By West Hollywood Lifestyle

The opening reception for the exhibition of paintings by author and activist Hooper C. Dunbar, and Public Relations Guru Sarah Robarts of Ballantines PR took place last night on Melrose Avenue in the former De Rey Gallery space. Actor Rainn Wilson, fellow Baha’i’ and longtime friend of Dunbar & Sarah said a few words on their behalf. Sophie Watts of STX Entertainment, Actor Asher Angel of Disney’s Andi Mack and Actor Sarunas Jackson of HBO’s Insecure, were also in attendance.

This series of paintings is a collaboration that stems from a long friendship. Actively involved in the Baha’i community, Dunbar and Robarts have worked together over several decades, but this marked their first joint exhibition of paintings in 20 years.

Dunbar’s abstract paintings explore the landscape of the inner self and bring a vision to a voiceless mindset. As

an influential woman in business, Robarts paints with elements of femininity and strength.

A portion of proceeds from all paintings sold was donated to Journalism For Change, a non-profit that advocates for freedom of press for journalists in Iran,and works with human rights campaigns Education is Not a Crime and #PaintTheChange, global campaigns both using dynamic murals to raise awareness about education apartheid by Iran’s government against tens of thousands of Baha’is in the country.

Link to Sarah Robarts’ work: http://www.vernissage.co/robarts.html Link to Hooper C. Dunbar’s work: http://www.vernissage.co/dunbar.html.

The paintings will be on view at 8373 Melrose Avenue through Sunday, September 10, 11am – 7pm daily.