Capturing Spirit

LOCAL GALLERIES

Dirk Braun’s aviation-inspired art gallery

BY EMMANUEL LUISSI

Filmmaker, photographer, and pilot Dirk Braun features a combination of aviation, travel photography, original neon art, and a collection of unique antiques from around the world and is now available for all to see right here in Malibu.

Dirk said he wanted his gallery to be an extension of himself and, his art, and stated that Malibu was the perfect place.

“I’m so happy to be in Malibu; it’s wonderful,” Dirk shared. “Malibu is a place that embodies my interests of surfing, flying, and filmmaking, and I love this space on Malibu Road. I’m so excited to have all kinds of people to walk in and check out this work.”

The gallery builds on Dirk’s artistic projects following the world premiere of his first film, “Flying Boat,” in 2021. The 77-minute documentary made its premiere at the EAA AirVenture Fly-In and Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the largest aviation festival in the world.

The documentary focuses on an aircraft called the Grumman Albatross, an amphibious seaplane first manufactured in the late 1940s, and the pilots and mechanics who have restored, fly and maintain the remaining “flying boats.”

Dirk explained that the aircraft has been an inspiration for him ever since a friend introduced him to it back in his college years.

“It’s the most diversely capable aircraft ever made,” Dirk stated. “It speaks to fantasy and adventure like no other aircraft. It’s a beautiful relic from a long-lost era that’s inspired me greatly.”

Dirk shared that his deep interest led him to start research on the plane as well as beginning to meet people in the tight-knit community that restored and maintained these few remaining aircraft.

He began shooting his film in 2016, a project that would take five years to complete. During this time, Dirk shot the film, shot photos, and became a pilot.

The gallery houses a collection of Dirk’s landscape and cityscape photography, shot both on land and in the air, that were shot during the production of “Flying Boat.” The collection of antiques and art that complement Dirk’s work were collected and curated by him to reflect his world travels and interests.

Dirk was joined by collaborators who helped bring his work to Malibu to share with the public.

Adam Devkota, a consultant for BowHaus Inc., the art production company that helped present Dirk’s work at the gallery, said Dirk’s work is incredible.

“It’s really compelling. I think it’s unusual,” Adam said. “It’s unlike anything shown around here like Santa Monica, Palisades. I don’t know anyone who has work quite like this, especially in the scale or quality.”

He shared that Dirk’s work represents an ocean and travel aesthetic, and water is important to it. Adam believes Dirk is building a niche for himself that is a perfect fit for Malibu.

Melissa Wisenbaker, the gallery manager and publicist for Dirk Braun Gallery, said his work is inspiring. She explained that the gallery has a casual, inviting atmosphere and knows Dirk will be excited to meet members of the community and share his art and experiences with them.

“I think the gallery is amazing; I think it’s exactly what Malibu needs,” Melissa shared. “I think it’s going to bring some young, fun energy. Everything kind of relates to aviation, adventure, and travel. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to that, and it’ll get them excited.”

Dirk shared that the gallery will serve as the sales office for the G111T, the newest iteration of the Albatross. The gallery will partner with Australian company Amphibian Aerospace Industries, which is bringing the Albatross back to life with turbine engines and modern technology.

According to the company’s website, the base model of the G111T will boast new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F engines providing substantially improved performance, fuel economy, and reliability. The website also says the G111T will have different variants of the aircraft to serve different purposes. The variants include a Combi Passenger/Combo, Aeromedevac, Aeromedical, and Search and Rescue.

The modern aircraft will be manufactured in Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia.

AAI Chairman Khoa Hoang said the aircraft is of great practical use to humanity.

“We can’t wait to deliver the first G111T-Albatross — made in the Northern Territory,” Khoa explained.

Dirk also shared his excitement to be a part of the future of the Albatross.

“It’s big news in the aviation world, and this is the sales office for that aircraft,” Dirk said.

To view Dirk Braun’s work, visit him online at dirkbraungallery.com or visit the gallery in person at 23708 Malibu Road in Malibu by appointment.

Winter Events in Malibu

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NOVEMBER 5 NUBIAN JEWELRY: FAMILY WORKSHOP AT THE GETTY VILLA

Make your own crown and royal regalia inspired by ancient Nubian designs with artist Marcus Kuiland-Nazario at the Getty Villa on Saturday, November 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Travel back in time to the Central Nile Valley, discover the precious materials used to make the magnificent jewelry worn by Nubian royalty, and embellish your creation with amulets meant to protect the living and the dead. This free, drop-in program complements the exhibition Nubian Jewelry: Splendors of Ancient Sudan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

NOVEMBER 5 AND 6 MALIBU HALF MARATHON (3)

The 14th Annual Malibu Half Marathon scenic course offers runners a rare opportunity to run the storied Pacific Coast Highway and experience Malibu. The Malibu 5K Run/Walk takes place on Saturday, November 5, and the Malibu Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 6; visit runmalibu.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 6 MALIBU ART IN THE PARK

Malibu Art in the Park on Sunday, November 6, at Legacy Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Ten percent of the profits will be donated to charity. For more information, visit allevents.in.

NOVEMBER 12 AND DECEMBER 3 SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS REAL NIGHTLIFE EXPOSED

Wildlife photography taken with a camera trap—a camera triggered by a motion sensor—reveals animals we might never see with our own eyes. Johanna Turner returns to the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center with an all-new collection of images. Meet the artist on Saturday, November 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is $7, and the lunch is $15 approximately.

This is a free event with free parking. For reservations or more information, call (805) 370-2302. For directions to the Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center, visit nps.gov. A portion of the funds from art sales will be used to support art and cultural programs.

NOVEMBER 14 MALIBU FILM SOCIETY FILM SCREENINGS BEGIN

The Malibu Film Society has announced 14 films for the season. In-person screenings will continue to take place at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8. Their first contender in the race for Best Documentary Feature, “Oleg,” is the

incredible life story of one of the Soviet Union’s most beloved actors. Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime, so there will be plenty of time to grab your seats.

For the latest version of their downloadable screening calendar, visit malibu film society.org. The first seven shows are now listed on their website. To start booking your seats, submit your link requests for online screenings on mfsreservations.org.

NOVEMBER 17 PEPPERDINE THEATRE: INTO THE WOODS

The Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by James Lapine. Hollace Starr, Director presented with the Pepperdine University Orchestra. Long-Tao Tang, Conductor. A childless baker and his wife endeavor to lift their family curse by journeying into the woods, where they encounter Rapunzel (and her witchy “mother”), Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and other classic fairy tale characters, and they all must learn the responsibility that comes with getting what you want. Mature themes recommended for ages 14+. Visit arts.pepperdine.edu.

NOVEMBER 19 UNDER THE STARS: ASTRONOMY NIGHT

View the night sky with professional astronomers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society on Sat, November 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Malibu Bluffs Park. This is a complimentary family-friendly event and includes the shared use of a telescope. Preregistration is required by Monday, November 14. Register online at MalibuCity.org/Register.

NOVEMBER 21 ROSENTHAL THE MALIBU ESTATE WINE BAR AND PATIO

Enjoy an evening of fun and art with local artist Simeon James on November 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rosenthal Tasting Room. Tickets are $45 per person. Includes all painting supplies and 1 glass of wine. To make a reservation, visit rosenthalestatewines.com.

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMEMBER 31 ADAMSON HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOURS (PHOTO 1)

Docent-led tours of the house will run Fridays and Saturdays from November 25 through December 31. Tours will begin at 10 a.m. and start every half hour, with the final tour of the day at 2:30 p.m. Walkins accepted for parties of less than six people. Visit adamsomehouse.org

MONTH OF DECEMBER MALIBU COUNTRY MART, LUMBER YARD, COLONY PLAZA AND MALIBU VILLAGE (2)

Local shopping areas in Malibu offer winter festivities, such as caroling and craft making workshops, Santa Visits and Hanukah celebrations.

DECEMBER 1 JOY PEPPERDINE CHOIR ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Celebrate the holiday season with the Pepperdine Fine Arts Christmas Concert! It features the Pepperdine Concert Choir and Orchestra playing classic holiday music.

DECEMBER 4 JOY TO THE WORLD: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL JOURNEY FEATURING DAMIEN SNEED (4)

Celebrate the season with Damien Sneed, the multitalented composer, conductor, musician, and vocalist, in his Joy to the World: A Christmas Musical Journey. Sneed will perform on keyboards and vocals with a group of phenomenal singers and musicians as they render Sneed’s unique arrangements of familiar Christmas carols, original holiday tunes, classical favorites, folk songs, spirituals, and more. Visit arts.pepperdine.edu

DECEMBER 10, 11 PACIFIC BALLET DANCE THEATRE. JOYS OF THE SEASON (5)

At the Smothers Theatre

On Saturday, December 10, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m., The Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, a fully professional company, will present “Joys of the Season” at Pepperdine University’s Smother’s Theatre.

This holiday performance will feature excerpts from The Nutcracker, The Little Match Girl, and Les Patineurs (The Skaters Waltz). Artistic Director Natasha Middleton, winner of 10 International Film Festivals for her dance film, Dissension Within, has been critically acclaimed for her ballet choreography.

For information about Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre, visit us at Pbdtla.org.

DECEMBER 16 TOMMY EMMANUEL AT PEPPERDINE

Two-time Grammy-nominee Tommy Emmanuel, one of Australia’s most respected guitarists, has a repertoire that spans pop, jazz, blues, gospel, classical, flamenco, and aboriginal styles. Known as one of this planet’s greatest guitarists, Tommy Emmanuel’s music is joyful and simply miraculous, winning him hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide.

Special guest Mike Dawes. Tickets are $30-$65. A limited number of VIP Packages are available visit arts.pepperdine.edu