About The Athena Foundation for the Arts
Our Mission
Create.Culture.Community
The Athena Foundation for the Arts exists to make classical music an unforgettable experience. Based in the San Fernando Valley, we bring together world-class musicians and immersive visual artistry to create concerts that move, inspire, and educate — opening the doors of classical music to our entire community.
Our revenue is derived from ticket sales, concert sponsorship, endowment income, and gifts from organizations, foundations and individuals. Annual gifts are essential for our operations. The Athena Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Our Mission
Create.
Culture.
Community
The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing world class performing arts programs to enrich and educate the community.
Our revenue is derived from ticket sales, concert sponsorship, endowment income, and gifts from organizations, foundations and individuals. Annual gifts are essential for our operations. The Athena Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Who We Are
We’re artists, musicians, and creators with a passion for the arts. The Athena Foundation for the Arts was born from this passion with the goal of providing an annual world class concert series, bringing award-winning musicians from around the world and their stellar programs paired with stunning imagery for an immersive memorable experience, to our community.
We are breaking the classical music tradition with our willingness to create a connection between our audience and classical music by pairing beautiful imagery and lighting with each performance for an immersive experience.
Linda Wehrli
Executive Director
Serving as the Executive Director of a foundation that brings classical music and immersive imagery to our community is a dream come true.
As an art and piano teacher in Valley Glen, California, my mission at my school, “Pastimes for a Lifetime,” is to nurture passions that last a lifetime. I realized that many of my students find it difficult to attend concerts at major venues because of cost and transportation. This inspired me to bring high-quality affordable performances directly to our neighborhood, with ample free parking.
To make classical music more approachable and relevant to a broader audience, we pair it with beautiful imagery and lighting. The result is a deeply spiritual, immersive experience.
I invite you to come and see for yourself.
Jessica Lee Sanders
Secretary and Treasurer
Hello! I’m Jessica Lee Sanders, Board Member, Secretary, and Treasurer for The Athena Foundation for the Arts.
I am a contemporary portrait artist based in Asheville, North Carolina’s vibrant River Arts District and also serve as the office manager for Pastimes for a Lifetime, Inc., Art and Piano School in Los Angeles. My deep passion for both the visual and performing arts inspires my commitment to supporting this foundation and its mission to enrich an underserved community.
Stan Gerson
Member at Large
I’ve been a professional magician since 1972, touring the world and performing at the legendary Hollywood Magic Castle. In 1980, I dove into commercial real estate, and ever since, making deals has been part of my play.
Music has always filled my life, starting in childhood and continuing to this day. Being on the Board of the Athena Foundation for the Arts is a thrill—it brings world-class musicians to the stage and gives audiences of all ages the chance to experience live music up close. Seeing people leave smiling and inspired is pure magic.
How To Get Involved
Volunteers are awesome! Your gracious time and help go a long way to keep beautiful performing arts programs alive in the community. Ready to volunteer? Please contact the Program Director, Linda Wehrli at Linda@athenafoundationarts.org
How To Perform
Musicians or ensembles interested in collaborating with The Athena Foundation’s concert series are welcome to email the program director, Linda Wehrli at linda@athenafoundationarts.org.
How Donations Are Used
Philanthropic giving covers 100% of the costs to provide The Athena Foundation for the Art’s memorable performing arts programs for the community now and in the future.
Support The Athena Foundation For The Arts
Your support allows us to continue to enhance, enrich and educate the community, providing world-class performing arts programs to inspire our current and next generation of musicians and artists.
Donations are deductible to the full extent of the law. The Athena Foundation For The Arts is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Tax ID 88-2394159.
To donate by mail, please make your check to "The Athena Foundation For The Arts", and mail to:
The Athena Foundation for the Arts
13615 Burbank Blvd
Valley Glen, CA 91401
