New PFC president shows many talents

LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS- Andrea McNeill-Levy relaxes in front of Half Dome during an excursion to Yosemite. Andrea McNeill-Levy will be the new president of the A.C. Stelle Middle School Parent Faculty Club this fall. Volunteering her time at the Calabasas middle school isn't the only passion for this Woodland Hills mother of four.

McNeill-Levy is also an artist whose works are now on display at the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center.

Born in Santa Monica, McNeill-Levy studied French in Geneva, Switzerland and has traveled extensively throughout the world. Having spent many years in the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite environment, McNeillLevy became inspired by the majesty and beauty of the areas made popular by John Muir and Ansel Adams.

McNeillLevy's newest collection of art is a mixture of acrylic on canvas and watercolor on paper. The subject matter varies from High Sierra landscapes and florals to abstract seascapes and sports.

"One of my favorites is a small acrylic of the Eiffel Tower and wild animals in Amboselli, Kenya all from my travels," the artist said.

McNeillLevy has been painting since 1986, starting in watercolors. Her great uncle was one of the first animators at Disney- Donald Graham- who went on to author a book titled "The History of the Art of Animation."

She said she took up acrylics about six years ago under the tutelage of renown French artist, Renee Amitae.

McNeill-Levy has a love for both the physical and the cerebral.

One of her hobbies is competing in triathlons and she used her knowledge of physical education to spearhead the A.C. Stelle jogathon fundraiser for the past two years.

"This year we broke all fund raising records during a very difficult economic time," she said.

The activity raised a whopping $50,000.

"The teachers tried to get 100 percent participation and everyone, particularly the kids, was chipping in. I counted money for almost a week- pennies and nickles. It was quite an experience."

She's also been a member of the Las Virgenes School District Physical Education Task Force, and this year A.C. Stelle was honored for having one of the top P.E. programs in the state.

She'll be sharing her middle school PFC leadership duties this fall with fellow parent Emily Kuhny.

As for McNeill-Levy's art, it's being showcased through Aug.29 in Artists Alley at the Tennis and Swim Center. Viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The address is 23400 Park Sorento in Calabasas.