Diversity art is what I have been seeking for Mozzeria. I keep looking for unique Deaf artists, local or afar and asked our interior decorator, Patty Foo Hampton to help me coordinate this art project at Mozzeria.

Field Trip to Mozzeria

While talking to a group of Deaf high schoolers from John O'Connell High School in Mission District visiting Mozzeria one day, Katie Cue, the teacher of the Deaf students mentioned Linda Ponce de Leon, a talented artist. I invited Katie and Linda to a meeting with myself and Patty. We asked Linda about her art style and learned her strength is Charcoal Drawing which drew my attention. I was excited about displaying different art styles at Mozzeria. Patty came up with concept for a particular space. Linda spent a month working on the art project and completed the project just in time before her school closed for the summer break.

Defining Linda's Art
Patty suggested that we borrowed "patterns" from our interior lighting – the glass chandelier and wall scone. We also included, of course, the pattern of our Stefano Ferrara oven. We chose black and white colors to be consistent with Mozzeria color scheme. The art concept is abstract. We had Ron Trumble assemble a picture frame to protect Linda's artwork piece. Yes, we do have customers who may go overboard sometimes with their glasses of wine and spill some on the wall art!

Who is Linda?

Linda, then 15 years old, is our youngest Deaf artist displaying her work at Mozzeria. She was a sophomore at John O'Connell High School and has now transferred to my alma mater, California School for the Deaf in Fremont. I told her that she should take art classes under David Call, who also did the art work at Mozzeria. She is one talented young artist. I thank Katie Cue for introducing her student, and Linda's art teacher at John O'Connell High School, Elahe Shaideh. Thank you!!

Please come and view the latest artwork addition done by Linda at Mozzeria.

Cheers,