exhibits like ‘Renaissance of the Catawba Indians’ and
‘Hawaii: A Voice for Sovereignty.’
Her photography serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and shared
humanity,” remarked LABA Founder and International Journalist Joey Zhou, who holds
Bauknight’s work in high esteem. He was particularly moved by her photo of iconic
Singer Smokey Robinson, which he purchased as it captured the essence of Robinson
and resonated as one of Zhou’s favorite interviews among his many high-profile
interviews. All purchased photos will remain on display for audiences to enjoy through
July 25, 2024.
Venue and Exhibit Details: The exhibit will be open for viewing from July 5 through
July 25, 2024, at The Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, located at 1100 W. Clark
Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506. Admission is free. On-site parking is free with additional
parking on the street if needed.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Quotes: Catherine Bauknight expressed, “My goal with photography has always been
to show the world that we should not come from fear of differences but connect globally for a higher conscience. This is why Hawaiians, Native Americans, Anglo, and other
cultures will be present to represent a movement to connect cultures and knowledge for
a peaceful future together. All One World… at the turn of the century. This is an
international educational experience connecting people through photography.”
Her work often placed her in challenging and dangerous situations, including being
detained in foreign countries like Peru, Saudi Arabia, and China. Through her lens,
Bauknight captures the essence of humanity’s struggle for democracy and freedom. Her
philosophy underscores the importance of understanding our shared history to create a
unified and peaceful future. Her work can be viewed at www.catherinebauknight.com
and trailer for documentary film www.hawaiiavoiceforsovereignty.com
The exhibit promises to be a captivating and educational experience…celebrating the
power of photography to bridge cultural divides and inspire a global community.