Oasis 2017 by Skirball Cultural Center

OUR MISSION The Skirball Cultural Center is a place of meeting guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and inspired by the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. We welcome people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections, and call upon us to help build

Mercie Credit Ghimire

a more just society.

skirball.org

Mercie Credit Ghimire

a more just society.

skirball.org

IN THIS ISSUE

SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Peter M. Weil, c hairman Uri D. Herscher,

founding president and ceo

Arthur H. Bilger, v ice chairman Richard S. Hollander, vice chairman

Lee Ramer, v ice chairman Howard M. Bernstein Martin Blackman Lloyd E. Cotsen Philip de Toledo Evelyn Feintech Howard I. Friedman, founding chairman

Melvin Gagerman Marc H. Gamsin Leslie Gilbert-Lurie Jeffrey L. Glassman

President’s Message

Grounds for Celebration

A Bestselling Experience

A Pop of Color

Vera Guerin Dennis F. Holt Robert C. Kopple Marlene Louchheim Orin Neiman Kenneth A. Ruby Jay S. Wintrob Marvin Zeidler John Ziffren

“It’s People Coming Together as One”

Safe Haven for All

Good for Heart and Mind

Together in Song

Ken Ziffren

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 skirball.org

Timothy Norris

(310) 440-4500

skirball.org

IN THIS ISSUE

SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES Peter M. Weil, c hairman Uri D. Herscher,

founding president and ceo

Arthur H. Bilger, v ice chairman Richard S. Hollander, vice chairman

Lee Ramer, v ice chairman Howard M. Bernstein Martin Blackman Lloyd E. Cotsen Philip de Toledo Evelyn Feintech Howard I. Friedman, founding chairman

Melvin Gagerman Marc H. Gamsin Leslie Gilbert-Lurie Jeffrey L. Glassman

President’s Message

Grounds for Celebration

A Bestselling Experience

A Pop of Color

Vera Guerin Dennis F. Holt Robert C. Kopple Marlene Louchheim Orin Neiman Kenneth A. Ruby Jay S. Wintrob Marvin Zeidler John Ziffren

“It’s People Coming Together as One”

Safe Haven for All

Good for Heart and Mind

Together in Song

Ken Ziffren

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 skirball.org

Timothy Norris

(310) 440-4500

skirball.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Jews are a singular people who think in the plural. In age-old Jewish texts, the words I and me are not found nearly as often as we

and us. When blessings are recited, when thanks are offered, when joys are celebrated, the expression of gratitude is shared— “for granting us life, sustaining us, and en-

abling us to reach this day.” Life does not thrive in isolation. The ultimate measure

of humanity rests in community. We become all that we can by coming together. It is not good, says the book of Genesis, to be alone.

Above: Together with my mentor Rabbi Harold Schulweis, of blessed memory. He was and remains my beloved friend. Our relationship was always anchored in the we.

In my childhood in the newborn State of Israel, I spent summers with my aunt and uncle at a kibbutz, a collective farming community. The kibbutz was a social experiment with an overriding commitment to equality. Every aspect of life was share and share alike: the work, its rewards, the decision making, the living quarters, dining, recreation, and celebration. No one was privileged, and no one was disparaged. The kibbutz was a utopian vision, and like every utopia it struggled to survive. But its ideals of equality and community have never left me. On the kibbutz, every person was important. Ditch digger, dishwasher, tractor driver, seamstress, poet, no matter: you mattered. This chapter of my childhood—in a community of equals in which I was included and valued—lives in my memory. It has nurtured a deep conviction that has empowered me, and inspired me, all my life. This issue of Oasis, like the Skirball Cultural Center itself, is devoted to the vision of community. In these pages you will see how the Skirball serves as a place of meeting, a place of learning, a place of inspiration and encounter, a place where every visitor is welcomed and valued as a person. That is the Skirball mission and message: not I and me, but we and us.

Uri D. Herscher

Mercie Ghimire

Founding President and Chief Executive Officer Skirball Cultural Center

skirball.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Jews are a singular people who think in the plural. In age-old Jewish texts, the words I and me are not found nearly as often as we

and us. When blessings are recited, when thanks are offered, when joys are celebrated, the expression of gratitude is shared— “for granting us life, sustaining us, and en-

abling us to reach this day.” Life does not thrive in isolation. The ultimate measure

of humanity rests in community. We become all that we can by coming together. It is not good, says the book of Genesis, to be alone.

Above: Together with my mentor Rabbi Harold Schulweis, of blessed memory. He was and remains my beloved friend. Our relationship was always anchored in the we.

Uri D. Herscher

Mercie Ghimire

Founding President and Chief Executive Officer Skirball Cultural Center

skirball.org

GROUNDS FOR

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Peter Turman

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CELEBRATION

BeBe Jacobs

Festivals at the Skirball invite one and all to share in storytelling and artistry, joy and discovery.

It all started with a festival. On opening day, more than twenty-one years ago, the Skirball Cultural Center greeted supporters, friends, and neighbors to a campus-wide celebration. The complex of buildings and gardens was only half the size it is today. Yet as the ribbon was cut and the shofar sounded to signal a new beginning, this cultural village burst with hope and possibility. Decades later, the same spirit abounds at festivals held each year for visitors in search of community. The Skirball’s love for festivals is deeply rooted in Jewish history and tradition. “You shall rejoice in your festival,” says the biblical text, “you, your sons and daughters, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.” No one is excluded; everyone is welcome. This rings true each year at the much-anticipated Hanukkah Festival, which debuted the very first winter after the Skirball opened to the public. It remains the Skirball’s longest-running annual program and among its most popular. During the daylong festivities, families of all backgrounds fill the courtyards for song and dance, create art together, and marvel at the Skirball’s collection of Hanukkah lamps from around the world. As the campus has grown over the

years, so too has the sense of community. “We enjoy the togetherness, and we enjoy celebrating our culture,” remarked one family at a recent Hanukkah Festival. Bundled up for the chilly December weather, the mother delighted as her toddler bounced to an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern melodies, jazz, and soul. A few steps away, a father who had lined up early for tickets was relishing his family’s first visit to the Skirball. He lauded the diversity of the programming as well as the crowd. “It’s a wonderful place—just so accepting!” he exclaimed, as he and his daughter got ready for the next act: an ensemble of West African dancers and drummers who weaved stories of freedom into their performance.

BeBe Jacobs

Facing page: Coming upon its seventh year, the annual Skirball Puppet Festival features many exuberant outdoor performances. Pictured here is the Coyote Rising puppet troupe, presenting an enchanting story about a river journey at last year’s festival. Visitors were invited to participate using the handmade puppets they had made during the day. skirball.org

GROUNDS FOR

Mercie Ghimire

Peter Turman

Mercie Ghimire

CELEBRATION

BeBe Jacobs

Festivals at the Skirball invite one and all to share in storytelling and artistry, joy and discovery.

BeBe Jacobs

first campus-wide celebration of the Jewish holiday of

Sukkot. No matter the gathering, no one is excluded, and everyone is welcome.

“This is a new festival for the Skirball, isn’t it?”

asked a Skirball Member at the Harvest Festival this past October. As she and her daughter shopped for fresh

produce and engaged with vendors on the topic of food

waste across California, she remarked, “I like the sense of how we’re all responsible for each other, for the world

we live in—just our sense of community. These days, it’s

BeBe Jacobs

Photo credit BeBe Jacobs

something we all need more and more.”

Live music and dance fill the Skirball with joy at campus-wide programs throughout the year. These first-time Hanukkah Festival attendees grooved to the rhythmic performance of the all-women’s dance and drumming collective S.H.I.N.E Mawusi. Between songs, the performers talked to the crowd about West African traditions of welcome and the importance of fostering community.

Inside the galleries, staff storytellers also spoke

for eight nights. She proposed that since “each of us

namic retelling of the story of Hanukkah, the age-old

we can bring the light of hope into the world. “It’s

celebration of religious liberty. Children and grown-ups learn of a small band of Jews known as the Maccabees

who battled against tyranny in 165 BCE and prevailed

has our own individual spark inside of us,” together really cool to be able to express that with the people that you love.”

It is this joy of community that has provided in-

against all odds.

spiration to the Skirball, especially as more large-scale

that underscore this ancient tale resonate with even

upon the success of the Hanukkah Festival, the Skirball

The universal values of courage and fortitude

the youngest of visitors. Before hurrying off to a com-

munal art project with her little brother, one girl took a minute to explain, “Well, you know how the Maccabees

stood up for themselves? It’s telling me that whenever something’s going wrong to stand up for myself!” A

teen felt inspired by another part of the Hanukkah

story: the miracle of a small jar of oil burning brightly

programs are mounted throughout the year. Building

Puppet Festival was an instant hit when it premiered in 2012. Today the yearly extravaganza attracts at least

a thousand festivalgoers, eager to experience storytelling and artistry in a friendly, inclusive setting. More

recently, the Skirball has participated in Make Music

Day—celebrated around the world on the first day of

summer—and produced a Harvest Festival, the Skirball’s

Mercie Ghimire

of freedom. At each year’s festival, they deliver a dy-

Top: The Noah’s Ark Asian elephant always makes a splash at the Skirball Puppet Festival. Crafted from inflatable soccer balls, handmade paper from Nepal, drawer handles, and rattan balls, it requires four puppeteers working in unison. Above: At the Skirball’s recent, first-ever Harvest Festival, the musical acts (like Mostly Kosher, pictured above) played beneath the Skirball’s newly designed sukkah, adorned with fresh herbs, dried fruit, palm fronds, and a gorgeous turmeric-dyed silk backdrop. skirball.org

first campus-wide celebration of the Jewish holiday of

Sukkot. No matter the gathering, no one is excluded, and everyone is welcome.

“This is a new festival for the Skirball, isn’t it?”

asked a Skirball Member at the Harvest Festival this past October. As she and her daughter shopped for fresh

produce and engaged with vendors on the topic of food

waste across California, she remarked, “I like the sense of how we’re all responsible for each other, for the world

we live in—just our sense of community. These days, it’s

BeBe Jacobs

Photo credit BeBe Jacobs

something we all need more and more.”

Inside the galleries, staff storytellers also spoke

for eight nights. She proposed that since “each of us

namic retelling of the story of Hanukkah, the age-old

we can bring the light of hope into the world. “It’s

celebration of religious liberty. Children and grown-ups learn of a small band of Jews known as the Maccabees

who battled against tyranny in 165 BCE and prevailed

has our own individual spark inside of us,” together really cool to be able to express that with the people that you love.”

It is this joy of community that has provided in-

against all odds.

spiration to the Skirball, especially as more large-scale

that underscore this ancient tale resonate with even

upon the success of the Hanukkah Festival, the Skirball

The universal values of courage and fortitude

the youngest of visitors. Before hurrying off to a com-

munal art project with her little brother, one girl took a minute to explain, “Well, you know how the Maccabees

stood up for themselves? It’s telling me that whenever something’s going wrong to stand up for myself!” A

teen felt inspired by another part of the Hanukkah

story: the miracle of a small jar of oil burning brightly

programs are mounted throughout the year. Building

Puppet Festival was an instant hit when it premiered in 2012. Today the yearly extravaganza attracts at least

a thousand festivalgoers, eager to experience storytelling and artistry in a friendly, inclusive setting. More

recently, the Skirball has participated in Make Music

Day—celebrated around the world on the first day of

summer—and produced a Harvest Festival, the Skirball’s

Mercie Ghimire

of freedom. At each year’s festival, they deliver a dy-

A BESTSELLING EXPERIENCE

Good reads at the Skirball spark dynamic conversation and lasting friendships.

Above left: Janet Bain Fattal (in floral print) happily posed with her Book Group 1 students at the end of the winter/spring session. Paula Orlovich is pictured to her right. Above right: Book Group participants organize “extracurricular” get-togethers, too. Over the summer, Orlovich and friends met up for a tour of Paul Simon: Words & Music.

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Reading is by and large a solitary act. We turn the pages of that new critics’ pick or beloved classic or lesser-known gem—and the pleasure is all ours. For the Skirball Book Groups, now in their fifteenth year, reading is also wonderfully social—a link not only to authors and characters, histories and ideas, but to a community of book lovers and lifelong learners.

Reading assignments for the fall 2017 Skirball Book Groups—now in session!

This past June, at the closing session of the winter/spring Skirball Book Group 1, the room buzzed with an unmistakable sense of accomplishment. Over the course of five months, the class had discussed a range of thought-provoking books—from a well-known American satire to a Hungarian masterpiece newly available in English to the debut novel of a promising Nigerian writer. As the class winded down, it was time to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company until the groups reconvened in the fall. “You have to sign up the minute you can—you don’t want to get left out!” advised longtime participant Paula Orlovich, who had organized today’s end-of-year luncheon. In point of fact, since the Book Groups were launched—back in 2003, when the Skirball founded its adult-education initiative—they have ranked among the most popular classes. “I sign up every session, even if I’ve read the books, because I want to be part of the conversation,” Orlovich said. Like for many participants, the prospect of talking about literature was what first drew Orlovich to enroll. An avid reader her whole life, she hadn’t felt the need to make her love of books a communal experience; but retirement prompted her to meet new people. Once she joined the Book Groups, she was hooked. “When you’re in the group, it enriches your understanding of the book,” she explained. “You hear points of view that you hadn’t considered. People come with their informed perspectives or personal takes on the subject matter—maybe they lived in the city where the book takes place or witnessed the historical mo-

ment you’re reading about. Or they share knowledge and bring clarity to something that you didn’t have when you read it on your own. It’s always a discovery, whether you like the book or not.” Not any book group will do though. Uncompromising in the quality of books she reads, Orlovich credits the Skirball Book Groups’ highly regarded instructor, Janet Bain Fattal, for choosing works of substance and leading discussions that value diversity of opinion and challenge perceptions. Fattal has more than twenty-five years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in comparative literature. Yet she pointed out, “Although I have the most credentials in the room, I always learn something new from my students. They bring wisdom to share and enthusiasm to learn.” Fattal is moved by how friendships have formed well beyond the walls of the Skirball. Orlovich attests to the off-campus camaraderie among her “core group” of classmates, all of whom she met through the Skirball. Already this year, they had organized trips to the Getty Center and the Annenberg Space for Photography and were about to meet back at the Skirball for the first Sunset Concerts show. “I love the sense of community that we have created,” concluded Fattal. “In a city as frenetic and isolating as Los Angeles, it is refreshing to be with fellow book lovers and to take the time to reflect and share our insights.” Orlovich concurred. “This isn’t just a building,” she said. “It’s a meeting place for people and ideas.” skirball.org

A BESTSELLING EXPERIENCE

Good reads at the Skirball spark dynamic conversation and lasting friendships.

Mercie Ghimire

Reading assignments for the fall 2017 Skirball Book Groups—now in session!

A POP OF COLOR

Renowned for his inventive use of line, dot, and color, the Pop Art master Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) pioneered a

new form of art. By depicting familiar objects in a style reminiscent of comic books, he created art that was ac-

cessible and approachable—democratic at heart and

broad in appeal. For the retrospective Pop for the People: Roy Lichtenstein in L.A., the Skirball took inspiration from

this breaking down of barriers between “high art” and daily life. Museum staff created a setting that was colorful and comfortable, where visitors could engage in

conversation while surrounded by the works on display. Over the exhibition’s well-attended five-month run, Pop

Skirball—whether to join printmaking workshops, hear expert insights, or just spend time with friends.

Timothy Norris

for the People proved popular, as art lovers met up at the

From the get-go, Pop for the People attracted museumgoers of all ages. One installation was particularly buzzworthy: a life-sized, threedimensional re-imagination of Lichtenstein’s 1992 painting Bedroom at Arles, based on the famed series of the same name by Vincent van Gogh. In keeping with the Skirball’s mission to be a place of comfort, warmth, and safety for one and all, the installation invited everyone to feel at home. Not surprisingly, it was a hit on Instagram (see facing page)!

Timothy Norris

Robert Wedemeyer

On two Friday evenings during the exhibition run, the Skirball stayed open late to offer TGIF gallery hours. Nearly a thousand Angelenos headed over on each night, tagging friends on social media to meet at the Skirball.

Pictured on this page: Roy Lichtenstein, Interiors Series: La Sortie, edition 12/60, 1990; Interiors Series: The Living Room, edition 12/60, 1991; and Turkey Shopping Bag, 1964; all from the Collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation • Roy Lichtenstein, Gun in America series, 1968; and Robert F. Kennedy, 1968; both from the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute; Gift of Time magazine • Spray Can Dress, 2011, by artist/maker Lisa Perry, Collection of Skirball Museum, Los Angeles. All works by Roy Lichtenstein © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

skirball.org

A POP OF COLOR

Renowned for his inventive use of line, dot, and color, the Pop Art master Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997) pioneered a

new form of art. By depicting familiar objects in a style reminiscent of comic books, he created art that was ac-

cessible and approachable—democratic at heart and

broad in appeal. For the retrospective Pop for the People: Roy Lichtenstein in L.A., the Skirball took inspiration from

this breaking down of barriers between “high art” and daily life. Museum staff created a setting that was colorful and comfortable, where visitors could engage in

conversation while surrounded by the works on display. Over the exhibition’s well-attended five-month run, Pop

Skirball—whether to join printmaking workshops, hear expert insights, or just spend time with friends.

Timothy Norris

for the People proved popular, as art lovers met up at the

Timothy Norris

Robert Wedemeyer

skirball.org

“IT’S PEOPLE

COMING TOGETHER AS ONE”

Mercie Ghimire

Guided by teaching artists and Skirball educators, a group of tenth graders joins forces to speak their truth.

In front of more than 200 high school students and teachers from across the city, twenty-nine sophomores from Community Health Advocates School (CHAS) at Augustus Hawkins High School took the stage at the Skirball. The ensemble performed an original work called Walkout!—a blend of theater and poetry that gave voice to their experiences and concerns as young Angelenos. One group poem, “Fighting for Our Rights,” resolutely described the nature and purpose of speaking out as a community: It’s people coming together as one / It’s our freedom / It’s who we are / We matter.

skirball.org

“IT’S PEOPLE

COMING TOGETHER AS ONE”

Mercie Ghimire

Guided by teaching artists and Skirball educators, a group of tenth graders joins forces to speak their truth.

skirball.org

The staged reading was the culmination of a ten-week program that affirms that students do matter, especially as leaders of tomorrow. For eight years now, the Skirball has organized dynamic in-school residencies, each designed to transform teens into creators of their own works and active members of their communities.

Last year’s residency teacher, Kelly Herrera of Canoga Park High School, applauded the program for aligning with her goals as an arts educator: “to not only teach the skills and values associated with the arts… but to give students the tools to learn how to be concerned citizens of the world.” This year, the participating tenth-grade students worked with their CHAS schoolteacher, Maria Gaspar, and artist-educators Kahlil Almustafa and Julia Grob to explore how storytelling can serve as a tool for civic engagement. Though years away from voting age, the participants chose to tackle sociocultural and political issues of the day, especially following the 2016 election. Over ten weeks starting in January, the residency class

convened twice a week to engage meaningfully with one another and a range of critical topics. An author and poet, Almustafa mentored the novice writers through the creative process. Supported by Skirball staff, he ensured a safe, nurturing environment for students to find their voices and collaborate on writing Walkout! Many of them expressed their fear of what the future holds, especially as first- and secondgeneration immigrants. In Act I, Scene 2, they dramatized a classroom scene in which a teacher asks, “How many of you have family or friends who are undocumented?” The scene is followed by a poem on prejudice and discrimination, poignantly written by fourteen-year-old Ayzha. In it she points out our common humanity and commits herself to standing up for what’s right: What’s so different about us / We all have mommas, daddies, sisters, brothers / We all have the struggle / I want my rights and I’m going to fight for them. As they fine-tuned their script, Grob, an experienced actor, led exercises to help the class build

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Above: Before heading to the auditorium, the student audience prepared for the performance by discussing issues they are facing as a community, including bullying, drug abuse, and affordable health care. Right: The residency participants collaborated on the writing and reading of their poems. In her evaluation of the program, one teacher hailed, “Providing students with a stage that asks for their uncensored voices was the heart of this opportunity.”

confidence and bring life to their words. Working in subcommittees, they assigned roles, figured out props and backdrops, and rehearsed their parts.Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, every teen contributed. Weeks later, at the culminating program at the Skirball, the residency participants put their new skills to the test, garnering cheers from students and teachers alike. After the performance, participants took questions from the audience. Responding to one skeptic who wondered what the point of raising their voices is, one actor-poet, Natali, explained, “It’s important for you guys to speak out—this is your form of voting.” Her classmate Taiwan put it this way: “Something’s gonna happen if we keep talking about [the issues].” Bernardo, a budding rap artist, remarked that the residency made him much more interested in civic life. “It has helped me see things more clearly and what my duty is in government.” For the educators in attendance, it was a moment of pride to witness the students—many of whom were strangers when the program began—come together

Left: Students spoke about the ten-week residency during the Q&A. They were proud to give voice to their experiences as Angeleno youth. Above: The budding performers dramatized an LAUSD school walkout following the November 2016 election.

as a community and support each other through the process. Their CHAS teacher was moved by the growth she witnessed in one student, a shy girl who drew courage from her peers and teachers and read her very own poem before hundreds of people. Praising the participants for their initiative and drive, another teacher in the audience urged the class to take this experience forward and be more than just “a generation of talkers” but “a generation of doers” instead. For the promising young artist-activists, these words of encouragement confirmed what they seemed to have learned during the residency. In their own words, from just one of the many poems they wrote for Walkout!:

And we know We are stronger When we are united. skirball.org

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And we know We are stronger When we are united. skirball.org

Timothy Norris

Ten years have passed since Noah’s Ark at the Skirball™ welcomed its first passengers. Since the children’s and family destination debuted in the summer of 2007, multitudes have boarded the Ark and shared in its wonders—young people and the young at heart, families and friends, teachers and students. A vibrant community has delighted in the ancient tale of storms, arks, and rainbows. As it enters its second decade, Noah’s Ark continues to captivate the public, fulfilling the Skirball’s mission as a place of welcome, meeting, sharing, and caring. After ten years—thanks to you, our supporters, Members, and visitors—Noah’s Ark’s rainbow of hope shines brighter than ever! It reminds us of how far we have come, and how promising the journey remains before us. Peter Turman

SAFE HAVEN FOR ALL

Above: Filled with nearly 400 whimsically designed animal inhabitants, the floor-to-ceiling Ark is a sight to behold upon entering the Noah’s Ark gallery. Pictured here, in the foreground left, a young child encounters the life-sized flamingo puppet, fashioned from pink spools of thread, a pink handbag, and fly swatters. Across the gallery, a team of visitors boards creatures up the ramp. Facing page: Amid the grandeur and artistry of the Ark, quiet, memorable moments take place, like this one between toddler and snowleopard puppet.

skirball.org

Timothy Norris

SAFE HAVEN FOR ALL

skirball.org

departments and an array of community centers offer

dynamic programs for residents fifty years and older. In its mission to welcome all generations, the Skirball has worked with such organizations to support their

efforts. Since 2003, on the first and second Tuesdays of

the month, diverse groups of older adults have made

Culture and camaraderie draw Southern California seniors for memorable visits.

a day of it here—whether they travel from as far as

Over sandwiches and iced tea, several dozen visitors from the Sherman Oaks/East Valley Adult Center gave many reasons for joining today’s outing. Many wished to see the exhibition on Paul Simon, whose music played like a soundtrack to their youth. Two friends wanted to share a meal, then catch the movie. A few others were interested in the morning lecture. One nature lover in a sunhat said she comes for the idyllic setting, as she beamed at the jacarandas in bloom. What they agreed on is that field trips to the Skirball motivate them to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do alone—and stimulate their hearts and minds while doing it.

the buses—it’s a mitzvah!” exclaimed one visitor, in ap-

the Antelope Valley or just down the road on Van Nuys Boulevard. No matter the distance, the seniors are

grateful not to have to drive. “That the Skirball arranges preciation of the Skirball’s longstanding commitment to providing transportation.

Upon arrival, senior groups gather for informal yet

informative talks focused on improving and protecting

their lives. Pertinent subject matter is covered, such as estate planning and fraud prevention. One retiree remarked that after a session on advance healthcare directives years ago—led by longtime Skirball partner

Bet Tzedek—she felt motivated and well equipped to broach the topic with her children. “Becoming educated on how to talk about it was important to my peace of mind.”

Following a lunch buffet, where old friends catch

years, many of them have chosen to explore Noah’s

Ark—even without little ones in tow! As one senior group visitor explained, “It’s really the child in all of us that it appeals to.”

Today’s group from Sherman Oaks chose to

see Paul Simon: Words & Music. At listening stations

throughout the gallery, more than a few fans sang along to their favorite tracks. Paul Simon’s New York

heritage was of interest: two Queens natives wondered

if maybe they’d crossed paths with him back in the day. One visitor, Munni Kapadia, looked intently at Simon’s

United States passport from the 1960s, which he had

used to travel to England at the time. An emigrant from Mercie Ghimire

Munni Kapadia (center) is pleased to meet new people during field trips to the Skirball and delve into fascinating subject matter inside the galleries.

up and new acquaintances get to know each other, the senior groups then head to the galleries. Over the

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GOOD FOR HEART AND MIND

Throughout the region, parks and recreation

Dhaka, Kapadia observed how it resembled her own

Bangladeshi passport from decades ago. This sparked an impromptu conversation about her immigration

to America. Kapadia said she welcomes these cultural

experiences and friendly conversations. “I feel very good about new things to learn,” she said. “And it’s an opportunity to socialize.”

The afternoons conclude with Cinema Tuesdays,

presenting matinees ranging from Hollywood classics

to the best in contemporary films. As the Skirball looks ahead to serving a growing population of seniors in

decades to come, its senior outreach initiative will evolve and deepen. Today everyone was excited to hear

about next year’s retrospective on Leonard Bernstein, opening in April. “Can we sign up today?” inquired one

visitor. “It’s important to keep expanding our minds.”

Facing page: This year’s exhibition on Paul Simon delighted many of the visitors who came on field trips organized by local senior centers. The listening stations took these music fans down memory lane. skirball.org

departments and an array of community centers offer

dynamic programs for residents fifty years and older. In its mission to welcome all generations, the Skirball has worked with such organizations to support their

efforts. Since 2003, on the first and second Tuesdays of

the month, diverse groups of older adults have made

Culture and camaraderie draw Southern California seniors for memorable visits.

a day of it here—whether they travel from as far as

the buses—it’s a mitzvah!” exclaimed one visitor, in ap-

the Antelope Valley or just down the road on Van Nuys Boulevard. No matter the distance, the seniors are

grateful not to have to drive. “That the Skirball arranges preciation of the Skirball’s longstanding commitment to providing transportation.

Upon arrival, senior groups gather for informal yet

informative talks focused on improving and protecting

Bet Tzedek—she felt motivated and well equipped to broach the topic with her children. “Becoming educated on how to talk about it was important to my peace of mind.”

Following a lunch buffet, where old friends catch

years, many of them have chosen to explore Noah’s

Ark—even without little ones in tow! As one senior group visitor explained, “It’s really the child in all of us that it appeals to.”

Today’s group from Sherman Oaks chose to

see Paul Simon: Words & Music. At listening stations

throughout the gallery, more than a few fans sang along to their favorite tracks. Paul Simon’s New York

heritage was of interest: two Queens natives wondered

if maybe they’d crossed paths with him back in the day. One visitor, Munni Kapadia, looked intently at Simon’s

United States passport from the 1960s, which he had

used to travel to England at the time. An emigrant from Mercie Ghimire

Munni Kapadia (center) is pleased to meet new people during field trips to the Skirball and delve into fascinating subject matter inside the galleries.

up and new acquaintances get to know each other, the senior groups then head to the galleries. Over the

Mercie Ghimire

GOOD FOR HEART AND MIND

Throughout the region, parks and recreation

Dhaka, Kapadia observed how it resembled her own

Bangladeshi passport from decades ago. This sparked an impromptu conversation about her immigration

to America. Kapadia said she welcomes these cultural

experiences and friendly conversations. “I feel very good about new things to learn,” she said. “And it’s an opportunity to socialize.”

The afternoons conclude with Cinema Tuesdays,

presenting matinees ranging from Hollywood classics

to the best in contemporary films. As the Skirball looks ahead to serving a growing population of seniors in

decades to come, its senior outreach initiative will evolve and deepen. Today everyone was excited to hear

about next year’s retrospective on Leonard Bernstein, opening in April. “Can we sign up today?” inquired one

visitor. “It’s important to keep expanding our minds.”

R E H T E TOG

G N O S IN

The poignant lyrics, captivating melodies, and infectious rhythms of a legendary musician inspire campus-wide experiences of community.

Lindsey Best

Above: Paul Simon with Ladysmith Black Mambazo during the Graceland tour, Zimbabwe, 1987. Photograph by Luise Gubb. Courtesy of Paul Simon Archive. Left: At this year’s first Sunset Concerts performance, copresented with the Bluegrass Situation, a sold-out crowd came to hear a new generation of troubadours pay tribute to Paul Simon’s legacy. Pictured here are Cary Brothers on vocals and Sean Watkins on guitar, backed up by The Bee Eaters.

At the entrance to the major summer exhibition Paul Simon: Words & Music, an excerpt from an exclusive interview with the artist introduced Skirball visitors to his storied life and career: “It’s absolutely true that music brings people together in a way that they can’t find in any other form. It’s nonverbal and it goes to something that’s deeply ingrained in our DNA.” From the instruments, records, photographs, and handwritten lyrics on display to the listening stations, interactive music lab, and family hangout space, Paul Simon: Words & Music exemplified Simon’s observation: that music forges connections between generations and across cultures. skirball.org

R E H T E TOG

G N O S IN

The poignant lyrics, captivating melodies, and infectious rhythms of a legendary musician inspire campus-wide experiences of community.

Lindsey Best

While celebrating the accomplishments of a singu-

period in American history, Simon’s lyrics paired with Gar-

the people who were instrumental in shaping Simon’s

After the release of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970

funkel’s emotive vocals captured the mood of the nation.

evolution as an artist. Among Simon’s early influences

album Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon had his sights

session musician Louis Simon. Louis not only gifted Paul

Having already experimented with South American folk

was his relationship with his father, bandleader and his first guitar—a circa 1954 Stadium acoustic guitar on

view in the exhibition—and taught him a few chords; Louis was also a model for how Paul would collaborate with his peers. In an interview for the exhibition, Paul

explained, “I learned a lot about being a bandleader from [my father]—the interaction of how he related to other musicians.”

In 1953, when he was just twelve years old, Simon

had an opportunity to emulate his father: he befriended

classmate Art Garfunkel, forming a creative partnership that would inspire some of Simon’s most celebrated

songwriting. Officially dubbed Simon & Garfunkel in

1964, the duo released a number of hits—including

“The Sound of Silence” (1964), “Mrs. Robinson” (1968),

Mia Cariño

on connecting with communities around the globe.

contributors

melodies on the Simon & Garfunkel song “El Condor Pasa

Elena Bonomo Kathryn Girard Megan Ro Anna Schwarz

(If I Could)” (1970), Simon parted ways with Garfunkel

to explore new directions in his songwriting. As a solo

artist, Simon drew inspiration, and in turn new fans, from a variety of places. This can be heard in the Jamaican

design

reggae bounce of “Mother and Child Reunion” (1972);

Picnic Design

the Brazilian percussion driving “Me and Julio Down by

printing

the Schoolyard” (1972); and, perhaps most notably, the

Colornet Press

township jive of South Africa on the landmark album

Graceland (1986). When roughly 750,000 fans flocked to

New York City’s Central Park in 1991 to see Simon, backed

by African and South American bands, the power of music

Front cover:

to bring diverse communities together was undeniable.

Photography by Elon Schoenholz

Following Simon’s lead, the Skirball’s presenta-

“The Boxer” (1970), and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

tion of Paul Simon: Words & Music offered multiple

musical acts of the decade. During this tumultuous

music. At listening stations inside the exhibition, a

(1970)—that secured their place among the biggest

editor

ways for visitors to connect with one another through

Page 7: Photography by Steve Cohn Timothy Norris

lar musician, Paul Simon: Words & Music foregrounded

Spanning six decades, Paul Simon’s career has drawn fans across the generations. Originated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, then reimagined and expanded by the Skirball, Paul Simon: Words & Music traced the artist’s remarkable journey to date and illuminated his creative process.

father introduced his two teenage sons to the Simon

& Garfunkel albums that defined his youth. Across the hallway, in the Music Lab created exclusively for the

Skirball by Roland Corporation U.S., onetime strang-

ers became bandmates in a drum circle, creating new Mercie Ghimire

Timothy Norris

rhythms for “Cecilia” (1970) and “The Obvious Child”

Throughout the exhibition’s four-month run, the Music Lab proved to be a popular stop for both seasoned instrumentalists and people who had little to no experience in music. Impromptu drum circles formed around this central table, as visitors added their own beats to “Cecilia” and “The Obvious Child.” On the adjacent terrace, in the sunny hangout space called The Park, families like this father-daughter pair tried their hand at making music together, too.

(1990). And on the terrace outside the galleries, little ones and their parents gathered in a family hangout

space, where they picked up instruments and staged their own “Concert in the Park.” Both in the galleries and throughout the Skirball, Paul Simon’s legacy in-

spired visitors to come together—with friends, family, and fellow museumgoers—and appreciate all that we can create as a community.

STAY CONNECTED

While celebrating the accomplishments of a singu-

period in American history, Simon’s lyrics paired with Gar-

the people who were instrumental in shaping Simon’s

After the release of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970

funkel’s emotive vocals captured the mood of the nation.

evolution as an artist. Among Simon’s early influences

album Bridge Over Troubled Water, Simon had his sights

session musician Louis Simon. Louis not only gifted Paul

Having already experimented with South American folk

was his relationship with his father, bandleader and his first guitar—a circa 1954 Stadium acoustic guitar on

view in the exhibition—and taught him a few chords; Louis was also a model for how Paul would collaborate with his peers. In an interview for the exhibition, Paul

explained, “I learned a lot about being a bandleader from [my father]—the interaction of how he related to other musicians.”

In 1953, when he was just twelve years old, Simon

had an opportunity to emulate his father: he befriended

classmate Art Garfunkel, forming a creative partnership that would inspire some of Simon’s most celebrated

songwriting. Officially dubbed Simon & Garfunkel in

1964, the duo released a number of hits—including

“The Sound of Silence” (1964), “Mrs. Robinson” (1968),

Mia Cariño

on connecting with communities around the globe.

contributors

melodies on the Simon & Garfunkel song “El Condor Pasa

Elena Bonomo Kathryn Girard Megan Ro Anna Schwarz

(If I Could)” (1970), Simon parted ways with Garfunkel

to explore new directions in his songwriting. As a solo

artist, Simon drew inspiration, and in turn new fans, from a variety of places. This can be heard in the Jamaican

design

reggae bounce of “Mother and Child Reunion” (1972);

Picnic Design

the Brazilian percussion driving “Me and Julio Down by

printing

the Schoolyard” (1972); and, perhaps most notably, the

Colornet Press

township jive of South Africa on the landmark album

Graceland (1986). When roughly 750,000 fans flocked to

New York City’s Central Park in 1991 to see Simon, backed

by African and South American bands, the power of music

Front cover:

to bring diverse communities together was undeniable.

Photography by Elon Schoenholz

Following Simon’s lead, the Skirball’s presenta-

“The Boxer” (1970), and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

tion of Paul Simon: Words & Music offered multiple

musical acts of the decade. During this tumultuous

music. At listening stations inside the exhibition, a

(1970)—that secured their place among the biggest

editor

ways for visitors to connect with one another through

Page 7: Photography by Steve Cohn Timothy Norris

lar musician, Paul Simon: Words & Music foregrounded

father introduced his two teenage sons to the Simon

& Garfunkel albums that defined his youth. Across the hallway, in the Music Lab created exclusively for the

Skirball by Roland Corporation U.S., onetime strang-

ers became bandmates in a drum circle, creating new Mercie Ghimire

Timothy Norris

rhythms for “Cecilia” (1970) and “The Obvious Child”

(1990). And on the terrace outside the galleries, little ones and their parents gathered in a family hangout

space, where they picked up instruments and staged their own “Concert in the Park.” Both in the galleries and throughout the Skirball, Paul Simon’s legacy in-

spired visitors to come together—with friends, family, and fellow museumgoers—and appreciate all that we can create as a community.

STAY CONNECTED

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Los Angeles, CA 90049

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skirball.org

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