LA ART NEWS A R T S A N D C U LT U R E F O R A L L O F L O S A N G E L E S VOLUME 5 NO. 12
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MARCH 2018
ARTS FOR ALL STUDENTS
LAUSD STRIVES TO CLOSE THE GAP “Too many absences Bad attitude A trouble maker who’ll never make it And he’s left alone He’s going once He’s going twice He’s going and almost gone But then…and art teacher come Come on now…in LA Unified School District Music…visual artists…theater… Dance teacher comes along And the foolish crowd just can’t quite understand the worth of a child and the change that’s brought by the touch of that art teacher’s hands. Arts Education Executive Director Rory Pullens reads to That, ladies and gentlemen, is what summarizes the power, the transformative power, that the students at Rio Vista Elementary School. (photo: LAUSD Arts arts have and its ability to impact our young people.” Education Branch) —Rory Pullens, Los Angeles Unified School District Executive Director of the Arts There are a great many good reasons to include arts programming in school curricula. Students exposed to arts tend to do well in other subjects. Arts increase test scores. Exposure to arts increases attendance, and students of low socio-economic status who have strong arts exposure have a graduation rate five times higher than their peers without the arts. One in six jobs in Los Angeles is in a creative industry. Arts connect one to one’s community. They lead to understanding of the cultures of one’s school and one’s neighborhood. In 2012 The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education voted to implement a five-year arts plan, crafted to increase the presence of arts in the schools and to make them part of the core curriculum. That initial five years has come to an end. In February, the Board of Education took an in-depth look at where arts in the schools now stand and Students from Budlong Elementary School and LAUSD’s special programming for Black History Month (photo: LAUSD Arts Education Branch)
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DREAMING THE UNIVERSE
THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE, FICTION, AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In the 1930s, Southern California had just recently entered the ranks of world-class metropolis. The population had swollen at a dizzying rate, creating a region that was more than a bit in awe of itself. The past may have been sleepy, but the future was going to be exciting. The region was fertile ground for science fiction. “Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction, and Southern California,” at the Pasadena Museum of History, documents the widespread role of science fiction in Southern California, beginning in 1930, when the discovery of Pluto led earthlings to look outward, to the 1980s and a society shaken by social change. Southern California was home to the birth of the Rocket Age, with the first rocket tests in the Arroyo Seco in 1936. It was also home to two very relevant industries, aeronautics and motion pictures. The Land of Sunshine, meanwhile, became a mecca for people who thought outside the box. Such names as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Gene Roddenberry, and Octavia Butler made their marks here. The science fiction genre spread across mediums to include novels, movies, television shows, fine art and illustration, animation, toys and games, store window displays, and even urban design. Depictions fluctuated wildly, from intergalactic warfare to hopes for peace, from utopian aspirations Lieutenant Paloma and Scotty’s Uniforms from Star Trek, to stark dystopia, from a 1966-1969 lily-white future with men in charge and women as decoration to truly egalitarian structures. All of which led to the genre’s fandom, the world of devotees who furthered the sci fi universe through newsletters, discussions, artwork, and collectables. “Dreaming the Universe is curated by Nick Smith, former president of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society. Mr. Smith has assembled the objects seen in the exhibit from far and wide—including private collections, JPL, Carnegie Observatories, Caltech, Syd Mead, NBCUniversal, Western Costume Company, and more. Ape head and boots from Planet of the Apes, 1968 Costume design by Morton Haack Super 8 film reel case for Planet of the Apes
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began the process of determining what phase two could look like. LAUSD has more than doubled its arts education budget in the past few years. This school year the budget is $36 million. Every elementary and secondary school now has an arts program, including the 25 secondary schools that didn’t have any arts to speak of in 2014. However, according to Dr. Pullens, “There’s a difference between saying that you have an arts program in every single school and every single child in that school being exposed to the arts.” “If every single child were to be exposed to the arts K through 12, we would go from a budget of $36 million where we currently are, and we would actually need closer to about $174 million.” Phase one made use of a groundbreaking tool, an “Arts Equity Index.” The index categorizes all LAUSD schools based on what arts they are providing to their students. Dr. Pullens told the board that this understanding allows the district to identify which schools are underserved and underresourced in order to allocate resources where they are most needed, including to such previously underserved populations as Title 1, foster youth, homeless youth, and English language learners. In 2014, 65% of LAUSD schools were rated as underserved or grossly underserved. “We have a goal that all schools by 2020 will be at the higher echelon of the Arts Equity Index,” said Dr. Pullens. How to get to that point is a complicated matter. LAUSD has 258 itinerant elementary arts teachers, meaning that every elementary school has some arts instruction. At schools that are part of the “Creative Network,” third through fifth-grade students receive nine weeks of instruction in each of four disciplines—music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Transitional Kindergarten through second grade students get arts integrated into other lesson plans. The Creative Network began with nine schools in 2014-15. The number was increased to 53 this academic year. And according to Dr. Steven McCarthy of the Arts Education Branch, they hope to increase the number of schools to 70 next year. This year, the district launched an “Arts Action Force” funded by the Stuart Foundation at three schools for students who have been involved with the juvenile justice system. The integration of arts into other subjects is increasingly popular, and many entities outside the district, such as CalArts, MOCA, the Armory, Urban Arts Partnership, the Music Center, and Skirball Cultural Center have partnered on the effort. Fifty-five community arts partners serve over 200 schools. Six thousand students were able to see “Hamilton” at the Pantages, engage with cast and crew, experience performing on the Pantages stage, and see the themes of the play in relation to their study of American history. Two hundred busses took close to 7,000 students to see 45 exhibits exploring Latinx art and culture as part of the Getty’s “Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA” initiative. And, according to Dr. Pullens, the Arts Education Branch continues to forge relationships with more community arts partners. “It is possible,” said Board of Education President Mónica García of the idea of bringing arts education to every LAUSD student. “It is a challenge to our organization and the community. I like these kinds of targets. We’ve gone from 14 to 36, [million], and we have seen amazing transformation, where today it is available in every school. To get to every child we have to close the gap to the 173. Awesome.” continued from page 1 Dreaming the Universe: The Intersection of Science, Fiction, and Southern California Pasadena Museum of History Through September 2 470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena www.pasadenahistory.org
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MARCH 2018
Space Patrol Rocket Lite (flashlight) in original box, circa 1952 Space Patrol Outer Space Plastic Helmet, circa 1953 Tom Corbett Space Cadet Lunch Box with Thermos, circa 1954 Space Ranger Rocky Jones & Tom Corbett Space Cadet wristwatches, with Space Rocket Display Box, circa 1954
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The Hasty Hare, 1952 Chuck Jones
Irwin Plastic Mechanical Shooting Man From Mars, circa 1950
Dr. Joan Dale Uniform, worn by Margaret Garland on Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, circa 1950
Costume Drawings from The Day the Earth Stood Still, 1951 Costumes designed by Travilla and Clinton Sandeen (who were uncredited)
Ray Bradbury’s glasses and case The Illustrated Man, 1963 edition, Bantam Books
Christopher Slatoff, The Illustrated Man, 2007 Inspired by the artist’s friendship with Ray Bradbury
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HIGHLAND PARK HERITAGE TRUST CELEBRATION 35 YEARS OF SAFEGUARDING HISTORY
It’s difficult to imagine what Northeast Los Angeles would look like without the Highland Park Heritage Trust. In the 1980s, when neighborhood corridors across the country were beginning to look like non-stop strip malls, the HPHT took on the monumental task of protecting and preserving the historic architecture and built environment of Highland Park, Garvanza, Mount Washington, Hermon, Montecito Heights, and Cypress Park. HPHT works diligently to keep colorful neighborhood history part of a vibrant present day. The Trust provides walking tours, awards programs, and printed materials. It was and is an instrumental part of establishing and maintaining the Highland Park-Garvanza Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. (HPOZ), the largest officially recognized HPOZ in the City with over 2,500 contributing structures and the first to include both residential and commercial properties. Since 1983, HPHT has successfully nominated more that 70 designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments. As part of Friends of the Southwest Museum, the Trust has worked to keep the City’s oldest museum functioning as a museum as its historic Mount Washington location. It has moved historic houses to save them, gotten the Arroyo Seco Parkway declared a National Scenic Byway, and advocated for a neighborhood-sensitive arrival of the Metro Gold Line. The public is invited to join the Highland Park Heritage Trust in celebrating its 35th anniversary at a March 18 gala. The event will provide an opportunity to experience some of the architectural and artistic richness of the Arroyo Seco region, while supporting the continuing work of HPHT to preserve these riches for the next generation. The gala will be held at The Abbey San Encino, one of the area’s great treasures, usually only glimpsed by the public through a fence or from the Gold Line. The Abbey is built of arroyo stone, and is a stunning example of Arroyo culture. It was built by hand by printer Clyde Browne over a space of years from the early 1900s into the 1920s, and it includes the Clyde Brown Printing Studio, which mentored a generation of craft printers; a celebrated Judson Studios stained glass window; and rock, brick, and bells assembled from such diverse sources as Mission San Gabriel, ja shuttered bar, and a Southern Pacific train. In addition to the Browne family, the Abbey was home to a wide assortment of artists, artisans, authors and landscapers. The property is still owned and occupied by descendants of Clyde Browne. The celebration will feature live music, a local artisan fair, a silent auction, refreshments, and tours of the Abby San Encino (including its rumored dungeon). Highlights will include blacksmithing with Heather McClarty and Adam’s Forge, plein air painting with Roderick Smith, glass art demos with Cathi Milligan and the Glass Studio, locally-made gourmet items by Jenkin’s Jellies, vintage lighting fixtures by Character Projects, Folk Tree Collection art with Rosamaria Marquez and Rock Rose Gallery, and ceramics with Cathy Akers. Stump speeches will include presentations on Arroyo Seco Culture by historian Charles Fisher.
Abbey San Encino (photo: Martha Benedict)
The Judson Studios window at Abbey San Encino (photo: Martha Benedict)
Abbey San Encino 6211 Arroyo Glen Street, Highland Park March 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $40 including a guided tour of the Abbey. Children 12 and under admitted free. Tickets are available online at www.highlandparkheritagetrust.org or at the door. (Tickets for the tour are limited; advance purchase is recommended.) 10 a.m.: Coffee and pastries 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Artisan fair, live events, and silent auction 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Docent-led tours of the Abbey every half hour 3-5 p.m.: Closing reception featuring wine, cheese, music, and friendship
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STAFF Publisher/ Creative Director Cathi Milligan Managing Editor Margaret Arnold Intern Vince Caldera Contributors: Margaret Arnold, Cornelius Peter, Brian Mallman, Jeremy Kaplan, Amy Inouye, Stuart Rapeport, Cathi Milligan, Jennifer Hitchcock, Tomas Benitez, Harvey Slater, Kristine Schomaker, Madame X, Larisa Code, DW Jacobs LA Art News is published monthly at the beginning of each month. LA Art News is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from LA Art News, take more than one copy of each monthly issue. Additional copies of the current issue are available for $1, payable in advance, at LA Art News office. Only authorized LA Art News distributors may distribute the LA Art News. Copyright No news stories, illustrations, editorial matter or advertisements herein can be reproduced without written consent of copyright owner.
SPRINGTIME AND SO MUCH ART! Thankfully spring is coming this month!! It’s been so cold...I know, but really, we live here for the weather. The sunshine and warmth and it’s coming!! Time change, longer days, more art. We had so much cool art in the last NELAart Second Saturday Gallery night that it has overflowed onto extra pages. And I anticipate even more for March. March will be a busy month. There’s the march, March 24th. We all must go to support the students and gun control. This is very important. Speaking of kids...educators are realizing that, yes, art is important. Get it back in schools. Expose kids to creative thinking and watch their minds expand.We certainly need that for our future. Thanks, Cathi Milligan Publisher, LA Art News
How to reach us LA Art News 5668 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 323-387-9705 Contributions cathi@laartnews.com Calendar information margaretnelaart@gmail.com Sales - cathi@laartnews.com sign up for our newsletter at laartnews.com Where’s Monica?
GOVERNMENT NOTES NEA, NEH AND CPB ON CHOPPING BLOCK—YES, AGAIN For the second year in a row, the White House’s proposed FY 2019 budget includes the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The three agencies were saved in the last budget round due to bi-partisan Congressional support, and due to serious lobbying on the part of arts activists. “We understand that the President’s budget request is a first step in a very long budget process,” said NEA Chairperson Jane Chu. We stand ready to assist in that process as we continue to operate as usual.” “As NEH awaits Congressional action on the President’s proposed budget, the agency is continuing normal operations and will be making the next round of FY 2018 awards following the meeting of the National Council in March,” said NEH Senior Deputy Chairman Jon Parrish Peede. “Americans place great value on having universal access to public media’s educational and informational programming and services, provided commercial free and free of charge,” said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “Since there is no viable substitute for federal funding that would ensure this valued service continues, the elimination of federal funding to CPB would at first devastate, and then ultimately destroy public media’s ability to provide early childhood content, life-saving emergency alerts, and local journalism.” “Today, the White House doubled down on its appalling request to eliminate key agencies that help museums nationwide serve their communities,” said Laura Lott, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums. “These continued threats only reaffirm how critical our ongoing advocacy efforts will be in 2018. President Trump’s last round of misguided cuts has already been rejected by committees on both sides of Capitol Hill. The museum field must now work with its bipartisan allies in Congress to ensure this reckless proposal meets the same fate.” AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS ACTION FUND STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED FEDERAL BUDGET: Following the release of the White House proposed FY 2019 budget, Americans for the Arts and Americans for the Arts Action Fund President Robert L. Lynch released the following statement: “I am troubled by the short-sightedness of the Trump Administration’s proposed FY2019 budget, which calls for termination of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The proposed budget ignores the fact that Congress soundly rejected this same attempt last year to terminate the nation’s cultural agencies, including the NEA, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. With only a $150 million annual appropriation, the NEA’s investment in every congressional district in the country contributes to a $730 billion arts and culture industry in America, representing 4.2 percent of the annual GDP. The nation’s arts and culture industry supports 4.8 million jobs and yields a $26 billion trade surplus for our country. Despite the President’s State of the Union speech proclaiming 'Americans fill the world with art and music,' there seems to be a disconnect on the need to invest in our nation’s future support of the arts and arts education. The federal investment in the arts helps power the creative economy across the country. “The NEA’s budget is just 0.004 percent of the federal budget. That amounts to 47 cents per capita. In fact, the NEA budget has been losing its share of federal discretionary spending and failing to keep pace with inflation. When adjusted for inflation, the NEA’s 1992 budget would be more than twice the current budget. “For more than 50 years, the NEA has expanded access to the arts for all Americans, awarding grants in every Congressional district throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories as well as placing arts therapists in 12 military hospitals to help returning soldiers heal from traumatic brain injuries. It is because of programs like these that congressional appropriators have chosen, on a bipartisan basis, to reject the Administration’s call for termination of the agency, and instead provide ongoing funding. “Americans for the Arts stands ready to fight for the arts on a bipartisan basis with the 95,000 nonprofit arts organizations across the United States, with the hundreds of arts advocates who will come to Washington, DC, on March 13, 2018, for the 31st annual Arts Advocacy Day, the business community, and the hundreds of thousands of arts advocates that are part of the Arts Action Fund. We work with numerous partners from across the spectrum to make the case for federal funding and NEH Acting Chairman Jon Peede hears from staff of the federal role of the agencies in fostering investment, spurring job-related growth, expanding educational opportunities, the Durham Museum about its collections. Mr. Peede and providing for the preservation of our heritage.”
has been nominated to chair the NEH. (photo: National Endowment for the Humanities)
NEW NEH CHAIR The White House is nominating Jon Parrish Peede to serve as the 11th Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Mr. Peede joined NEH in April of 2017 and is currently its Senior Deputy Chairman, head of the agency. Under his leadership NEH has created a new category of grants to support infrastructure and capacity-building at humanities institutions, issued emergency grants for cultural organizations affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, expanded its grant offerings for museum exhibitions, and formed new partnerships with Blue Star Families and the First Nations Development Institute for reading and discussion initiatives for military families and the revitalization of Native American languages. PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT AFRICAN AMERICAN SITES Congressmember Wm. Lacy Clay’s African American Civil Rights Network Act has been signed into law. The Act, which was signed by 72 cosponsors on both sides of the aisle, authorizes the National Park Service to establish a program to preserve and protect the memory of the people and places that are significant to the struggle to secure equal rights for African Americans during the modern civil rights era between 1939-1968, as well as sites with a verifiable connection to the civil rights movement that are included in or are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
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continued from page 5 CITY MOTION ADDRESSES GENTRIFICATION IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, joined by Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Curren Price, has introduced a motion to study the feasibility of a Neighborhood Stabilization Program to address the displacement of poor and working families and small businesses in South Los Angeles. The motion cites a recent development boom and the disproportionate impact of the affordable housing crisis on Black residents as significant threats to the stability of South Los Angeles neighborhoods. “South Los Angeles is one of the last affordable communities in L.A., with the largest concentrations of African Americans in the City,” said Councilmember Harris-Dawson. “Prices are far outpacing incomes and we still have a painfully high unemployment rate; we need to act now.” The motion calls out the devastating and institutional challenges that South Los Angeles faces as destabilizing forces that make residents from South Los Angeles particularly vulnerable to displacement and gentrification. These include high unemployment, stagnant wages, vacant properties, historic redlining, foreclosures, and predatory lending while rents and home prices continuously outpace wages. “Our city is only as strong as each of its neighborhoods," said Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson. "Only by being proactive will we have a chance at protecting Angelenos and preserving the economic and cultural vibrancy of South L.A." Twenty-five years after the LA civil unrest, South Los Angeles is poised to undergo new levels of economic development across the region. However, the Councilmembers are concerned that current residents may not see the benefits of that investment without a “Neighborhood Stabilization” plan. “It’s time the City take a long, hard look at policies and mechaCity Councilmember Curren Price honors members nisms that help working-class families hit hardest by the housof the Black Panther Party at City Hall. (Photo: ing affordability crisis,” said Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr. Councilmember Price’s Office) “South LA residents are already burdened by economic hardships, high unemployment rates and disproportionate disparities across the spectrum. They shouldn’t have to worry about gentrification and displacement on top of every day challenges.”
Lunar New Year at City Hall (photo: Councilmember Ryu’s Office) Herb Wesson and State Assemblymember Miguel Santiago.
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS IN HONOR OF KOREAN AMERICAN PERFORMER On February 16, the Los Angeles City Council adjourned in memory of Mr. Samuel Kim. Mr. Kim, who was 72 years old, was part of a Korean cultural performance group that performed for seniors and other community groups. He made the three-hour trip from Hesparia to Los Angeles to perform at a Lunar New Year celebration at the Korean Senior and Community Center, where he passed away before the performance began. “He left this world doing something that he loved and giving back to the community,” said City Councilmember David Ryu, who was present at the event along with Council President
THE LEGACY OF CENTRAL AVENUE The Legacy of Central Avenue was honored at the Los Angeles City Council meeting of February 16. “The Avenue is certainly well known for its history of jazz and blues clubs,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who represents the area. “But also over the years, thousands of businesses and organizations have contributed to the rich legacy of Central Avenue, despite changing demographics.” Councilmember Price spotlighted three organizations. The Black Panther Party is often remembered over a 1969 shootout that began with a police raid on the party headquarters at Central Avenue and 41st Street. But there is much more to the legacy. The Black Panthers were pioneers in providing free breakfasts in schools. They provided medical services and programming for youth and seniors. Since 1970, the Central Neighborhood Health Foundation has provided quality health care to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. The foundation emerged after the Watts riots, at a time when there was no healthcare available in the neighborhood. The 27th Street Bakery is a third generation business. Since 1956, it has provided jobs and quality baked goods.
Leadership of the California African American Museum (l-r: board members Todd Hawkins, Terri Holoman, Deputy Director Kaima Keith, Executive Director George Davis) is honored by City Councilmember Curren Price (photo: Councilmember Price’s Office)
Figure Skaters Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner are honored by City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (photo: Councilmember O’Farrell’s Office)
LUNAR NEW YEAR OBSERVED AT CITY HALL A Lion Dance kicked off the annual observance of the Lunar New Year at Los Angeles City Hall. This year’s event, marking the Year of the Earth Dog, was hosted by Councilmembers David Ryu, Gilbert Cedillo and Herb Wesson. According to Councilmember Ryu, the Lunar Year is observed by China, Korea, Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Los Angeles. This region is home to more than 1.8 million Asian Americans. Councilmember Ryu explained that the dog represents loyalty, hard work, and fairness. Earth is a stable, grounding element, reminding us of our common roots, and to plant seeds for future growth. The earth element reminds us that the highest mountain is climbable, one foot in front of the other, and that nothing great is won alone, it takes community.
TAI BABILONIA AND RANDY GARDNER HONORED AT CITY HALL As the Winter Olympics wrapped up in South Korea, the Los Angeles City Council honored pairs figure skating legends Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner. The duo, who are from Los Angeles, have skated together for 50 years, having been paired by coach Mabel Fairbanks when they were eight and ten years old respectively. They went on to win five U.S. National Championships and a World Championship in 1979. Their career has been groundbreaking in many regards. Not only did they win championships for the United States in a sport dominated by the Soviet Union, but they were paired by an African American coach in a very white sport, and Ms. Babilonia herself is of African American, Filippina and Hopi heritage. Today, the duo gives to the
Coco (Disney/Pixar). Made in Hollywood. continued on page 10
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THE HIGHLAND PARK INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL TURNS 5! Call for Entries is Open
After delivering the first film festival in Highland Park history in October of 2014, the team of filmmakers forge towards their fifth year of bringing independent cinema to Northeast Los Angeles in the heart of Highland Park. The Highland Park Independent Film Festival has opened the call for entries for the 5th Annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival (HPIFF). HPIFF seeks filmmakers who have produced unique and captivating independent cinema and wish to screen their work in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles. The festivities and screenings for the 2018 HPIFF edition open on October 4 and run through October 7, 2018 at the historic Highland Theater located at 5604 N Figueroa Street. HPIFF accepts films of any genre in the following categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, and Animation. Awards will be given for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Feature Doc, Best Short Doc, Animation and Audience Awards. HPIFF also has distinguished awards for Best Cinematography, Best Musical Composition and the very special Humanitarian Award bestowed to an individual doing good for their community through the production or promotion of the art of film. Prizes will be awarded to all the winners. An opening night celebration and red carpet will launch the Festival on Thursday, Oct. 4, followed by two days of screenings at the Highland Theater alongside panels and networking mixers. A Sunday Brunch Awards Ceremony will conclude the Festival. Building community through the art of film remains the goal as guests enjoy screenings of thought-provoking, relevant cinema along with red carpet events, industry mixers and panel discussions with film professionals. We look forward to the exciting line-up of films that will make-up the content of the 5th Annual Highland Park Independent Film Festival. Submissions must be received by July 9, 2018. To submit your film, please visit www.hpifilmfest.com. For more submission information, contact info@hpifilmfest.com.
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future—Mr. Gardner as a coach and choreographer and Ms. Babilonia as a mentor to middle and high school students. CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM HONORED As part of the City’s celebration of African American Heritage Month, Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price honored the leadership of the California African American Museum at City Hall. The California African American Museum (CAAM) began operations in 1981. Since 1984 it has been located in Exposition Park. CAAM is a State Museum, dedicated to exploring African American art, history, and culture, with a focus on California and the West. This mission is unique in terms of both its eclectic nature and its western geographic emphasis. “COCO” DAY IN L.A. The Los Angeles City Council declared February 27, “Coco Day in L.A.” Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo led the honoring of Disney-Pixar’s animated feature film “Coco,” stating, “This movie is so timely. It covers several themes that are relevant today including dreams/dreamers, immigration, family, and crossing over using a bridge—not a wall. In the era of Trump, this is how we combat the negative stereotypes coming from Washington, D.C. We honor the richness of the Latino community by creating a film that captures intricately the essence of what it means to be Latino.” On hand at the City Council event were many participants in the making of the film, including production, voice, and cultural advisory talent.
Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo’s “Coco Day in L.A.”
PUTTING A STOP TO PARTY HOUSES The Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance to reign in out-of-control party houses in Los Angeles. The ordinance, which began as a motion introduced by Councilmember David Ryu in 2016, creates a series of escalating fines against party hosts and homeowners who either host or rent out their homes for massive gatherings that disturb neighbors, block the public right of way, and threaten public safety. “Today, we are putting public safety first and party houses on notice” Councilmember Ryu said. “The problem of residential homes being used as de facto nightclubs has been growing for years. It’s not just a nuisance in otherwise quiet neighborhoods; it is a real danger.” The ordinance includes escalating fines up to $8,000. It also requires those who violate the ordinance to leave undisturbed a posted public notice for 30 days notifying neighbors of their unlawful conduct. “Too often, we have seen people renting out their homes for the express purpose of turning it into a stage for elaborate events,” Councilmember Ryu said. “These aren’t barbeques or birthday parties, these are massive events with cover fees and throngs of people tossing cigarette butts in fire prone areas. It’s reckless, it’s irresponsible—and it stops today.” “It’s with enormous thanks and great relief that we celebrate the passage of the Party House Ordinance, a project long in the making,” Anastasia Mann, President of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council, said. “This will come as a great relief to residents who have had to endure significant damage to their quality of life issues due to unruly, out of control - mostly commercial - parties in neighborhoods across Los Angeles but particularly in the Hollywood & other Hillside Assemblymember José Medina, Joan Baez, and scholar communities.” Tim Hernandez on the 70th anniversary of the Los Gatos Canyon plane crash that killed 32 people JOAN BAEZ AND 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF “DEPORTEE” DEATHS Singer/activist Joan Baez was at the State Capitol at the end of January to join the Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi legislature in commemorating the deaths of 32 people surfing at Hermosa Beach. who were killed when their plane went up in flames Surfing could soon become the at Los Gatos Canyon. Twenty-eight of the names of official sport of California. (photo: those killed went unreported in press accounts, as they Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s were Mexican nationals and referred to as simply “Deoffice) portees.” Joining Ms. Baez was Tim Hernandez, of the University of Texas at El Paso, who, according to Ms. Baez, “has spent many, many, many years” researching the names of the victims and finding their relatives. “And he did find every one of them,” said Ms. Baez. Ms. Baez and Mr. Hernandez were introduced by Assemblymember José Medina. They were joined by family members of the deceased.
Lady Bird (Scott Rudin Productions, Entertainment 360, IAC Films). Made in Hollywood.
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SURFING COULD BECOME CA’S OFFICIAL SPORT Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and other members of the unofficial Legislative Surfers Caucus gathered at Hermosa Beach on a brisk February day to announce that they have introduced Assembly Bill 1782, which, if passed, will declare surfing to be the official sport of California. “The California surfing lifestyle attracts people from all around the world and generates over $6 billion in annual retail sales,” Assemblymember Muratsuchi said. “Surfing is an important part of California’s multi-billion dollar coastal economy, especially in tourism and recreation. Nothing represents the California Dream better than surfing.” Assemblymember Ian Calderon added that the designation would help bring attention to the plight of the ocean, which could soon contain more waste plastic than fish.
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ART AND PROTEST by Tomas J. Benitez
“Make America Native Again.” The Navajo artist who concocted this take on the MAGA hat slogan that propelled Trump into office was ahead of the bar back in 2016. Since then, artists around the world have weighed in on the current state of affairs in the United States of America. The Carnival in Dusseldorf featured large floats that vilified the President, and in Italy, England and France, the sharper edge of art has continued to voice protest through ridicule. The French street artist Bambi has gone around Paris putting up posters mocking Trump just as it was done in the old days. Back in the United States the push back from visual and lively arts, spoken word and music, has been constant and resonant, from witty public billboards and street signs to the revival of Saturday Night Live, the creatives have made their voice known, seen, and heard. Is it any wonder why the administration has once again redlined the National Endowment for the Arts? Artists speak truth to power, no matter the consequences. It is what makes them so vital in our American dialogue. Not all the art has been satirical, not all the despicable transgressions of the Tweeter-In-Chief have been dismissed by mere humor and ridicule. The voices of protest, anger and action have been projected with great rancor. Indeed, some of the most cutting messages have appeared on signs in public marches protesting racism, sexism, repression of women’s rights, the oppression of the DACA students and all immigrants, the wanton murder of Black people by police misdeeds, the persecution of the LGBT community, and of late, the movement for gun control to abate the slaughter of young people in their own schools. But artists have made the images iconic, such as Lalo Lopez Alcaraz’s recent poster, “I STAND WITH EMMA”, reminiscent of the best of political posters harkening back to the 1960’s era of protest, or even further back to the images of the Cuban Revolution or the Spanish Civil War. Protest art is remembered because it resonates. Recently a friend died, Tomasz Sarnecki. He came to Self Help Graphics years ago and editioned a serigraph in collaboration with Artist Wayne Healy and Master Printer José Alpuche. He was here as a result of an exhibition of Old Western themed art and posters from Poland on display at the Autry; the Poles love American Westerns. On the Sunday morning of the historic vote in Poland to determine their democratic future through Solidarnosc, Tomasz’s image of lone Gary Cooper from “High Noon,” but with a ballot in his gun holster, was plastered all over the city, the country. He was still an art student and his teacher used the image without permission, but that image has been cited by historians as being critical in sending a message to the public and heavily swaying the voting. Imagine if American artists could sway an election, instead of Russian social media hackers. March 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the East Los Angeles Walkouts, the largest high school protest and demonstration in American history (to be eclipsed this year, I think). Thousands of students walked out in protest of the conditions of their schools. The Chicano Art Movement fell into line and led the masses with imagery and art. The Chicano Art Movement was in fact born out of the political movement. If you don’t know that, you don’t know Chicano Art. But as Chicano art has evolved and remains a vital contribution to the American landscape, moving past purely didactic art expression and the romantic idealization of the ancients, artists continue to contribute to the social state of the Latino/Chicano, or if you prefer, Latinex, sovereignty and status. My own favorite is and remains the Donald J.Trump piñata.
I Stand With Emma by Lalo Alcaraz (poster available at www.pocho.com)
As the social political climate continues to build in protest and confrontation, art will be an ever present running commentary. Sometimes reacting, sometimes leading, mostly in sync with the progressive attitudes of the protesters, although thanks to social media and an organized right wing reactionary movement, there has been an advent of propaganda that is quite jingoistic. Art reflects the society and world around us, and will continue to thrive and radiate. (Tomas Benitez was born and raised in front of a TV set in East L.A. His film SALSA: The Movie was produced in 1988. He has also written for Fred Roos, Starz Encore Films, CBS, and several other producers. In recent years he has written extensively about East Los Angeles including an ongoing, online saga about his home life, titled “The Gully”. Several of his stories about East L.A. and The Gully have been published by Blue Heron in an anthology of new American fiction, and he is editing two addition collections to be published in 2018. Tomas is the former Executive Director of Self Help Graphics & Art.)
LA ART NEWS
SIN CENSURA: A MURAL REMEMBERS
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1981 LOS ANGELES MURAL RETURNS TO PUBLIC VIEW In 1981, artist Barbara Carrasco was commissioned by the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency to create a mural for the City’s bicentennial. She gathered together a team of artists and 17 youth from a city employment program and together they produced “L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective.” The mural, over 80 feet in length, includes a woman with long, flowing hair. Fifty-one scenes from the history of Los Angeles are entwined in her hair. Thoughtful, real images of history proved to be more than the CRA could handle. The agency halted the project when the artist refused to remove 14 of the historic depictions. The mural, though an important piece of Los Angeles’ art history, spends most of its time in storage. It had a brief showing at Union Station, in conjunction with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes during Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. Then it went back in its crates. But now a new opportunity to view the mural is being presented to the City of Los Angeles. From March 9 to August 18, the mural will be on view at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park. This viewing will be quite different from the Union Station experience. The setting will be much more intimate, providing an opportunity to see the mural’s panels at eye-level. Sin Censura: A Mural Remembers March 9-August 18 Natural History of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org
ART PARK WILL LIGHT UP DURING GALLERY NIGHT Tierra de La Culebra Art Park will be transformed into an open air gallery during the March NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night. The park will be lit up, art will be hung in the trees and natural areas of the park, and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! Tierra de La Culebra Art Park Saturday, March 10, 6-9 p.m. 240 South Avenue 57, Highland Park
Stellar Core by Eric Sagotsky at Tierra de La Culebra last October
MARCH 2018
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FROM THE DUNGEON
Yetis & Friends presents “From the Dungeon,” a celebration of role-playing games, and fantasy creatures. Whether it was a late night guild raid, a pen and paper dungeon crawl, or a pizza fueled bender with party members, many of us have fond memories of harrowing escapes and triumphs over chaotic evils. The dungeon is a place where danger, courage, and victory converge to turn ordinary people into heroes. This group show of 25 artists opens Saturday, March 10 from 6-9 p.m. at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in Eagle Rock. The show runs through April 22. A portion of the sales will be donated to FixNation, a non-profit organization committed to cats and to supporting Trap-Neuter-Return. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5024 Eagle Rock Boulevard, Eagle Rock www.LeannaLinsWonderland.com
Nick Bear Monsters of Skyrim
YF Eyewing
Miranda Dressler Unicorn Evil
Double Palour Elenour
LA ART NEWS
NELAart
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On the Secon Elysian Valley, art and eateri the updated l
Northeast Los Angeles Arts Organization, Inc.
March 10, 2018 - 7pm - 10pm
(Individual Gallery Hours May Vary. CHECK Gallery web sites for individual information. Just because a gallery is listed does not mean it’s open this month)
38. Highland Cafe 5010 York Blvd. 323.259.1000
1. Avenue 50 Studio 131 No. Avenue 50 323. 258.1435 avenue50studio.org
20. Toros Pottery 4962 Eagle Rock Blvd 323.344.8330 torospottery.com
2. Bike Oven 3706 No Figueroa
21. Kinship Yoga/Wonder Inc. 5612 Figueroa St.
39. Kindness and Mischief 5537 N. Figueroa St. www.kandmcoffee.com
3. Namaste Highland Park 5118 York Blvd. www.namastehighlandpark.com
22. Tierra de la Culebra 240 S. Ave 57
40. Civil Coffee 5639 N. Figueroa St.
23. Cactus Gallery @ Treeline Woodworks 3001 N. Coolidge Ave
41. Possession Vintage 5119 York Blvd. www.possessionvintage.com
24. Huron Substation 2640 Huron Street Los Angeles, CA 90065
42. The Situation Room 2313 Norwalk Ave.
4. Offbeat 6316 York Blvd www.offbeatbar.com 5.Twinkle Toes 5917 N Figueroa St (818) 395-3454 6. Future Studio 5558 N Figueroa St. 323 254-4565 futurestudiogallery.com 7. Collective Arts Incubator 1200 N. Ave 54 collectiveartsincubator.com 8. The Art Form Studio 5611 N Figueroa St. Suite 2 www.theartformstudio.com 9. Vapegoat 5054 York Blvd. 323.963.VAPE 10. ETA 5630 N. Figueroa St. 11. Adjunct Positions 5041 Coringa Dr. 12. Matters of Space 5005 York Blvd www.mattersifspace.com 323.743.3267 13. Mi Vida 5159 York Blvd. 14. Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor 5115 York Blvd. 15. Antigua Coffee House 3400 N. Figueroa St. www.antiguacoffeehouse.com 16. Align Gallery 5045 York Blvd. www.aligngallery.com 17. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5204 Eagle Rock Blvd. www.leannalinswonderland.com 18. The Rental Girl 4760 York Blvd. http://therentalgirl.com 19. Mindfulnest 5050 York Blvd. 323.999-7969
MARCH 2018
25. Ball Clay Studio 4851 York Blvd. ballclaystudio.com 26. MAN Insurance Ave 50 Satellite 1270 N. Ave 50 323.256.3151 27. TAJ • ART 1492 Colorado Blvd. www.tajartinc.com 28. The Greyhound 570 N. Figueroa St.
43. Bookshow 5503 Figueroa St. www.bookshow.com 44. Vroom Vroom Bitsy Boo 5031 B York Blvd. 45. The Quiet Life 5627 N. Figueroa St. thequietlife.com 46. The “O” Mind Gallery 200 N. Ave 55 theomind.com
29. Urchin 5006 1/2 York Blvd.
47. Apiary Gallery at The Hive Highland Park 5670 York Blvd. www.thehive.la
30. Arroyo Arts Collective @ Ave 50 Studio 131 North Avenue 50 arroyoartscollective.org
48. Rock Rose Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa St. 323.635.9125 rockrosegallery.com
31. Living Room 5807 York Blvd. livingroomhome.com
49. Leader of the Pack 5110 York Blvd. www.leaderofthepackvintage.com
32. Vapeology 3714 N. Figueroa St. 323.222.0744
50. Pop Secret 5119 Eagle Rock Blvd.
33. Pop-Hop 5002 York Blvd. www.thepophop.com 34. Social Studies 5028.5 York Blvd. 35. Occidental College 6100 Campus oxy.edu 36. The Glass Studio 5668 York Blvd. www.theglassstudio.net 37. Earth Altar Studio 1615 Colorado Blvd earthaltarstudio.com
51. Curve Line Space 3348 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90065
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nd Saturday of every month galleries, businesses, and artists in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, , and Lincoln Heights open their doors a little later in the evening and welcome visitors. Use this map for locations of ies, grab someone you love, get some dinner, and enjoy some art. Friend NELA Art Gallery Night on Facebook for last minute list.
50
37
27
17 20 42
35 18
25
11 44 12 16
41 48 14 31 13
31 36 47
4 29 34 9 9 3 4 26 3 19 3 38
7
1
30
5 40 5 8 4 10 46 39 28 43 6 21 2 2
48 49 23
32 2 15 51 24
Visit us at NELAart.org LA ART NEWS
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NELAART GALLERY NIGHT SECOND SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2017
Lacey Bryant at Cactus Gallery
Floyd Strickland, Back to Black, at Avenue 50 Studio
Leslie K. Gray, The Path Forward, Reflections on Remembrance, at Avenue 50 Studio
Albert Esquer, St. Valentine: The Subversive, at Avenue 50 Studio
Natalie Egnatchik, Tyke Dyke on Bike or Baby Baldy Rides Again, The Arroyo Arts Collective at Avenue 50 Studio
MARCH 2018
Sarah Oleksyk at The Rental Girl
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Liam Hopkins, Big Band, at Namaste Highland Park
Rebecca Ustrell, Negligee, at The Rental Girl
Erika Moreira, LIMBIC, at ETA
Kerry Thorne, Shawn and Keith Kerry Thorne, Mo and Leslie Kerry Thorne, Loca and Lilly The Arroyo Arts Collective at Avenue 50 Studio
The window at Leader of the Pack Vintage
Christie Nola, Baconham Lincoln, Too Many Lincolns at The Living Room
Natalie Egnatchik, You Can’t be Gay and Love God (detail), The Arroyo Arts Collective at Avenue 50 Studio Depth: A Life Drawing Session at The Artform Studio
continued on page 18
SHOP ART +
FUN GIFTS IN
EAGLE ROCK
& ONLINE! 5024 EAGLE ROCK BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90041
LeannaLinsWonderland.com
MON - THUR: 12 -7PM FRI - SUN: 11AM -6PM
LA ART NEWS
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MORE NELAART SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT
Matthew Weinberg, rear Milan Aguirre, front Too Many Lincolns at The Living Room
Mi Vida 10th Anniversary Celebration Lori Herbst, 6 in 1, at Cactus Gallery
Steve Olson, Abraham Richards, Too Many Lincolns at The Living Room
Jen Kiddo, Kailiedoscope World, at Vapegoat
Supernatural at Align Gallery
MARCH 2018
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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 Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events. Check out a Discovery class. The Glass Studio 5668 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 323.387.9705 info@theglassstudio.net Check www.theglassstudio.com for a list of glasses ranging from glass blowing and torchwork to fusing and slumping and jewelry making. O&M Leather www.ommleather.com For information about scheduling email them at ommeather@gmail.com Toros Pottery 4962 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.344.8330 Blue Rooster Art Supply Company blueroosterartsupplies.com blue@blueroosterartsupplies.com 4661 Hollywood Blvd LA, CA 90027 (323) 302-5613 They offer a variety of art classes. Check their web site for more information about their classes and events. Ave 50 Studio 131 No. Avenue 50 323. 258.1435 avenue50studio.org Guitar Lessons. Salsa Lessons too! Check their web site for more information for this and other classes.
Molten Metal Works 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. They’re in a new location next to Community Woodshop. Cool new space! Rock Rose Gallery 4108 N. Figueroa Street Highland Park, CA 90065 (323) 635-9125 www.rockrosegallery.com Visit: Rock Rose Gallery News, Instagram & Twitter Ball Clay 4851 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 310.954.1454 ballclaystudio.com Intermediate Ceramics Pottery Class 6 class sessions $240 Check web site for start date 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.
Community Woodshop 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. Stained Glass Supplies 19 Backus Street Pasadena, CA 91107 626-219-6055 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. Los Angeles County Store 4333 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 / 323-928-2781 Please check their web site for a listing of all of their classes and special events.
Bullseye Glass 143 Pasadena Ave. South Pasadena, CA bullseyeglass.com
Sugar Mynt Gallery 810 Meridian Ave. South Pasadena, CA 626.222.7257 sugarmynt.com
They offer a full range of kiln forming glass classes as well as regular free artist talks.
Paint and Pinot Twice a month. Check their web site for more detail.
Leanna Lin’s Wonderland 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.550.1332 leannalinswonderland.com Check Leanna’s web site for a current list of workshops and events.
Holy Grounds Coffee & tea 5371 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032 323.222.8884 Check out their workshops!
ROMANESCO CAULIFLOWER MAKES COLORFUL TACOS by Harvey Slater
Sometimes I just want my taco to look a little more dazzling. And Romanesco cauliflower definitely does the trick when it comes to dazzling a plate. These tacos are actually not much of a taco, being that they contain mostly Mediterranean flavors and components. But even though, the tortilla, albeit made of potatoes, is still a tortilla! So I’m calling them tacos anyway. Now that we got that out of the way, enjoy making this super simple, vegan, recipe! mediterranean style romanesco cauliflower tacos 1 head Romanesco cauliflower 2 tbsp. coconut butter or ghee (for non vegan), melted Zest from one medium lemon Pinch or two sea salt Fresh cracked pepper to taste 1 large sprig rosemary, de-stemmed and chopped 1 cup of your favorite hummus 3 medium tomatoes, sliced thick 8 Potapas brand potato tortillas (or your favorite tortilla of any kind) Optional avocado, aioli, or olive tapenade for extra topping Preheat oven to 400°F. Using kitchen sheers, trim the florets of the cauliflower where the floret meets the stem of each floret, trying to keep all the beautiful florets intact. If one floret is too large, you may need to cut it in half or quarters. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets, melted butter, lemon zest, rosemary, and salt until the cauliflower is well coated in the butter. Place in an oven-proof baking dish and roast for about 30 minutes, or just until tender. While the cauliflower is roasting, heat a griddle on medium high. Sear each tomato slice on the griddle, adding a little salt to each slice. Flip over with a spatula after a couple minutes. Repeat the same process on the other side. The tomatoes should be soft and caramelized when they are done, but able to hold their shape without turning to mush. When cauliflower and tomatoes are ready, you are ready to build your tacos. On the same griddle you used for the tomatoes, warm the tortillas on both sides to desired doneness. Spread some hummus on each tortilla, then place a few tomato slices, then top with 3-4 pieces of cauliflower. Serve immediately with desired additional topping or garnish. Harvey Slater is a Chef & Holistic Nutrition Coach, residing in Highland Park. You can find more healthy recipes like this on his blog: thewholedishblog.com
LA ART NEWS
MORE GOVERNMENT NOTES
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continued from page 10 COCO, THE BOSS BABY, LADY BIRD MADE IN HOLLYWOOD The Oscars weren’t the only award show in town recently. On February 13, The Los Angeles City Council presented the seventh annual “Made in Hollywood Honors.” The awards celebrate films nominated for Best Picture or Best Animated Feature Oscars, that were produced in Hollywood’s home state, California. This years award recipients were: “Coco (Disney/Pixar), The Boss Baby (DreamWorks), and Lady Bird (Scott Rudin Productions, Entertainment 360, IAC Films). According to City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the honorees, “showcase the exceptional talent our local production community has to offer.” Councilmember O’Farrell pointed out that Los Angeles offers the best in talent, production infrastructure, locations, and weather. The film industry is a provider of quality, middle-class jobs. Film LA says that 2017 was local filming’s second best year on record, and the California Film Commission says that state motion picture employment increased 12.3% 2015 to 2016. “Hardworking industry professionals can go home after a long day and tuck their children into bed,” said Councilmember O’Farrell of the film industry’s return to California, “instead of being away from their families for months at a time in other states or countries that are in competition with Los Angeles.” The film exodus was due in large measure to other states and countries offering film tax incentives to entice production. California’s AB 1839 went a long way toward putting the state into the tax incentive competition. But the California incentives are due to expire in 2019, and the State will need an equal or stronger measure by then. The Made in Hollywood Honors were established in 2011 by then-Councilmember Tom LaBonge. They are presented in conjunction with Film LA, Teamsters Local 399, Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund, The Producers Guild of America, 1600 Vine, the California Film Commission, and SAG-AFTRA. DIONNE WARWICK HONORED AT CITY HALL Legendary entertainer Dionne Warwick was the “Living Legend” honoree at this year’s City Hall celebration of Black History Month. “She has sung the musical soundtrack of our lives,” Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said of Ms. Warwick. “Dionne Warwick represents extraordinary achievement, not only in her stellar career, but in what she has accomplished as a humanitarian,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. She has been involved in the fights against AIDS and against famine, and she has supported children’s hospitals and music education. Hall of Fame Awards were presented to: Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David S. Cunningham III (Law); Lt. Col. Patricia JacksonKelley, United States Army – Retired, (Military); and Noel Massie, President, US Operations, United Parcel Service (Business). Mayor Garcetti reminded the crowd that Los Angeles was founded by 42 Popladores, at least 25 of whom were of African heritage, and that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mayor Tom Bradley, who presided over the emergence of Los Angeles as a global city. 800 TRACTION BECOMES CITY MONUMENT Dionne Warwick is honored as a Living The Los Angeles City Council has declared the 800 E. Traction building on the border of Little Tokyo and the Arts District an official city Legend. L to R, City Councilmember Curren Historic-Cultural Monument. The nomination of the building caused considerable concern among neighborhood residents and activists. All Price, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Ms. Warwick, City parties are in agreement that the building should be recognized for its role in early 20th century industry, as the Joannes Brothers Company Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson building designed by noted architect John Parkinson. The building housed the production and distribution of tea, spices, coffee and extracts. (photo: Councilmember Harris-Dawson’s office) However, the application for monument status, as brought to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission on behalf of the buildings new owner—who is evicting current residents, several of whom have been there for decades—was considered by many to be incomplete. It passed over the building’s role as part of Little Tokyo and the Arts District. It did not mention the many artists, many of them Japanese-Ameican, who have in the past and present used the building as studio, live-work, and exhibition space, nor its prominent role in the arts history of Los Angeles. According to Taiji Miyagawa, a resident artist for three decades, the issue was not just one of being evicted, but also of losing one’s history from the public record. The artists and their advocates came to the hearing on the matter before the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee fearful of being disappointed again. However, Councilmember José Huizar, who chairs the committee and who represents Little Tokyo and the Arts District on the Council, had prepared additional language to be added in to the designation. “The Joannes Brothers Company Building,” said Councilmember Huizar, “reflects the broad cultural, economic, or social history of the nation, state, or community for its association with the early development of the food processing industry, and for its association with the artist-in-residence movement of the 1980s, which emerged and flourished because of the pioneering contributions of Japanese American, Chicano and other artists, such as Matsumi Kanemitsu and Richard Duardo, in what is now the Arts District.” The City Council passed the proposal to declare the building a Historic-Cultural Monument. That does not, however, change the fact that artists are losing their homes and studios in an area that is rapidly becoming too upscale for most. “I consider myself a preservationist,” said Councilmember Huizar, but I also like to say it’s not only about bricks and mortar and the architecture, but it’s also about the events and people that have made history what it is… “We need to acknowledge as well the contributions of artists. And often times artists do not have many options where to go once they are dislocated. So we’re looking into the possibility of providing or facilitating access to affordable housing for artists and making them a class that can be considered when we provide publicly used funds for affordable housing.”
MARCH 2018
Madam X
WONDERFUL WIPERS By Jen Hitchcock
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Yoga, sound baths, meditation, massages. I’ve been wasting my time all these years turning to these practices to find stress relief, when all I really needed to do was buy new windshield wipers for my car. For the past two years my wipers have been so streaky bad that by the end of any rainy drive, the rims of my eyeballs would be on fire from the strain, my fingers cold and numb from clutching the wheel. To add even more stress, I couldn’t see behind me as the rubber insert of the back wiper had been flapping in the wind like a rattail for quite some time as well, rendering the wiper useless. Driving in the rain in Los Angeles is not fun when you can see where you are going. Everyone on the road lacks inclement weather skills, because we just don’t do the water being poured down on our freeways thing that often. Yet no one on the road ever seems to think they are out of practice--or at least they drive in a way that doesn’t indicate they are humbled by or respectful of the challenges weather poses. Everyone goes forth as they normally do when the sun is out, your wheels stick to the hot asphalt and you can see everything around you. They rocket along, nary any kind of precautionary behavior, as if a foreign substance to our land isn’t falling from the sky and changing the road game a bit. So, driving alongside this crowd while also not being able to see out of your windshield in a meaningful way is stressful. It never once occurred to me that I could simply purchase a new set of wipers. Instead I spent hours scrutinizing weather apps, my chest tightening when I saw rain within the fifteen day timeframe. Leading up to the day of predicted precipitation, my mood would spike up and down with the changing probability percentage. I’d be hopeful at 40 percent. Then hateful when the odds turned against me and I suddenly found myself white knuckled and chugging along in the slow lane trying to navigate the 101 through the ½ inch ribbon of “clear spot” between the streaks. This most recent drizzle system finally broke me. It hit as I was driving home in the evening. The lights from oncoming headlights turned my windshield into a kaleidoscope of blurred colors and light bursts. The only thing missing from the experience was an acid tab and Pink Floyd playing in the background. I knew I had to make a change when I exited the freeway with my head sticking out of the driver’s side window in order to see. I decided then and there that if I made it home alive, I would invest in some new blades. I did, and I am a new woman for it. I can leave the house when the sky is threatening to spit upon us without feeling the fear, dread, and eyestrain I once did.
STOPS
by D.W. Jacobs We boat the rivers to travel from place to place until boating stops. We train along rails to travel from place to place until training stops. We drive along roads to travel from place to place until driving stops. We walk along streets to travel from place to place until walking stops. The worst stops? Unplanned! The travels from place to place will stop forever. Look around, slow down, and travels from place to place can keep moving on. Copyright Avenue 50 Studio. From “Trees of Life,” a publication and event in support of traffic safety and an end to pedestrian fatalities on North Figueroa Street and in Los Angeles.
BOOK SHOW EVENTS Tuesday March 6th 7-9:30pm Collage & Cry Our monthly collage art night! Five dollar donation Thursday March 8th 7pm-9pm Silent Book Club No assigned reading Bring a book to read or get one at Book Show! Saturday March 10th 7pm-9pm Madame Pamita Book Release Celebration Free Wednesday March 14th 8pm Historia “Overloaded” $5 donation Thursday March 15th 8pm Laughterhouse 5 Stand up comedy show Free Friday March 16th 7pm Hello We’re Still Alive Reading series Hosted by Matthew Sherling Free Saturday March 17th 7pm Nasty! Charity Anthology for Planned Parenthood Book Reading Stories that are body positive, sexual empowerment and more. Free Tuesday March 20th & 27th Comedy Open Mic Sign up at 7pm 7:30 start Hosted by Sumukh Torgalkar Friday March 23rd 7pm & 8:30 WMA Magic Show Tickets required 10 dollars Contact Book Show for info Saturday March 24th 7:30pm Stephen Brophy & Friends Reading Free Friday March 30th 8pm Friday Night Poetry Hosted by Ingrid Calderon Free
by Highland Park artist Stuart Rapeport
EAT ART OPEN MIC Monthly, every 1st Friday 8pm sign ups Poetry and Prose open mic
LA ART NEWS
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ART HAPPENINGS AROUND LOS ANGELES PRESENTED BY SHOEBOX PR UPCOMING OPENING:
A Comedy, In Parts by Henderson Blumer & Suzanne Zoe Cerritos College Art Gallery 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, 90650 Opening March 5, 4-6pm J.J. L’Heureux - 17 Expeditions: Antarctica at Moorpark College Moorpark College Art Gallery 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, 93021 Opening and artist talk March 6, 11-12 Linda Sue Price & Michael Flechtner at the Fine Arts Building Fine Arts Building 811 W 7th St, Los Angeles, 90017 Opening March 8 6-8pm Art in a New Place Opening Exhibition ArtExchange - ArtX 356 E 3rd St, Long Beach, 90802 Opening March 10, 6-9pm Bodysuits: Sarah Sitkin’s Second Solo Exhibition Superchief Gallery L.A. 739 Kohler St, Los Angeles, 90021 Opening March 10, 6-11pm Naked As A Daisy ShockBoxx 636 Cypress Ave, Hermosa Beach, 90254 Opening March 10, 7-9pm Never Have I Ever Coagula Curatorial 974 Chung King Rd, Los Angeles, 90012 Opening March 10, 7-9pm New York in Black & White Avenue 50 Studio 131 N Avenue 50, Los Angeles, 90042 Opening March 10, 7-10pm Ty Pownall “Voids” DAC Gallery 431 S Broadway, Los Angeles, 90013 Opening March 10, 6-8pm Post-American Paintings: Jenna Bao, Rene Franco & Robben Muñoz MCAU 220 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026 Opening March 16, 730-1030 Alison Saar and Evie Shockley L.A. Louver 45 N Venice Blvd, Venice, 90291 Opening March 17, 1130-1330 Essi Zimm . Bioworkz . Amy Smith Gabba Gallery 3126 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, 90057 Opening March 17th, 7-11pm Everything and Nothing: Lea Feinstein Keystone Artspace 338 S ave 16, LA 90031 Opening March 17, 5-9pm Jennybird Alcantra : Reveries of the Untamed Darlings KP Projects 170 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, 90036 Opening March 17, 7-10pm Odyssey II TAM Torrance Art Museum 3320 Civic Center Dr N, Torrance, 90503 Opening March 17, 6pm Randi Matushevitz - Conundrum at LAAA/Gallery 825 Diane Williams | INcongruence at LAAA/Gallery 825 Shula Singer Arbel - Solo Exhibition “Love, Hope, Memory” Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825 825 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069 Opening March 17, 6-9pm Sundial Tiger Strikes Asteroid Los Angeles 1206 Maple Avenue Ste 523, Los Angeles, 90015 Opening March 17, 7-10pm Anna Stump: Nudes / A Solo Show Sparks Gallery 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, 92101 Opening March 18, 6-9pm
MARCH 2018
Journey by John Waiblinger & Sean Yang Cerritos College Art Gallery 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, 90650 Opening March 19, 4-6pm
Landmarks, a selection of works by Jennifer Gunlock Artistic Edge Art & Framing 410 Saint Louis Ave, Long Beach, 90814 To March 15
On the Ropes, In the Kisser A Feminist Perspective 4.0 - Presented by We Choose Art Coastline Community College Art Gallery 1515 Monrovia Ave, Newport Beach, 92663 The Montalban To March 15th 1615 Vine St, Los Angeles, 90028-8802, Opening March 23, 7-11pm Garden Variety: Opening Reception Brand Library & Art Center SoCal MFA 2018 1601 W Mountain St, Glendale, 91201 Millard Sheets Art Center To March 16th 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, 91768 Opening March 25, 2-6pm Casper Brindle: Recent Works William Turner Gallery Remix by Cat Chiu Phillips 2525 Michigan Avenue, Gallery E1, Santa Monica, 90404 Cerritos College Art Gallery To March 17th 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, California 90650 Opening March 26, 4-6pm New Threads Laband Art Gallery ONGOING EXHIBITIONS 1 Lmu Dr, Los Angeles, 90045 To March 17th “In Pursuit of Beautiful Truths” matthew Ryan Herget Mugello Gallery Prisms 818 S Spring Street Los Angeles 90014 Fellows of Contemporary Art To March 8 970 N Broadway, Ste 208, Los Angeles, 90012 http://www.mugelloart.com/ To March 17th “Awakening”, Milan Tiff The Rebel Body Open Mind Art Space Angels Gate Cultural Center 11631 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90025 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, 90731 To March 9 To March 17th Duplicating Daniel: a solo exhibition by Kari Marboe Remembering Animals: Rituals, Artifacts & Narratives A-B Projects CSUN Art Galleries 251 E 10th Street, Claremont, 91711 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, 91330 To March 9 To March 17 Trappings Robert Moreland // Slow Talker opening reception Solo Exhibit | Anne Hieronymus Wilding Cran Gallery Solo Exhibit | Kim Kimbro 939 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, 90021 Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825 To March 17 825 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069 To March 9 Kristine Schomaker “Plus” ARK William Lane: Then and Now 2599 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, 91001 Rio Hondo Arts and Cultural Programs To March 18th 3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, 90601 To March 9th The Box: Sonja Schenk Cerritos College Art Gallery Art Speaks! Public Reception 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, 90650 Arena 1 Gallery To March 23 3026 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, 90405 To March 10 Soul Recordings Luis de Jesus Gisela Colon: New Sculpture To March 24 Diane Rosenstein Gallery 2685 S La Cienega Blvd LA 90034 831 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, 90038 To March 10 MFA Biennial - Opening Reception Brea Gallery Land - Exhibition Reception 1 Civic Center Cir, Brea, 92821 Irvine Fine Arts Center To March 25 14321 Yale Ave, Irvine, 92604 To March 10th BLACK Exhibition - Opening Reception The Loft at Liz’s Rock, Paper, Scissors 453 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, 90036 San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center To March 27 18312 Oxnard St Tarzana, To March 10 Manifesto: A Moderate Proposal Nichols Gallery, Broad Center Solar Flare Pitzer College Smoke & Mirrors To March 29th TAM Torrance Art Museum 3320 Civic Center Dr N, Torrance, 90503 Matthew Brandt: AgX.Hb To March 10th M+B 612 N Almont Dr, Los Angeles, 90069 Toxic & Tainted Love To March 31, 6-8pm SugarMynt Gallery 810 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, 91030 Mondongo: Opening Reception & Performance To March 10 Track 16 1206 Maple Ave, #1005, Los Angeles, 90015 Andrew Frieder: Prints To March 31 The Good Luck Gallery 945 Chung King Rd, Los Angeles, 90012 Harry Moody “Untitled” Opening Reception To March 11th FP Contemporary 5835 Washington Blvd, Culver City, 90232 Feminism Now at Shoebox Projects To March 31 Shoebox Projects 660 South Avenue 21 #3, Los Angeles, 90031 continued on page 23 To March 11 Let’s Play War! / Nathan Vincent Opening Noysky Projects 6727 7/8 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028 To March 11 Rodrigo Branco & Carmen Spera Lois Lambert Gallery & Gallery of Functional Art 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, 90404 To March 12th
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WINE OF THE MONTH
Larisa Code Note: Create joy, one sip at a time. Featured Wine: Mercat Brut Rosé Style: Cava (Spanish sparkling wine made in the same style as champagne) Color: Salmon Pink Varieties: 40% Xavel.lo, 40% Macabeu, 15% Parellada and 5% Monastrell Non-Vintage Price: Under $20 Country: Spain Region: Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, Barcelona Where to purchase: Highland Park Wines, 5918 N. Figueroa St., 90042 (welcome to the neighborhood!!) I love pink and bubbles and Spain. And I love my friends. Oh, and I love a delicious spread of food—lots of flavors, colors and choices. That is why I love the sparkling rosé, Mercat, hand-crafted by Francesco Dominguez in the cellars of El Xamfra. It is the first step in creating a perfect scenario. To produce this little treat, Dominguez uses grapes that come from vines 15-40 years of age and are grown in calcerous and clay soils. The cava itself is vinified in the traditional method for 18 months (longer than most) and disgorged to order. The minimal 5% of monastrell grape gives the wine its pale salmon color. When you first breathe in this beauty, the aroma is full of fennel and spicy (like frankincense), with a hint of apple and strawberry. But, once it hits the tongue, it is quite straight forward. There is a hint of apple, but it is predominantly earth and mineral. The ending envelops you, acidic and dry. With this style of drink, I enjoy it more with food rather than sipping it solo. As it is Spanish, I’d recommend pairing this with tapas (a little something for everyone on restricted diets in LA): fried red peppers, sausage, olives, artichokes, torta del casar (I love wild thistle), manchego cheese, salted pistachios, crostini dribbled with olive oil, fried or grilled anchovies, crudité platter(s), figs, grilled or dried apricots drizzled with warm honey and spices…yum. Basically, food that is as easy to eat as Mercat is easy to drink. You know, in parts of Spain, tapas are served resting on the lip of the glass, and besides being a curious and stunning presentation, it is pragmatic, done to keep the bugs out of your drink. Mercat is suited well (in price and pairing) for a late afternoon small gathering/intimate party. As your guests arrive have Joao Gilberto Amarosa/Brasil playing, then if you can find it (and you really should) the soundtrack for CQ (original score by Mellow) and finally move onto some electronica like Simple Things or Air or both. The floral arrangements should be sweet and simple. Have jars filled with red carnations, a sprig of basil and a clipping of purple hyacinth repeated all around your home. Invite your friends over, put out some flowers, drink, eat, dance, laugh and tell stories. There you have it, another beautiful, tipsy, delicious moment brought to you, by me. Salut i Forca!
continued from page 22 Toyetic Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, To April 1st
Pontus Willfors, SHOP DENK Gallery 749 E Temple Street, Los Angeles, 90012 To April 7
Visual Poetry: a Collage + Mixed Media Exhibition FOLD Gallery 453 S Spring St, # M7, Los Angeles, 90013 To April 2 Closing April 7th
Roberto Gil de Montes & Ann Chamberlin Lora Schlesinger Gallery 2525 Michigan Ave Suite B5b, Santa Monica, 90404 To April 7
Conceptual Feedback Honor Fraser 2622 S La Cienega Blvd LA 90034 To April 7 Helix2:Sculptures by Eric Johnson OCC Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, 92626 To April 7 Kevin Larmon “slipping in and out of phenomenon” Nathan Hayden “Strong Magic” CB1 Gallery 1923 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, 90021 To April 7 Patrick Martinez: America is for Dreamers Vincent Price Art Museum 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, 91754 To April 7th
Museums LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART (LACMA) Hidden Narratives: Recent Acquisitions of Postwar Art To January 6, 2019 A Universal History of Infamy: Those of This America To October 6, 2018 Richard Prince: Untitled (cowboy) to March 25, 2018 CARNE y ARENA (Virtually present, Physically invisible) Alejandro G. Iñárritu To April 29, 2018 Found in Translation: Design in California and Mexico, 1915–1985 To April 1, 2018
Unspeakable: Atlas, Kruger, Walker: Hammer Contemporary Collection JAN 20–MAY 13, 2018 Stories of Almost Everyone JAN 28–MAY 6, 2018 BROAD Jasper Johns: ‘Something Resembling Truth’ Feb 2018 to May 2018 MOCA Adrián Villar Rojas: The Theater of Disappearance To May 13, 2018 Real Worlds: Brassaï, Arbus, Goldin March 4 - September 3, 2018 Lauren Halsey: we still here, there March 4 to September 3, 2018 MOAH It Takes A Village February 10 - April 22, 2018
UCLA HAMMER Hammer Projects: Molly Lowe JAN 20–MAY 6, 2018 Hammer Projects: Lawrence Abu Hamdan JAN 20–MAY 20, 2018
LA ART NEWS
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Au Revoir le Kiosque!
by Jeremy Kaplan of READ Books From the inception of READ Books, in 2007, it was apparent that our decision to provide a newsstand ‘twas a precarious undertaking. The internet provided similar content for free; profit margin is negligible; newsstands in L.A. were rapidly going under. It was this dearth of newsstands that motivated Debbie to open accounts with sundry magazine suppliers. We would be a happy, defiant anachronism. Magazine suppliers are an odd, and endangered, species. Their business model is to send clients half of the magazines ordered (“Dozen Mojo, please”) & replace the missing half with batches of inappurtenant titles (“Right then, a half-dozen Mojos & 6 Poultry Worlds for READ Books”). When one emails a magazine sales rep (there are no phones, no voices; magazine men—they’re all men—are like corrupt monks vowing to silently fleece their customers), replies are provided at a rate of one-word per email. Our first rep, one J Panda, favored: “Done,” sometimes as a feasible rejoinder, often as a non-sequitur. “Mr. Panda, please stop sending us multiple copies of Poultry World.” Done. “Mr. Panda, you appear to have charged us twice for our previous order.” Done. Beneath his concise correspondence, J would customarily stick a pedantic, and much lengthier, inspirational quote. One revealing quote he used more than once: “We can’t do two conflicting things at once, nor can we think.” He was, ostensibly, a man enamored with the copy & paste functions, which to him were two conflicting things. J Panda was but one harbinger of Newsstand futility. Having been in the magazine biz for several years, it came as an unpleasant surprise when my acquaintance posted on an online Eagle Rock social media site that what our neighborhood really needed was a newsstand. About a dozen people amen’d his proposal before someone pointed out that READ Books has a newsstand, to which my acquaintance replied: “I know. My buddy owns READ Books. I mean a really big newsstand that’s outside. With the NY Times and that sorta thing.” We carried the NYT for 5 years, admittedly inside, and sold ‘bout 3 per year, none purchased by my so-called buddy. J Panda eventually cut off our NYT supply. Done. Sad to say— sort of— that after 11 years of Newsstanding, we’ve been cut off forever. There is but one magazine supplier left in Southern California, and they will send us no more magazines. We will be returning the remainders this month. The big black, wooden rack will no longer harbor print. Just bittersweet memories… BITTER: Due to their proximity to the front door, magazines tend to be the conversation-segue for those entering the store with a sales pitch. I fondly recall the first such instance, when the wife of an allegedly prominent ER businessman—let’s call her Madam Michelle—burst through our virginal doors, snatched up the first magazine on the rack, and declared: “Variety! What a great magazine. Love it!” I asked her: “Are you an actress?” “No,” she smiled. “I’m Madam Michelle. Have you heard of the Eagle Rock Lady’s Club? We’re currently looking for donations from local businesses, and figured as a new business, you’d like to…” And thus began a decade-long onslaught of middle-class begging that invariably commenced with somebody way too cheerful pointing at a magazine and chirping: “Harper’s, huh? Great stuff. My name is Frank and I’m with the chamber of commerce…” When the magazines are all gone, I’m a-gonna’ move all our pornography books to the front. “Ah. Oral Sex Among Housewives. Read it twice. My name is Stan, and I represent the Lutheran Church of Eagle Rock. We’re currently looking for sponsors…” SWEET: On a winter evening prior to READ Books first X-Mas, my brother sat on the couch reading a magazine or newspaper off the newsstand. Oddly, he had not asked for a donation. “Look at this,” he beckoned me, “there’s an article about a comedian who lives in Eagle Rock. She’s talking about shopping in the neighborhood. Her name’s Maria Bamford.” “Does she mention the bookstore?” “Nope.” “Fuck! Why not? God damn it Maria Bamford!” Nudging him aside, I sat on the couch and looked at the photo of a pleasant blond woman clenching her teeth. She didn’t look familiar. And then, as if summoned by my desperate cursing, the door cracked open, and the same blond head, clenched teeth and all, peered inside. I shit you not. She purchased magazines. She asked us if we’d be interested in hosting a live comedy show at the store. We did. Done. Thus began a fruitful relationship. It bore fruit. Fruit was bored. Indubitably, it had been the magazine article—or newspaper— that had brought Maria in from the cold. So I’ve spent the last 9 years trying to replicate the experience, perusing magazines, pointing at photos, and saying things like: “Fuck. It’s Chris Rock. Does he mention our bookstore? Why not? God damnit, Chris Rock. Come buy a copy of Bon Appetite. Chris Rock.” But he never came. They never come. Au Revoir le kiosque! A bientot!
MARCH 2018
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MUSEUM STUDIES
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has released two groundbreaking reports documenting evidence that museums contribute substantially more to the U.S. economy than previously thought and showing how museums have widespread public support that transcends political affiliations and geography. “Never before in the 112-year history of the Alliance have we possessed such comprehensive and statistically robust studies to support what we’ve always known,” said Alliance President and CEO Laura Lott. “Our legislators, policymakers, funders, and trustees can be confident in the fact that museums are important economic engines that support jobs and bring revenue to their local communities. In addition, our studies show that the American public is overwhelmingly supportive of museums in general, and specifically supports maintaining or increasing their federal funding.” TWO STUDIES DEMONSTRATE MAJOR IMPACTS OF MUSEUMS Two new studies released by the American Alliance of Museums demonstrate the widespread impacts of museums and the support of Americans for museums. Both studies provide extensive data on the significant role museums play in the economic and cultural fabric of the country. The first study, “Museums as Economic Engines,” reveals that museums support 726,000 jobs in the United States, and directly employ 372,100 people, more than double that of the professional sports industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The study, conducted by Oxford Economics with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, shows that for every $100 of economic activity created by museums, an additional $220 is created in other sectors of the US economy as a result of supply chain and employee expenditure impacts. These impacts mean that museums contribute approximately $50 billion to the US economy each year, a number that’s more than twice previous estimates. The report is also the first to show that US museums generate more than $12 billion per year in tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments. The museum field’s largest economic impact is on the leisure and hospitality industry (approximately $17 billion), but it also generates approximately $12 billion in the financial activities sector and approximately $3 billion each in the education/health services and manufacturing sectors.
American Alliance of Museums
Museums provide important economic impacts to every part of the nation. The top 10 states driving this impact are geographically diverse and account for 57 percent of the gross value added to the national economy. California is easily the state with the highest economic impact from the museum sector i($6.6 billion), New York followed by New York and Texas. However, locations that rely most heavily on museums due to their relatively higher concentration include the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Wyoming, and Alaska. The second report, “Museums & Public Opinion,” examines the opinions of Americans concerning museums, their educational and economic value, as well as their thoughts about federal funding and support for museums in their community. Conducted jointly by AAM and Wilkening Consulting, the study was fielded by the market research experts at Ipsos and polled more than 2,000 Americans. The survey results overwhelmingly demonstrate the high degree to which Americans believe in and support their museums, regardless of political affiliation, geographic location. 97 percent believe that museums provide valuable educational experiences to their communities. 89 percent recognize the important economic contributions and jobs that museums bring. 96 percent would approve of elected officials who act to support museums including acting to maintain or increase federal funding. Americans tend to support the concept of museums even if they don’t personally visit them. “The data speaks clearly: whether urban or rural, conservative or liberal, or a museum-goer or not, Americans treasure the museums in their communities and want elected officials to support them,” Ms. Lott said. The reports are available via the American Alliance of Museums, www.aam-us.org.
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LA ART NEWS
A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE
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We Choose Art will present the fourth installment of “We Choose Art I A Feminist Perspective” March 23 at the historic Montalban Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. Curated by Baha Danesh, the evening will include an eclectic exhibit of fine art by 30 feminist artists, interactive installations, and provocative performances. Following We Choose Art’s philosophy of creating a collaborative community of artistic expression, this unique exhibition continues to document the vibrant and creative culture of modern feminist artists. The show includes both female and male artists whose works continue the feminist dialogue of equality for all. The work presented spans over 40 years and a diversity of artists working in the Los Angeles area. The featured artists are showing works that deal with concepts of race, class, culture, politics, social commentary and representation of women. A Feminist Perspective will take place upstairs at The Montalban Mezzanine Gallery located at 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood. Tickets are available at TheMontalban.com.
MARCH 2018
LUMMIS DAY TO PRESENT 2018 NOISEMAKER AWARD TO ARTIST AND ACTIVIST AMY INOUYE
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Amy Inouye, designer, artist, community activist and godmother of Highland Park’s iconic Chicken Boy rooftop statue, will be the 2018 Lummis Day “Noisemaker Award” honoree. The award will be presented at the Lummis Day Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser dinner on Saturday, April 7, 6:30-10:00 p.m. at the Highland Park Ebell Club, 131 North Avenue 57 in Highland Park. Amy Inouye is a book designer (over 200 books designed, several award-winning local best sellers), gallerist (organizer of over 60 art exhibits), community activist (board member of two nonprofits, an organizer of “Relighting the Historic Signs of Figueroa Street” which repaired, restored, and relit the Highland Theatre and the Mannings Coffee Store signs), Los Angeles history aficionado (president of Photo Friends of Los Angeles Public Library, the support group of the LAPL photo collection), and occasional artist (yarn bomber and public art installation creator, such as Book Booth Highland Park and Big Stick for Peace on Figueroa). She’s also well-known for bringing the 22-foot tall Chicken Boy (aka the Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles) to North Figueroa Street, where he has become a beloved Historic Route 66 roadside icon. Amy’s efforts in preserving Chicken Boy earned a State of California Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2010. In 2017, Amy’s design of the “Strolling on Seventh Street: Downtown’s Historic Thoroughfare” earned a Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy. She designed the original visual materials for the Lummis Days festival and has been a frequent and valued creative resource for Lummis Days and many other community events. The fundraiser will feature a buffet dinner provided by many of Northeast L.A.’s favorite restaurants, beer, wine and soft drinks. A silent auction will offer the chance to bid on art, books, vintage wines and rare collectibles at bargain prices. Entertainment will include a performance by Lummis Day veterans, The Andersons. Event tickets, priced at $50, are available on the Lummis Day website, www.lummisday.org, at Galco’s Old World Grocery, and at Las Cazuelas in Highland Park. All proceeds from the event support the Lummis Days Festival, a free arts celebration of all of Northeast L.A., taking place the first week of June. Amy Inouye
THE 119TH GOLDEN DRAGON PARADE
presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles February 17, 2018 in Chinatown
LA ART NEWS
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