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20 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | AUGUST 2021 | A R T Group Royce Jerman will continue to offer Painting Pals on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm and Beading Buddies, on Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm in The Lodge. No experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. Her contact information is royce742@gmail.com. Graham was born and educated in Birmingham, England, initially training and working in automotive service/parts business for Rolls Royce and Jaguar. During this time, he also became a semi-professional musician, performing as lead singer with a number of bands and recording some songs he wrote and an album of Beatles songs (essentially, the first "Tribute" Album) for Decca called "15 Great Songs, by John, Paul and George." In 1968, Graham decided to quit the music business and emigrate to America to join his mother. He traveled around a little, working in New England and California before moving back to New England to work for Jaguar and Toyota. During this time, while visiting California, he made a recording for DOT records, called For Ever and a Day, which sold five copies! In 1974, Graham moved to California to run the service and parts operation for Rolls Royce in Beverly Hills. Following several years in the automotive industry, in 1988 he was offered a job with Nikon, as national parts manager; a dream job as he had done some professional photography in the past and had always been a big fan of Nikon cameras. In 1990, he and his wife, Caroline, relocated to Edmonds, WA, where they opened an art gallery and specialized in custom framing, which is when Graham began his professional painting career. In 1998, the Ashfords semi-retired to the north shore of Kaua'i which provided extensive inspiration in the way of subject matter and he broadened his scope to include acrylic, oil and pastels, samples of which are included in this display. He also did a number of professional photography jobs for the real estate industry to post on their websites for home sales. For family reasons, the Ashfords returned to the mainland in 2003, residing in Temecula and ultimately, moving into Four Seasons in 2019. Throughout the years, Graham has continued singing and writing songs. While in Edmonds, he sang at some local festivities and in Temecula was part of the opening act for a Hawai'ian performer at the Temecula Theater in Old Town. On regular visits to Kaua'i he sings with a local band at the Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. You may also have experienced his performance here at a Four Seasons event – Casino Night, Buffet dinner with Karaoke, a TGIF dinner or a house party. The Creative Spotlight: Graham Ashford Paint and Sip Night Come join me on Thursday night, Aug. 19 at 6 pm for our "Paint and Sip" class. I envision this being a relaxing, fun night where you will complete an acrylic painting, which I will guide you through. You can do this! The class fee is $35 which will include all supplies - you just bring your wine (or beverage of choice) and an open mind. Email alison_wieman@yahoo.com or call (951)313-6239 for more information.