In his "Pearls Before Breakfast" article, Gene Weingarten, staff writer for the Washington Post, described how he intrigued world acclaimed violinist, Joshua Bell, with a proposal. The idea was ingenious: Bell would play his Stradivarius in Washington D C's L'Enfant Plaza during rush hour to test how busy commuters would react. Would he draw a large crowd? Would people stop and listen to some of the world's most beautiful music played by an extraordinarily gifted musician, or would they ignore him and go about their business?

Additionally, Bell chose "Chaconne" from Johann Sebastian Bach's Partita No. 2 in D Minor as his first selection. Weingarten quoted bell as saying "it is not just one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, but one of the greatest achievements of any man in history. It's a spiritually powerful piece, emotionally powerful, structurally perfect." Weingarten further wrote that "Chaconne” is considered to be one of the most difficult musical arrangements to play; few violinist master it.

Bell arrived at L'Enfant Plaza 7:51 am on January 12, 2007 and played for 43 minutes. The event was videotaped by a hidden camera. Remarkably, 1097 people walked past Bell while he played. It took over three and one half minutes for the first person to acknowledge him. In total, only seven people stopped to listen. A crowd did not materalize.

For the academician, this experiment might provide fodder for stimulating sociological debate, in and out of the classroom. For students, a simple lesson: there are so many wonderful experiences awaiting you if you only take the time to stop, look, and listen.

So it is with the art of SMC professors Jenny Hagar, Tom Lundquist, CJ Mammarella, and John Zarcone on exhibit at The Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery featuring their paintings, drawings, and digital prints.

On Friday, January 9, 2009, there was an open reception at the Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery in Santa Monica. Tom Lundquist was pleased with the turn-out. “There are not as many people here as there are during the regular semester, but I'm delighted that people show up and want to see the work,” he said.

Marian Winsryg, Gallery Director, estimated that approximately 100 people attended the event.

This exhibit is a great opportunity for all SMC students to view the faculty's work. It is our professor's job to teach, encourage and give us feed-back to learn. As students, we perhaps forget that outside of school our professors are no different than anyone else; they love their work and appreciate having someone view it.

The Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery is located in the Santa Monica College Performing Art Center and Music Academy at 1310 11th. Street in Santa Monica (11th and Santa Monica Blvd.). The gallery hours are 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. Monday though Thursday. The show runs from January 12, 2009 through February 5, 2009. Admission is Free.