LA ART NEWS
ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE NORTHEAST OF LOS ANGELES SECTION B
VOLUME 4 NO. 4
LAARTNEWS.COM
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JULY 2016
TRANSFORMING NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH ARTS UNUSUAL CITY PARTNERSHIP TAKES INITIAL STEPS
A unique partnership may be about to revolutionize the role arts play in community engagement and cultural equity in city neighborhoods. Representatives of the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Los Angeles Police Department have been meeting to plan how to engage neighborhood residents in conversations regarding race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, diversity, and multiculturalism. A key component of such dialogue will involve moving arts and culture activities into areas that may not previously have had the infrastructure to support such activities. At a June meeting of the City Council’s Arts, Parks and River Committee, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell expressed the sentiment that such conversations have never been more timely, yet the City has never had a plan for making dialogue happen in a systemic way. Francisco Ortega, the Human Relations staff member who has been assigned to the project, told the Council Committee that, “We haven’t really created a pathway for people to be able to connect with their city.” “When we talk about equity, said Department of Cultural Affairs General Manager Danielle Brazell, “it’s about making sure that everyone can see over the fence, that everyone has access to the same tools and resources so that they can compete and live a fully creative life.”
Art and civic engagement in Glassell Park
The new effort was conceived of by Councilmember O’Farrell, working with Council President Herb Wesson and with a second by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. O’Farrell refers to the community engagement plan as “a new template.” “It’s really challenging communities to define their own healthy community,” said Patricia Villaseñor, Human Relations Executive Director. “I think a lot of times, departments go in with their definitions of what is a healthy community through our perspective. But this time, we’re going to the community and say, ‘What’s a healthy community for you?’ And that may include things we don’t want to hear and that surprise us…but it’s also challenging for solutions. I think one of the main things we don’t take into account is that communities have a lot of great ideas how to address their own issues in their own communities, and part of our reporting continued on page 19
FLYING HORSES & MYTHICAL BEASTS AT THE PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY
“Flying Horses and Mythical Beasts” have taken over two gallery rooms at the Pasadena Museum of History for an exhibit on “The Magical World of Carousel Animals.” The exhibit is both extensive and comprehensive, featuring more than 60 carousel animals plus related artifacts. The exhibit curator is Lourinda Bray, an area resident who is both a collector of carousel animals and an accomplished conservator. Examples of the art form are drawn from as far back as the mid-1800s and include many pieces from what is considered the Golden Age of Carousels, 1861-1920. There are animals from the United States, Europe, England, and Mexico, with all of the most noted schools of carving represented. The intricacy of the carving of the animals, the detail of their ornamentation, and the magnificence of the coloring and gilding show carousel carving to be a serious art form. However, it has always been an accessible art form, intended not for museums and collectors, but for public spaces. Bray conveys this sense through her curation.
Dentzel Carousel Company, United States, circa 1885
Orton, Sons & Spooner, England, circa 1910 Running Horse Studio, new carving
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JULY 2016
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is going to bring those to light.” Bringing in arts and artists to work in promotion of understanding alongside the Human Relations Commission, and bringing in arts and artists to work in promotion of public safety alongside the LAPD, are novel ideas. Art “informs relations among groups,” said O’Farrell. “Politics can’t do it. Suppression on our streets in high crime areas is not going to do that…It’s not going to quite unlock what we are going after here.” Although the vision is for this to be a citywide program, four neighborhoods were selected as pilots. However, due to the realities of starting a new program with minimal staff and budget, it now appears that one of the four communities will be the pilot, with the other three, and eventually the whole city, to follow. The four neighborhoods identified as possible pilots include, at this point: Glassell Park, South Los Angeles, Venice, and Pacoima. LAPD Captain Be a Girmala told the Council Committee that the City has a history of taking the easy way, talking only to known supporters or having people check a box on a form, when it comes to discussion of equity. She added that this new plan pushes out stale discussion. O’Farrell and Brazell both believe that the arts have a key role to play in bringing many more participants into meaningful discussion. “The depth and breadth of any society is truly reflected in its arts and culture,” said Brazell. “The end is to ensure that everyone has the ability to engage their full creative self, that artists of diverse cultural representation, and the diverse communities that reflect the population have the opportunity to thrive and to uplift their own communities.” “I know personally that the availability of art and culture, no matter what the income level is, how that can unlock certain intellectual, psychological, emotional abilities…,” said O’Farrell. “If folks aren’t exposed to the incredible splendor and miracle of art, through other structures, then I think it diminishes our ability to include more people.” Brazell points to the arts as important tools, not only in fostering dialogue and human relations, but also as key components of economic prosperity, public safety and neighborhood livability. According to Villaseñor, the immediate tasks ahead include selecting which community from among the four will be the pilot, then looking at existing resources already on the ground in that community so as not to reinvent. The LAPD will provide training for the division responsible for that community. There will then be a period of development, in relationship with academics and creative professionals, which will include the development of metrics to determine success. Then, according to Ortega, there will be a door-to-door outreach strategy, the likes of which has not been done before. Brazell pointed out that, although there is a goal of getting pilot program off the ground quickly, there is going to have to be long range planning involved for a successful citywide program. Such planning will have to involve the creation of infrastructure where it hasn’t existed before. There is no budget associated with the plan, at least not for the time being. Planning needs to move ahead quickly in order for something to be ready by about November in anticipation of the next budget cycle. However, a major component of the program is to prove that effective does not have to mean expensive. Ultimately, measures of success will include such factors as increased public safety, decreased violence, engaged first responders, economic vitality, less conflict in the schools, an articulation how any given community defines public safety--and arts infrastructure where creativity exists but has not been tapped. On June 29, the full City Council voted to request the Human Relations Commission to facilitate community dialogues throughout the City in collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Cultural Affairs and to request all involved parties to report back on project progress in 120 days. The Human Relations Commission will now facilitate community dialogues in conjunction with cultural programming taking place throughout the City, such as the Watts Day of the Drum and Jazz Festival, CURRENT:LA Water, the King Day Parade, Dia De Los Muertos, the Northeast Jazz Festival, the Warner Center Festival, and the Latino Theatre Festival. These community dialogues will take place from July 2016 through June 2017. Following this year of community dialogues, the Human Relations Commission, the Police Department and the Department of Cultural Affairs will commission a report about the yearlong civic dialogue project with recommendations on how the City may consider adjusting its systems and service delivery mechanisms to better serve the people of Los Angeles.
LA ART NEWS SECTION B
COILED SERPENT
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POETS ARISING FROM THE CULTURAL QUAKES AND SHIFTS OF LOS ANGELES The title may convey it all. This is perhaps the most comprehensive of Los Angeles poetry anthologies to come along. It is specifically of Los Angeles; it is poems written by poets who grapple with what this place is and what it is to be here.
He has travelled far To arrive with packed dreams and two babies Here He breaks his knees Bends his back Callouses his hands And suns his cheeks So his babies can eat, grow, play --Karineh Mahdessian, “Here” (excerpt) In the valley There is an umbrella Where art dances To many unheard songs Music instruments Unify fingerprints Filled with worldwide Passion --William A. González, “In the Valley” (excerpt) Forgive us, Los Angeles, as we forgive those who Los Angeles against us; and lead us not into Los Angeles, but deliver us from Los Angeles --Michael C. Ford, “Closing Prayer” (excerpt)
Poet Gerda Govine Ituarte reads from Coiled Serpent at Book Show in Highland Park
The book is dedicated to three of the most amazing voices to have spoken here and passed on: Wanda Coleman, John Trudell, and Francisco X. Alarcon. Coiled Serpent editors Neelanjana Banerjee, Daniel A. Olivas, and Ruben J. Rodriguez have collected works by 160 poets. The Poet Laureate of California is here. A high school senior is here. The Coiled Serpent is published by Tia Chucha Press. It is available at independent bookstores about town.
MENTAL ILLNESS AS A HUSTLE By Linda Kaye
It slowly creeps in through the woodwork like a slippery slime that penetrates and destroys the brain cells combusting synapses deluding time First signs are somewhat scary voices cheering Creepy looks from strangers keep leering the families love disappearing The disheveled clothes appearing the stink and smell of the abandoned hope empty pockets no dough for dope to stifle the sounds of the last goodbyes familiar ties dreams gone awry Paranoid police distributing the law handcuffs clinking no eyes blinking “make room fella the Nimbyness princess is coming!” “pull up your pants!” “not in my backyard!” “come on lady give me a dollar I wont holler or bother or stab you to death with bad breath!”
JULY 2016
“Waz up homeboy homegirl are you getting ready to be going to Mars to listen to the stars?” hey the Apocalypse is coming and the voices keep on Drumming directions to slit my throat because Jesus saves and Armageddon has slaves hey it’s time for the parade are your genitals made from clay? “is this the real life or is it fantasy caught in a landslide no escape from reality open your eyes look up to the sky and see I’m just a poor boy nothing really matters to me” Linda Kaye writes poetry and produces poetry and art events throughout the NELA area. Her most recent chapbook “Sexy Stuff ” is currently available for purchase. For more information contact: Website: lindakayepoetry.com Email:lindakayepoetry@icloud.com Twitter: lindakayepoetry
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LA ART NEWS SECTION B
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A PAIR OF SHOWS OF LOCAL NOTE ARE CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY AT THE PASADENA MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA ART. “Another California Day” is a mixed-media installation created for the Pasadena Museum of California Art Project Room by painter Kat Hutter and ceramicist Roger Lee. Inspired by the rugged, scenic beauty of the state, the artists present a deconstructed and abstracted vision of the quintessential California landscape. This unprecedented collaboration is an intersection of the artists’ independent practices, their photographic explorations of California, and their combined endeavor K&R, through which they produce carefully-crafted and glazed ceramic wares. What began as an informal, photographic documentary of the beauty surrounding the husband and wife duo in their daily life and travels through the state— photos of Tahoe, Santa Barbara, Griffith Park overlooking Los Angeles, many posted on Instagram as #anothercaliforniadayproject—became the impetus for the PMCA project. The installation provides a sensory experience, a three-dimensional simulation of the artists’ interpretation of the allure and uniqueness found in every California day. Claire Falkenstein: “Beyond Sculpture” represents the first comprehensive museum exhibition of the late international artist (1908–1997). The exhibition includes 65 works by Falkenstein from the mid-1930s through the early 1990s, comprising sculptures, paintings, drawings, etchings, lithographs, jewelry, and watercolors, as well as large-scale photographs of her major public commissions. Although Falkenstein was respected among the burgeoning post-World-War-II art scene in the United States and Europe, her disregard for the commodification of art coupled with her movement from one international art metropolis to another made her an elusive figure, and she is now regarded as having been ahead of her time. Los Angeles area works include celebrated stained glass window “sculptures” for St. Basil Church in Los Angeles and a fountain at the Long Beach Museum of Art in Long Beach. A video about her work by artist and filmmaker Jae Carmichael is included in the show. Pasadena Museum of California Art 490 East Union Street Through September 11 www.pmcaonline.org
Another California Day with Kat Hutter and Roger Lee
Some of the work of Claire Falkenstein.
PLANT OF THE MONTH Larisa Code
Note: Create peace, one garden at a time. Featured Plant: Carpenteria Californica Decorative California Native Full sun to partial shade Low Water Here we are in firework season, the least enforced law in Los Angeles. I sincerely despise the house quaking interruptions and the fear it creates in all of our little creatures. But, of course, the beauty of a firework can leave me awestruck, yet every day is overkill… I have a solution! This year, just as the first explosions began, my Carpenteria Californica burst into bloom; a replacement to that beauty without the noise. The flower is about 1” across with a giant yellow center. The leaves are thin and around 4 inches long, very similar to the Oleander leaf, but not toxic. This is a native plant, low water and works great as an informal hedge or background to your decorative garden. It thrives in full sun and light shade with very minimal water once it is established. Many a native plant fanatic will argue that you do not need to amend soil for natives, but I disagree; especially if your yard was previously grass. Natives thrive in the soil of wilderness because the soil is full of scat and decomposing plants, but in our urban landscape most soil is not benefitting from nature. So, I recommend an organic soil amendment mixed in with existing soil, and some worms would help, maybe a native oak if you have the space. Just leave the leaves where they land, and they will fill the soil with nutrients; you will be set. This is a slow grower, but worth the wait. At maturation, my plants vary from 6’ to 8’ high and 4’ wide. As the fireworks are intense, especially on the Eastside of town, please keep your pets safe, especially on the 4th, ensure your yard is secure and start adding Rescue Remedy to their water regularly. Or, just follow my lead and leave town with your pets on a nice mountain retreat where fire hazards ensure that all is quiet.
JULY 2016
LOCAL ARTISTS~~MAJOR AWARDS Los Angeles Eastside artists have been racking up awards lately. Dani Dodge is one of only 38 creators of public art nationwide to be honored by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit advocate for the arts and art education. Dodge’s piece, “Confess,” debuted at L.A. Pride in West Hollywood last year. She sat in a confessional and allowed participants to share their worst sins with her. The result was not sacramental grace but a twisted penance and an anonymous typed note that detailed each transgression on a gold piece of paper. Thus absolved, at least in the eyes of art, confessors could move forward unburdened. The confession booth was within a 20-foot-square space with walls on three sides covered by black fabric. As the weekend went forward, the walls went from black to gold with people’s deepest sins revealed. Dodge is part of “Flight Patterns” opening July 6 at Art Share L.A., and in August she will create an interactive installation at BLAM projects in Los Angeles. Carol Colin took first place in painting for her piece At the Aquarium” at the 52nd annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition in June. The award was presented by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission. Colin’s piece is based on a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific. It had its debut last year in a solo show at Avenue 50 Studio. Ester Petschar persevered through extreme heat to win Best in Festival--3rd Place at the Pasadena Chalk Festival. The annual festival is a benefit for the Light Bringer Project. It has been declared the largest street painting festival by Guinness World Records, with over 600 participating artists. Petschar has been participating in the festival for years, and is known for her recreations of works by masters in chalk.
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AVOCADO & PAIR, WHAT A PAIR! I love it when a random “grab two things and see what happens” move in the kitchen turns out to be so yummy. Here is an extremely easy recipe that mixes pears with avocados, and finishes it off with some fresh lime and basil. Add this to your list of simple raw fruit and vegetable go-to’s. It is also perfectly refreshing for hot summer days. Enjoy! avocado & pear salad with basil lime dressing 1 fresh pear 1 avocado 1 lime, juiced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. raw honey 1/2 tsp. sea salt 2 tbsp. avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil) 2 tbsp. julienned fresh basil First make the dressing by mixing the lime, garlic, honey, salt, oil, and basil in a small mixing bowl. Working quickly so the avocado and pear don’t oxidize and turn brown, core and cut both the pear and the avocado into desired size cubes. Immediately add the pear and avocado to the dressing and gently mix well, without smashing the avocado too much. Taste for little flavor nuances like salt or honey, and serve immediately. Sprinkle more fresh julienned basil on top if you want. If you eat cheese, some goat or feta, or aged nut cheese would probably go great in this salad. Harvey Slater is a Chef and Holistic Nutrition Coach residing in Highland Park. You can get more healthy recipes on his blog: thewholedish.wordpress.com
Dani Dodge, “Confess”
Ester Petschar, “Leeda,” after Leonardo
LA ART NEWS SECTION B
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MORE FLYING HORSES & MYTHICAL BEASTS
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“Flying Horses and Mythical Beasts: The Magical World of Carousel Animals” Through August 28 Pasadena Museum of History 470 West Walnut Street, Pasadena www.pasadenahistory.org
J.R. Anderson, England, circa 1915
C.W. Parker Amusement Company, United States, circa 1910
Limonaire Frères, France circa 1910
Dentzel Carousel Company, United States, circa 1885
Dentzel Carousel Company, United States, circa 1885 (front) Charles Carmel, United States, circa 1905 & 1912 (rear)
United States Merry-Go-Round Company, United States, circa 1880
JULY 2016
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Dentzel Carousel Company, United States, circa 1905
Ortega, Mexico, circa 1935
Allan Herschell Company, United States, circa 1923
Daniel Hegereda, Hegereda Factory, Mexico, circa 1950
Orton, Sons & Spooner, England, circa 1910
Namaste Highland Park Yoga Studio | Art Gallery | Tea Shop www.namastehighlandpark.com
Vinyasa Flow| Power Lunch | Candlelight Flow | Prenatal Kids Yoga | Yoga Sculpt | Mixed Level Flow
5118 York Blvd | Los Angeles | CA | 90042
LA ART NEWS SECTION B
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ART HAPPENINGS AROUND LOS ANGELES PRESENTED BY SHOEBOX PR UPCOMING OPENINGS Carla Issue 5 Launch + Illusion/ Han Bing at Night Gallery 2276 E 16th St, Los Angeles Opening July 1 7-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1749241018687557/ CLOSE | A Solo Exhibition by Zachary Aronson The Promenade Gallery 185 E 2nd St, Pomona Opening July 9 5-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/288860301461012/ 2016 PØST Fundraiser Auction PØST 1206 Maple Ave, Los Angeles Opening July 9 630-830pm https://www.facebook.com/events/772719712868103/ Flight Patterns - Gallery Opening at Art Share L.A. Art Share-LA 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles Opens July 9 7-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1668746210048119/ Cracking/Wise Losjocos 725 Kohler St, Los Angeles Opening July 9 7-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1549502792019742/ Paint is a Thing Craig Krull Gallery 2525 Michigan Avenue, B3, Santa Monica Opening July 9 5-7pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1812699032293450/ David Hockney/Heather Gwen Martin opening receptions L.A. Louver 45 N Venice Blvd, Venice Opening July 13 6-8pm https://www.facebook.com/events/531278467055620/ CHG Presents: Camille Rose Garcia’s “Phantasmacabre” COREY HELFORD GALLERY 571 S Anderson St, Los Angeles Opening July 16 7-11pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1042246229184829/ Toban Nichols video debut “Saturnine Tassajara” Los Angeles Center for Digital Art (LACDA) 104 E. 4th Street, Los Angeles July 14-Aug. 12, 2016 Opening Reception: Saturday, July 16 6-9pm
Promised Land: Fred Hoerr Groundspace Project 1427 E 4th St, Los Angeles Through July 9 https://www.facebook.com/events/132188900523615/ Lena Moross | For the Love of Carmine MUZEUMM 4817 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles Through July 10 https://www.facebook.com/events/127392381007854/ RAINBOW SHIFT 2.0 The Montalban 1615 Vine St, Los Angeles To July 12 https://www.facebook.com/events/812714412206173/ Allied Craftsmen of San Diego 2016 Sparks Gallery 530 6th Ave, San Diego, California 92101 To July 14 https://www.facebook.com/events/1020961537987456/ Marc Fichou “Outside-In”, Debbie Long “Naima Trailer” Chimento Contemporary 622 S Anderson St, Spc 105, Los Angeles, California 90023 Through July 16 https://www.facebook.com/events/1702882063297279/ Susan Silas “the self-portrait sessions” CB1 Gallery 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles Through July 17 https://www.facebook.com/events/958789677571848/ Non sequitur | JT Burke, Gina Herrera and Niku Kashef Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825 825 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood Through July 22 https://www.facebook.com/events/1655041251486418/ CENDRILLON Opening Reception Laura Korman Gallery 2525 Michigan Ave, Ste D2, Santa Monica Through July 23 https://www.facebook.com/events/1544213215875340/ Allusive Moment MiM 2636 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles Through July 23 https://www.facebook.com/events/1673874782866023/
Bradford J. Salamon - Visages II At the Skirball | A Free Film Screening of Malka Nedivi’s LAUNCH LA 170 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles “Tzipora’s Nest” Through July 23 Skirball Cultural Center https://www.facebook.com/events/1583301355301610/ 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles Sunday July 17 noon-4pm Maria Lynch: Spaces and Spectacles https://www.facebook.com/events/280201122333173/ Wilding Cran Gallery 939 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles CA 101 2016 Art Exhibition Through July 24 South Bay Galleria Mall (near Macy’s) https://www.facebook.com/events/1215536771797991/ 1815 Hawthorne Blvd, Redondo Beach Opening July 22 5-9pm https://www.facebook.com/events/644362369048966/ ARTIST AS SUBJECT Lancaster Museum of Art and History - MOAH 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster Tarfest fundraiser at Troika Through July 24 Troika https://www.facebook.com/events/547030642170555/ 101 S. LaBrea Ave., Los Angeles July 22 6-9pm Nancy Evans: Tree Lingam Void https://www.facebook.com/events/483376925192762/ Jason Vass 1452 E 6th St, Los Angeles Satan’s Disco - Gallery Opening @ Art Share L.A. To July 24 Art Share-LA https://www.facebook.com/events/306033646395237/ 801 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles Opening July 30 7-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1643808055879873/ John Sollom / Hung Viet Nguyen South Bay Contemporary 401 S Mesa St, Fl 3rd, San Pedro F A C E L E S S Exhibition Through July The Salon https://www.facebook.com/events/1038584329529453/ 2656 S La Cienega Blvd Opening July 31 7-10pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1209143995837296/ Roland Reiss: “Je T’aime” - Recent Paintings and Drawings From The 1960s Diane Rosenstein Fine Art ONGOING EXHIBITIONS 831 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles Through July COLA 2016 Individual Artist Fellowships Exhibition https://www.facebook.com/events/1772554769682201/ Opening Reception Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Dig For Fire 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles Eastside International Through July 3 602 Moulton Ave, Los Angeles https://www.facebook.com/events/1737318016555341/ Through July 30 https://www.facebook.com/events/596203407206969/ Tom Trudgeon: Das Neue Werk Monte Vista Gravitas - Opening Reception 5442 Monte Vista St, Los Angeles Brand Library & Art Center Through July 3rd 1601 W Mountain St, Glendale https://www.facebook.com/events/293172027692079/ To August 5 https://www.facebook.com/events/212581185801716/ John Mills: For Your Eyes Only Rosamund Felsen Gallery Connective Intimations 1923 S Santa Fe Ave, # 100, Los Angeles HB Punto Experimental Through July 3 2151 Logan Ave Section B, San Diego https://www.facebook.com/events/116737042077801/ Through August 13 https://www.facebook.com/events/1570490223250210/ Here Comes Summer Flower Pepper Gallery It Speaks To Me 121 E Union St, Pasadena Carnegie Art Museum Through July 5 https://www.facebook.com/events/1606015483042350/ 424 S C St, Oxnard Through August 21 https://www.facebook.com/events/1597145757262719/ Straddling the Boundaries Fellows of Contemporary Art Curators Laboratory The Association of Hysteric Curators presents “Coming 970 N Broadway, Ste 208, Los Angeles to the Table” Through July 8 Angels Gate Cultural Center https://www.facebook.com/events/450721641805310/ 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro Through August 21
JULY 2016
https://www.facebook.com/events/291044004568346/ Diverted Destruction 9 - The Recology edition The Loft at Liz’s 453 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles Through August 22 https://www.facebook.com/events/1724894991118279/ SugarMynt Turns One! SugarMynt Gallery 810 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena Through August 27 https://www.facebook.com/events/294411214227831/ Faux Sho’: Chinese Landscapes Balconi Coffee Company 11301 W Olympic Blvd, # 124, Los Angeles Through August 31 https://www.facebook.com/events/1047419981959957/ Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women 1947-2016 Hauser Wirth & Schimmel 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles Through September 4 https://www.facebook.com/events/1235260043170341/ Gronk’s Theater of Paint Craft and Folk Art Museum 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles Through Sept 4 https://www.facebook.com/events/265143040492108/ Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) • Agnes Martin Through September 11, 2016 • Reigning Men Through August 21, 2016 • Catherine Opie: O Through September 5 • Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium March 20, 2016–July 31, 2016 UCLA Hammer Made in L.A. 2016: a, the, though, only Through August 28th MOCA Don’t Look Back: The 1990s at MOCA On view through July 11 Hito Steyerl: Factory of the Sun On view February 21 to September 12 The Art of Our Time On view through September 12 Torrance Art Museum GRAFFORISTS Opening Saturday June 18th 6-9pm Through August 13 CARL BERG Opening Saturday June 18th 6-9pm Through August 13 DECLAN CLARKE Opening Saturday June 18th 6-9pm Through August 13 Norton Simon Duchamp to Pop Through August 29, 2016 Pasadena Museum of Califoria Art • Claire Falkenstein Beyond Sculpture • Brett Weston Significant Details • Kat Hutter and Roger Lee Another California Day all through September 11, 2016
Los Angeles City Hall, Pride Month, 2016
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CLASSES IN NELA
Besides being a haven for artists and creative types, Northeast Los Angeles is the home of a fine array of arts classes, especially the industrial arts, but not limited to them. Below is a list of some of the businesses in the area that have classes. Do check with the facility to verify times and prices of their classes. As we find more places we will bring that information to all of you. Adam’s Forge 2640 N. San Fernando Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90065 Adamsforge.org You may email Nancy with questions at blacksmithclasses@gmail.com Discovery Days/Weekdays/Fridays 2nd Sunday 9-1pm $60 Discovery Nights 2nd Thursday Night $60 Open Forge Every Tuesday from 7-10 pm, Once a month 2nd Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm, Every 2 months on the 2nd Sat. 1 pm – 5 pm, Every 2 months on the 4th Sat. 1 pm – 5 pm $40 Hot Forging series of 4 classes $80 per session CBA Level 1 Series New Series starts in June 5 First Sunday $80 Instructor Workshop Second Saturday of the Month $50 9 am - 3pm Forging for Woodworkers First Friday and Saturday of the Month $220 7 pm - 10 pm The Glass Studio 5668 York Blvd. 323.387.9705 www.theglassstudio.net Glass Bead Making July 2-3 11-4pm $250 Bead Making Tuesdays July 5, 12. 19, 26 11-2 $300 Jewelry Wednesdays July 6, 13, 20, 27 11-1 $250 Fusing Thursdays July 7, 14, 21, 28 11-1 $250 Soldered Pendant July 8 6-9pm $100 Intro to Kiln Forming July 9-10 11-4pm $250 Fancy Necklace July 16-17 11-4pm $300 Glass Beads Next Step July 23-24 11-4pm $300 Macrame Wall Hanging July 29 6-8pm $100 Clay to Plaster Casting Class July 30 31 12-4pm $250 O&M Leather 5048 Eagle Rock Blvd. 323-274-4640 www.ommleather.com Basic Leather Working Classes Leather 1 - Leather Basics $200 Leather 2 - Cutting and Skiving $200 Leather 3 - Hand Stiching $200 Leather 4 - Color, Finishes, and Leather $200 For information about scheduling call their store at (323)274-4640 or email them at ommeather@gmail.com Toros Pottery 4962 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.344.8330 Mon. 11:30am-2:30pm Mon. 6:30pm-9:30pm Tues. 6:30pm-9:30pm Tues. 4:30pm-6:00pm Thurs. 6:30pm-9:30pm time Fri. 11:30am-9:30pm time Sat. 11:30am-1:30pm ent
Molten Metal Works NEW LOCATION 3617 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204 moltenmetalworks.net Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events, Space 1506 Mission St. South Pasadena, CA 91030 626.441.47788 spaceartcenter.com Birthday Parties and Spring Camp available Check out their Summer Lab class for kids!! Classes start July 18th. Rock Rose Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa Street Highland Park, CA 90065 (323) 635-9125 www.rockrosegallery.com Visit: Rock Rose Gallery News, Instagram & Twitter KIDS CREATIVE ARTS 2-4 yrs Art, Music, Movement Sat. 9:30am-11am, $5 LATIN PERCUSSION Sat. 12pm-2pm, Bring your conga, etc. Instructor Robertito Melendez, $15 RINCON RUMBERO EAST w Troy Parker 3rd Sat. 3-6pm. Bring your drum $5 New! FREE FOR ALL Artist Only Creative Night Every Wed. 6-9pm, Artist bring your own supplies. Table & Hospitality provided. $10 GUITAR - Please call regarding interest. Six students required. Ball Clay 4851 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 310.954.1454 ballclaystudio.com Intermediate Ceramics Pottery Class 6 class sessions Check web site for start date $240 A Place to Bead 2566 Mission St San Marino, CA 91108 626.219.6633 aplace2bead.com Find a variety of jewelry making classes, including stringing and wirework. Bullseye Glass 143 Pasadena Ave. South Pasadena, CA bullseyeglass.com • They offer a full range of kiln forming glass classes as well as regular artist talks.
Adult Class Adult Class Adult Class Kids Class open studio open studio Kids and Par-
Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.550.1332 Check Leanna’s web site for a current list of workshops and events. co-LAB Gallery 5319 York Blvd. http://co-lab-gallery.myshopify.com Check their schedule for fresh classes.
Community Woodshop NEW LOCATION 3617 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204 626.808.3725 www.community woodshopla.com These guys offer a wonderful selection of classes from beginner to advanced, membership, and private lessons. Please check their web site for more information and a list of classes. New Stone Age Mosaic Studio 1754 Colorado Blvd Eagle Rock They offer mosaic classes on Mondays and Tuesday. All classes are on going and open to all skill levels.We also do mosaic birthday parties. Call Mary at (323) 547-2021 for more information. Little Knittery 3195 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 thelittleknittery@gmail.com Beginning Crochet Saturdays 3:30-5:30 Tuesdays 1:00-3:00 Beginning Knitting Sundays 3:30-5:30 Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 Check schedule for new macramé classes Deb3321 3321 Pasadena Ave. Los Angeles, CA email: deb3321@gmail.com Uninstructed Figure Drawing Saturdays 11:00am - 3:00pm $5.00/hr Strictly Charcoal 11am - 1pm First two Saturdays of every month. Christine Haenen Artists Crit Saturdays Starting at 3:30 $5/session Crit with Karen Stained Glass Supplies 19 Backus Street Pasadena, CA 91107 626-219-6055 Stained Glass Class Tues. 9-12 or 6:30-9:30 Wed. 9-12 or 6:30-9:30 Thurs. 9-12 or 6:30-9:30 Sat. 9-12 $95 - 8 weeks Tools - $45 - $125 Materials - $45 - $100 Classes are ongoing Barndall Art Park 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.644.6295 http://www.barnsdall.org Check they’re web site for upcoming classes. Sugar Mynt Gallery 810 Meridian Ave. South Pasadena, CA 626.222.7257 sugarmynt.com Paint and Pinot Twice a month. Check their web site for more detail.
LA ART NEWS SECTION B
THE HIGHLAND PARK SHOW’ PASSES THE MIC
28
After four years of running ‘The Highland Park Show’ at Café de Leche, the producers of the popular monthly stand-up showcase have decided to pass the torch to the next generation. Starting in August the show will be taken over by two talented local comedians, Vince Caldera and Luis Lemus, who will be in charge of booking, hosting, and producing the coffee shop comedy show. “I love this show and what we’ve built over the last four years, and I want to see it continue to flourish and provide great free comedy to the neighborhood. I can’t think of two better people to take over what we’ve started and make it their own than Vince and Luis,” says show founder and co-producer Cornelius Peter. “Both these guys have been great supporters of the show over the years, as well as two of its strongest performers, so I know they’ll do great things with it.” Already veterans of the local comedy scene despite their young age, Vince and Luis perform all over Los Angeles and currently run the popular “Hydra” open mic in Eagle Rock. “We are extremely excited to be running the Highland Park Show. We have been coming here since we were in high school, and Cornelius has always put on great shows. We hope to be able to continue this legacy while also introducing new and diverse comedians to the area” says Luis. Vince concurred, stating “We’re glad to take over the show from that whack old dude. He’s okay, but his shit’s kinda corny, and he doesn’t even know who Drake is. Now we can play hip hop before the show at least.”* The range of performers showcased in the past has included a broad spectrum of comics, from nationally know headliners such as Ron Funches, Cameron Esposito, and Maria Bamford, to lesser known comics just starting out, with a particular emphasis on booking local talent from the Highland Park area as much as possible. When the show returns from hiatus on August 3rd, Vince and Luis will usher in a new era of comedy at Café de Leche, a venue that has become something of a comedy hot spot over the years as a popular location for TV and Film productions such as Mark Maron’s IFC show “Maron”, and now as a regular setting on Maria Bamford’s new “Lady Dynamite” on Netflix. The Highland Park Show returns August 3rd, 7:30 p.m. and continues the first Wednesday of every month. Café de Leche is located at the corner of York Boulevard and Avenue 50. *not an actual quote
Vince Caldera and Luis Lemus surround Cornelis Peter.
JULY 2016
ROAD TRIPPING.
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By Jen Hitchcock When traveling on vacation, one of the most detestable aspects of tourism is the presence of other tourists. Not only are these fellow wanderers determined to get in the way of my relaxation, escapism and serenity, but they also drive me crazy by feeling the need to throw coins into any body of water they see. Be it a thermal feature in a national park, or a babbling brook that has the misfortune of winding under a quaint bridge in the middle of a wooded rest area, this desire seems to trump any and all environmental concerns--and concern for maintaining natural beauty unmarred by the artifacts of our capitalistic society. The world is one giant wish-granting man-made fountain at a theme park! Yes, I especially feel sorry for Mother Nature during the summer vacation season. We humans already place ourselves above the natural world by shaping, capturing and conquering it whenever, wherever and however we can. But there is something about the vacation mindset that really puts her at the mercy of our insatiable need for entertainment. Be it desert, forest or prairie, lake stream or ocean, it is there for our pleasure, and our pleasure only. The roadways are clogged with lumbering house-sized campers towing trailers with ATVs and Jet Skis, one machine for each member of the family (including the dog). Why? Well, what better way to enjoy a place of exquisite, unique and otherworldly beauty, than to pop in some ear plugs and mount pumped up go-carts with giant wheels that will rip it all the hell up! How better to enjoy a gorgeous lake surrounded by gentle beasts and lush flora than to leap on a Sea Doo and rocket around it at 65 MPH. Mother Nature does have one up on us. Oh yeah, she gets her revenge. Now, one might point at events like bear attacks, tumbles into boiling hot springs and the occasional goring by a buffalo as her form of retribution. But no, she is more of a long-term thinker. It’s our minds. It isn’t the events themselves but the “gift” of the dumb human brain she gave us as creatures in her natural world. And because of this brain we will continue, each summer vacation to do things like read and ignore signs that warn about staying on the trail and getting too close to two-ton animals with horns to snap a picture. And when the inevitable happens, she will smile, forgetting for a moment the tire marks on her backside. Jen Hitchcock is the owner of Book Show, a book and gift sideshow in Highland Park. It is located at 5503 N. Figueroa Street. Come visit!
POE and LOVECRAFT Brook Weston, “Dalores,” taxidermy and mixed media. Featured in a Poe and Lovecraft inspired group show, continuing for a few more weeks at Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum in Burbank.
BOOK SHOW EVENTS Saturday July 2nd • 8pm - 11pm Dryland lit press • Reading series Free Saturday July 9th • 8pm My Paradox Open mic for erotica & sex positive writings • Hosted by Chris Paradox Free Wednesday July 13th • 8pm-10pm NEW!! Comedy Open Mic!! • Hosted by Allison Sciulla Free Sunday July 17th Ghosthunting 101 class Taught by LA Paradolls Investigation Team founder Shana! More info and sign up bookshowla.com $20.00 Tuesday July 19th Skinless South: New & Raw Writing Featuring: Annette Cruz, Dennis Cruz, S.A. Griffin, Patrick O’Neil, SB Stokes Friday July 22nd Sensitive Skin Reading Featuring Craig Clevenger, Erika Schickel, Matt McLaren, Tony DuShane, Bernard Meisler and Patrick O’Neil Saturday July 23rd Thaumatrope Making Workshop Taught by Rachel Curry $30.00 ONGOING EVENTS and WORKSHOPS EAT ART OPEN MIC Monthly, every 1st Friday • Poetry and Prose open mic 8pm sign ups Monthly magic classes with Daniel Perez!!! Thursday nights 8pm Email for more info Bookshowla at gmail.com
LA ART NEWS SECTION B
“FLEXIT”
30
by Florence the Dog (as told to Jeremy Kaplan) of READ Books Eagle Rock Lest you think me a Philistine, ‘twas not merely a matter of bones and water with I. Sure, comportment counts. It does. Enter my domicile, Dog, and you best mind your manners. So yeah, it rubbed me wrongly when that uppity German Shepherd flounced into my bookstore and placed my bone between his defiled fangs, grinding. Ask, schweinhund! I’m right here, atop the couch, damn ye’! And yeah, it steams my bean when this squalid Scottish Terrier waddles to the back of the store and dunks his grimy jowls into my water bowl. My water, yuh wee scunner! But that initial impulse I felt to separate from my European brethren, to exit from their company if you will, was more so aroused by cultural differences. I am a literary dog, damnit, a canine of culture! * So some cockamamie French Poodle came into the store last week and paused by the magazines, her ears perked, ostensibly attending to the music. My lady biped sometimes plays classical when her hirsute partner is not in the store. “This is real nice,” barked the poodle. “What is it?” “Nutcracker,” I responded, perhaps, in my afternoon languor, barking a little bit on the inaudible side. “Oh,” she yelped, “I just love the Nightcracker.” “Night… no, nutcracker!” I barked, abruptly aroused from my near slumber. “Yeah, whatever,” she coughed, scratching her ear and yawning. “Y’know,” I growled, shifting in my perch, “they’re not interchangeable. Night and nut,” I seesawed my paws for emphasis. “You can’t just go around barking one for the other as if it doesn’t make a difference! I mean nobody needs to see you traipsing up and down the mystery aisle searching for LeCarre’s ‘The Nut Manager’, or plopping your funny-talking butt on my couch while beleaguered biped children are forced to listen to you arfing: ‘Good Nut, Moon’ and ‘Good Nut, Gorilla.’ Do you really think that Elie Wiesel meant to convey the horrors of the biped Holocaust by titling his memoir: ‘Nut? The Nut Trilogy?’ What next? ‘Tender is the Nut?’ Is this really the world you want your puppies to live in?” “Sure,” she shrugged. “I guess so.” “That’s it,” I howled at my biped as she hastily approached me and my couch, leash in hand. “From here on out, READ Books will no longer tolerate dogs that aren’t me. This here is a Flo-Only Zone. Ipso fucking facto!” * Comeuppance is truly a female pooch. I am comeuppance. A few days after The Nut Incident, I accompanied my young biped next door to Toros Pottery. Upon entering said establishment, I espied a cushy couch ostensibly designed to harbor my furry tuchus. That there were several cats already resting on it, so far as I could tell, had nothing to do with me and my needs. Anywho, by the time I’d landed on the middle cushion, the felines had dispersed in myriad directions. While my young biped parleyed with the pottery proprietor, I reposed on the couch, working up a thirst something awful. Soon I abandoned my comfy requiescence in search of libations. As I hovered above an ornate water bowl, beneath the shadow of a glorious urn, and greedily wet my parched tongue, I became aware of some high pitched racket all around me. The indigenous cats were circling. “Yo dude,” purred a skeptical tabby. “Why you drinking up all the good stuff ?” “Thirsty,” I belched. “Flo very thirsty.” “But that be my water bowl, dog.” “Didn’t know,” barked I. “Can’t we share, cat?” “Like we shared the couch?” meowed the milky-furred cat. “Exactly!” yawped I. “that worked out pretty w… waaait a second… is that sarcasm I’m sniffing? “Don’t get that hairy bitch excited,” warned a third, ebony feline perched atop a tall bookcase. “Remember what happened with the last mutt who got excited. Big galoot went charging through Toros’s showroom like Ferdinand in a china shop.” “You know Ferdinand?” I howled. “I love Ferdinand! I’ve read that book in three different languages! You all gotta come next door with me and and and…” I was bounding up and down and all around the room, so excited was I to be discussing great literature with fellow animals. But in their eyes I sensed trepidation and mistrust. What had I done? What? Does this mean that self-absorption and self-righteousness might somehow lead to alienation? Bad girl! Bad Flo! * Now I sit contrite on my couch, positioned strategically on the far, far end; Just in case anyone wants to come join me. A fun-sized dog eventually comes in the store, some kind of Maltese something or another, walking its goofy biped on the business end of a short leash. I scoot even further aside and make with the sad eyes. Come on up pal. Flo just wants to share. The Maltese something or another looks quizzically from me, to his biped, to my biped, and then back to me. “This psychotic bastard,” he finally barks, nodding discreetly at his biped, “is looking for a book on a serial killer. Richard fucking Ramirez, I shit you not.” As I sit up and stretch, my biped arises from her place behind the computer— no doubt presuming that I am preparing to pick another fight— and reaches for the leash. No, I nod, not today. Not I, Florence. “It’s in the True Crime section,” I bark in a most affable tone, descending from my perch on the couch so as to lead my guests toward the far aisle. “It’s cool. Just follow me,” I inform them, my posterior oscillating reassuringly. “We most definitely have a copy of ‘The Nut Crawler’ in stock.”
JULY 2016
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LA ART NEWS SECTION B
New mixed-use + single family residences
4320 Eagle Rock Blvd. / www.theerb.com A collection of new homes currently under construction in Eagle Rock. Offering mixed-use + single-family residences with floor plans up to 2,500 square feet. We invite you to join our interest list at www.theerb.com.
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Tracy Do Real Estate is dedicated to our community and proud to support:
Adopters, fosters and outreach volunteers needed! Luxe Paws is a neighborhood based team of volunteers dedicated to decreasing the number of animals entering our city shelters by making sure the animals of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park are sprayed and neutered. Our rescue effort is focused on saving the youngest, most “at-risk” animals from the street and providing them with necessary medical care, a local foster home and ultimately a forever home.
If you can help, email info@luxepaws.org.