There was never any question about what Greg Pereyra was going to be when he grew up. He was an artist. The gift of creativity was with him when he came into this world, and throughout his life he developed his talent and pursued his ambition, attending the Pasadena Art Institute, and eventually becoming a successful professional artist.
Greg was living the life many artists dream of. All that changed in a single moment in 2006, when he was involved in a serious automobile accident. His injuries included massive head trauma. Roughly half of Greg’s brain was removed. That his life was saved is a bit of a miracle unto itself. That he would ever recover from his injuries was more than could realistically be expected.
I will get a chance to meet Greg on the evening of July 20 at Moorpark College, where he, his father Hugo and his teacher, friend and mentor Robyn Bryant will present Redbird with one of Greg’s recent paintings. The painting is his interpretation of an image from the Forest Recovery Project, an effort which touches both art and science as it documents the recovery of the Angeles National Forest from the Station Fire of 2009.
The goal of the Forest Recovery Project has always been to bring the healing power of nature to large audiences in the form of beautiful images, using those images to instill an interest in and understanding of the ecology of fire and its place in the long term health of natural ecosystems.
Robyn Bryant, of Cherokee descent, is also an artist, a flute player, and the owner of Robyn Bryant Music and Fie Art in Woodland Hills. Robyn has devoted a great deal of time, love and patience to Greg’s recovery. Of his work, she says “Greg’s passion for art endured so he can bless this world, again, with astounding art that comes from his very soul.” She hopes Greg will join her at the microphone on July 20 at the first night of Redbird’s Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow, where we will have an open flute circle and potluck from 6PM to 10PM.
The presentation of Greg’s painting will take place in the circle at 8PM. Redbird supporter and flutist Debra Delahunty will be assisting with the presentation and will also be performing in the flute circle. Everyone is welcome to attend; all wind instrument players are welcome to participate.
Greg Pereyra’s artwork can be seen at Artist’s Enclave, 21724 Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills.
For more information about the Redbird, the Forest Recovery Project or the Children of Many Colors Native American Powwow, visit www.RedbirdsVision.org , email Corina Roberts at redbirds_vision@hotmail.com, or find us all over the place on Facebook:
Corina Roberts https://www.facebook.com/corina.roberts.1
Forest Recovery Project Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/172558219433894/
Redbird Community Page https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdsVision
Redbird Powwow event invitation https://www.facebook.com/events/378671855480301/
