June...Ahhh, Summer is Almost Here!

What is your favorite season? I’m partial to the time between spring and summer. It’s really nice out most of the time. Yeah, there’s some June gloom we contend with, but once it burns off, it’s usually pretty freakin’ nice. I’m sharing my appreciation for this time of year. I also appreciate that the good weather coincides with many art events around the city. Check out what is listed below. And as you do every month, check out Poet’s Place, our round up of fabulous poets doing what they do best.

Let’s start with AMOCA over in Pomona. Click on the link and find out more about what’s in store for the month of June.


Over at Hauser Wurth. Paul McCarthy.


Over at Corey Helford later this month…Downtown Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) is proud to announce their next major solo show Fight to Live in the Void, featuring new works from Japanese artist Hikari Shimoda and set to premiere June 25th in the Main Gallery.


Now for some information that artists can use from CCI, Center for Cultural Innovation. Learn about grant opportunities and good things like that.


Submissions Open for Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival, happening on July 22, 2022
Celebrate the iconic site by creating a one-minute (or shorter) video that may be selected to be screened

Submission deadline: July 1, 2022

Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival

Los Angeles, CA (June 10, 2022) — Calling all video makers and Tar Pits enthusiasts! This summer is your opportunity to have your short video screened outdoors in the heart of Los Angeles during the Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival, happening on July 22, 2022.

Write a script for your dire wolf puppet, choreograph a tar dance, create a montage of all your favorite tar pits-inspired movie scenes, or whatever else comes to mind to show us why this site is special to you, to Los Angeles, and to the world.

Videos chosen can qualify to win a sabertooth cat scull cast awarded for Favorite Video. The videos (one-minute or less) can be animated, live-action, shot on your cell phone– and they don't need to be filmed at Hancock Park. International submissions are welcome.

Join us on July 22, 2022 for Fossilized and Realized: Tar Pits Video Festival featuring select videos from the callout, a screening of a new film about La Brea Tar Pits by our moderator and host Nic Cha Kim, and a discussion on the site's significance in art and popular culture with the Natural History Museum of L.A. County’s Archivist Yolanda Bustos and La Brea Tar Pits artist-in-residence Mark Dion.

This event is part of LBTP x Pacific Standard Time: Mark Dion, an artist's residency at LBTP funded by the Getty Foundation as part of the Getty's Pacific Standard Time 2024: Art x Science x L.A. initiative, a series of exhibitions, public programs, and publications that will explore connections between the visual arts and science from prehistoric times to the present and across different cultures worldwide. 

Learn more and submit your videos here.


May Means One More Month of Spring! Don't Forget to Smell the Flowers. And May the Fourth Be With You.

It’s time to mobilize. Women’s rights are dear to me. We are seeing the disregard and disrespect for women in this nation. We cannot allow 5 individuals to reak havok on the lives of women across this country. We in California are fortunate to have a safe haven for those in need of reproductive healthcare, but when you see the maps of the regions where women will loose control of their bodies, it’s heartbreaking. I’m not sure the Republicans have any idea of what they are unleashing. I know this is the red line I draw in the sand and I will protest, volunteer, contribute to make sure that those responsible for doing this to 51% of the population, need to be removed from their jobs. Artists need to get to work. Come scream with me! Create artwork and send it here to post.

Check out Poet’s Place this month. Linda Kaye is gathering her poets, to share their work with you. Now, here’s some of what is happening around the LA art scene.



Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles in MacArthur Park
Celebrating 15 years of free live music with an outstanding diverse lineup
Welcoming music fans of all ages from across Los Angeles and beyond to MacArthur Park for 30 free concerts

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles (Levitt LA) is thrilled to announce its 15th season of summer performances in MacArthur Park that continues to reflect the cultural mosaic of Los Angeles with an outstanding lineup while enjoying an iconic LA outdoor setting.

The electrifying 2022 lineup features international greats as well as LA's own superstar talents performing a wide variety of genres including cumbia, rock, soul, ska, salsa, electronic dance music, Hip-Hop, folklorico music from Mexico, Central & South America, and more. Levitt LA’s concerts will once again transform MacArthur Park into a sonically-charged urban oasis featuring free live music under the stars.

Levitt LA is pleased to announce that concerts will be live-streamed and available after the season on YouTube, expanding the accessibility of free high-quality concerts for all.

“We’re coming back stronger than ever this summer” says Matthew Himes, Levitt LA’s Director of Programming and Production, “with over 150 performances, 50 genres, and many surprises, there’s a little something for everyone. We can’t wait to see everyone dance, laugh, and enjoy the incredible music under the stars with all their friends and families and make new connections with each other.”

Launching the season, Levitt LA is partnering with LACMA's Latin Sounds and La Banda Elástica to co- present the concert series’ opening night on June 18, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm featuring El Gran Silencio, Buyepongo, Las Chikas, and La Banda Elástica DJ’s.

This season will also feature the soulful oldie sounds of Joe Bataan, Mexican sonidero sounds of Grupo Soñador, to the neo-perreo beats of Andrekza, dancing all night with LA's hottest DJ's to a festival celebrating Filipino culture & beyond !!

With long built trust Levitt LA teams up with local heritage groups and music collectives who often serve as culture bearers to celebrate the distinct communities that make LA so unique. The Sunday concerts showcase exciting new and traditional music for an immersive crosscultural experience with food, dance, and more!

Such as: INCA, The Peruvian Ensemble and TAIKOPROJECT- presented in partnership with The Music Center, plus Yola At HOLA, HOLA Music Studios.

For more information about the Levitt LA Summer Season 2022, please visit www.levittlosangeles.org.


May at AMOCA

New exhibition and a new podcast!

April was a remarkably busy month at AMOCA, and May is shaping up to be just as vibrant: a new exhibition featuring work by Alina Hayes opens in the Vault Gallery, a podcast launches featuring AMOCA's very own Exhibition Manager Pam Aliaga, the Huntington celebrates Fiber Arts Month, and more classes and workshops in the ceramics studio have been posted!


Here are a Few "Save the Dates!"

An Evening with Ellen Durkan

On this evening, we invite you to join us in welcoming Ellen Durkan as she shares her unique and exquisite work in an hour long talk and visual feast, followed by a question-and-answer period. This event is a prelude to her three-day class in Forging Fashion that will begin the following morning in Adam’s Forge.


Highland Park Independent Film Festival is Almost Here!

The HPIFF showcase includes 1 Narrative Feature, 4 Documentary Features and 25 Shorts. These include 9 World Premieres and 3 LA Premieres.

This year’s festival also includes - Film Fan Fest - a free event which takes place outside of the Highland Theater and includes music, dancing and live painting by Highland Park artists as an outreach component. This year DJ Ama B will provide live music Al Fresco Red Carpet on Figueroa.

Opening night is Friday October 1st and following the red carpet, there will be a screening of the feature documentary “Carlos Almaraz, Playing with Fire” directed by Elsa Flores Almaraz and Richard Montoya. The film explores the life of Carlos Almaraz, a Chicano activist, sexual outlaw, and visionary painter of some of the most unforgettable images of Southern California.  A special mention will be made since the Highland Theater is directly across the street from the old Centro de Arte Popular that Carlos Almaraz co-founded and because it was recently approved by The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission to the city's list of Historic-Cultural Monuments as a location important to the Chicano Arts Movement.

Directly before the screening, HPIFF will present the 2021 HPIFF Humanitarian Award to Juan Escobedo.  A son of East Los Angeles, Juan uses film and photography to portray issues in society such as domestic violence, HIV prevention, and human trafficking. With the support of nonprofits in Boyle Heights, East LA and Watts, he creates films depicting characters and communities affected by these issues. Juan founded the East LA Society of Film & Arts (TELASOFA) in 2005, a nonprofit which heals children and their families through art and film. Three years later he also started the East LA Film Festival (ELAFF) where youth could showcase their films alongside Hollywood professionals. After 14 years, ELAFF has grown with the help of the East LA community screening films from Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Mexico, USA and his beloved East LA. Juan directed the award-winning short film “Marisol”, based on a true story about a little girl from East LA who dreams of the perfect quinceañera dress until her life takes a drastic turn after an incident with domestic violence.  The film too the  “Arts and Culture Award” from the East LA Women’s Center, Hollywood Reel Independent Festival “Best Drama” and qualified for the Oscars in 2018. The script is now in the OSCARS ACADEMY Margaret Herrick Library available for research to filmmakers and the public. Juan continues to work with young adults with a grant from Eastside Arts Initiative to provide internships on projects produced by TELASOFA. One of his next projects is BLAXICAN, about an aged out foster youth dealing with generational trauma. He is also in pre-production for CRY LADY, CRY! A film about professional mourners called moirologists.

Closing night is Saturday October 2nd with the screening of the feature film “Lorelei” directed by Sabrina Doyle. A working-class fable about a biker, a mermaid and three shades of blue starring Jena Malone and Pablo Schreiber.  Directly after the screening, there will be a question and answer with Sabrina Doyle, Writer/Director, Stephen Paar, Cinematographer and Arnold and Jianulla Zimmerman, Executive Producers who will be in attendance.

Awards will be held directly after the screening. Awards will be given for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Short, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Composition, Audience Awards and Honorable Mentions.


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It's June and the City is Reopening!

Traffic is back. I just picked up a to-go order at an almost full restaurant. What I am truly looking forward to is less mask wearing, more hugging, sharing close spaces (with friends, not sure about strangers yet.) I look forward to more options and opportunities to see art and hear music. To share food and experiences with friends. Art openings…museums…I’ll be there. So please allow me to share some of the things I find interesting to go see and do. And of course go over to Poet’s Place and check out the offerings from Linda and her fabulous group of poets.



This weekend at These Hands Collective in Venice

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!! There are two classes, soldered chain bracelet and silver metal clay. You can do one or both. Check out the schedule over at These Hands, sign up, and we’ll see you Sunday!!

Metal clay is pretty darn cool.

Metal clay is pretty darn cool.

You know you want to make your own sterling silver bracelet.

You know you want to make your own sterling silver bracelet.


Artillery Gallery Rounds

Check out the kids over at Artillery as they guide you through the galleries you should visit this coming week.

FEDERICO SOLMI Luis De JesusBY COLE SWEETWOOD “The show…points a finger towards the rampant deification of these historical figures…”

FEDERICO SOLMI
Luis De Jesus

BY COLE SWEETWOOD
“The show…points a finger towards the rampant deification of these historical figures…”


AMOCA Reopens June 19
With New Exhibitions: Don Reitz & Amy Santoferraro

Pictured: Installation views of Don Reitz: Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal exhibition.

Pictured: Installation views of Don Reitz: Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal exhibition.


TORRANCE ART MUSEUM ANNOUNCES AN ULTRA!
ADVENTUROUS SUMMER SCHEDULE
JULY 17 - AUGUST 28, 2021

The Torrance Art Museum (TAM) proudly presents the schedule for the Summer 2021 exhibitions, beginning with an adventurous new community-based public art exhibition called Ultra! from July 17 through August 28, 2021.


SAVE THE DATE
JULY 29—AUGUST 1, 2021

The LA Art Show returns as a live in-person event this summer! Join us when the most comprehensive contemporary art show in America returns to the LA Convention Center July 29 - August 1, 2021. Tickets are on sale now!

To purchase tickets, visit:
LA Art Show Ticket Center


June Opportunities for Artists

Each month we seek out and compile the best opportunities for artists. These are the best opportunities for artists with June deadlines.


Over at The Huntington starting August 28, 2021
Chinese Garden’s New Art Gallery Will Make its Debut with an Inaugural Exhibition Featuring Contemporary Calligraphy

Fu Shen 傅申 (born 1937, Shanghai; active Taiwan, United States, and China). Court of Assembled Worthies 集賢院, 2018. Handscroll, ink on paper; calligraphy written in running script. Image: 16 3/4 x 45 1/2 in. (42.5 x 115.5 cm); Mount: 17 1/2 x 54 in. (44.5 x 137 cm); Roller: 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm). The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Things You Should Know About!

Arroyo Arts Collective kicks-off 2021 programming with…

“Fools for Hope”, a multi-disciplinary installation and live event on Saturday, May 22nd at 2:00pm
(Los Angeles) Northeast L.A.’s Arroyo Arts Collective present their Spring show “Fools for
Hope” - a public art installation, with photography, poetry and a community Wishing Wall,
presented on the grounds of Highland Park’s La Tierra de la Culebra Art Park.

Selected Artists:

Katrina Alexy, Ronald Carrillo, Mona Jean Cedar and Jeff Boynton, Joanne Chase-Mattillo,
Mary Cheung, Cat Chiu Phillips, Pascaline Doucin-Dahlke, Lillian Doyle, Richard Ferguson,
Karen Greenbaum-Maya, Cidne Hart, Linda Hoag, Heather Hoggan, Kristen Johannesen, Patty
Sue Jones, Yvette Nicole Kolodji, Ashley Krythoff, Lisa Montagne, Bill Ratner, Josie Roth,
Robyn Sanford, Mary Torregrossa, and Ricardo Tomasz. Musical Performances by: Christopher Garcia (5/22) and Jessica Fichot (6/19) All events arefamily-friendly and free to the public.

Opening Reception: Sat. May 22, 2021 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m. at
La Tierra de la Culebra Art Park, 240 South Avenue 57, Los Angeles, CA 90042.

Exhibition Dates: May 22 – June 19, 2021
Closing Reception: Sat. June 19, 2021 from 2:00 to 5:00p.m.

These events are free, will be open to the public and will follow all current CDC health
precautions for social distancing, with mandatory mask wearing for everyone in the Park. La Tierra de la Culebra Art Park is located close to public transportation, including the Dash Highland Park/Eagle Rock #83, the Metro Bus #81 and the Metro Gold Line (exit Highland Park Station). Via auto, it is close to the Via Marisol exits from the 110 freeway. Street parking is available but limited. Be sure to follow all posted parking restrictions. Ridesharing is encouraged.

“Fools for Hope” is supported in part through the generous support of the Department of
Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, and by Los Angeles City Council Member Gil Cedillo and
Council District 1

arroyoartscollective.org

“Fools for Hope” opening and closing events will be live-streamed at:

https://www.facebook.com/ArroyoArtsCollective



Tomoshibi: Glass Works by Kazuki Takizawa

https://www.kazukitakizawa.com/

https://www.kazukitakizawa.com/

A collection of Kazuki Takizawa’s newest works in glass is currently being exhibited at the Craft Contemporary Museum in Los Angeles, CA. Reserve your tickets early! (Sunday: free admission!)

LOS ANGELES — Winged sentries guide the way ahead when, suddenly, the path gives way to a dark forest. Lost among the wilderness, the darkness is blinding. Yet just as the crushing weight of the darkness feels unbearable, a field of flowers appears. Set against the velvety blackness of the background, the flowers glisten like jewels. All around, glimmers of light catch in the most unexpected places: in the swirling pattern of the pebbles, in the shimmer of the air. A blue bird sits perched on a trunk, while steady drips of water ring in the distance. What seemed to be a sinister landscape before is transformed into one bursting with light, and life.



It's May...Have You Been to a Museum Yet?

I’m double vaxxed, more than two weeks out and I feel great! I’ve been to two museums so far, hugged friends, and finally had a meal in doors at a restaurant. Baby steps that are also giant leaps forward. Last post I wrote a bit about Ai Weiwei at the Skirball, which you should all go check out.

Poet’s Place is up, so check out Linda’s group of poets and their poetry.

This past weekend I went over to MONA, the Museum of Neon Art, and saw Linda Sue Price and Michael Fletchner, as well as a wonderful exhibit, that included some of their work, and the work of a number of other artists.


And Over at Forest Lawn Museum - Judson Studio


Over at Center for the Arts Eagle Rock!


WE RISE 2021: WEEK ONE
PROGRAMS & DIGITAL EVENTS

Tanya Aguiñiga, Celebration Spectrum, 2021.

Tanya Aguiñiga, Celebration Spectrum, 2021.

Welcome to Week One of WE RISE 2021! We’re thrilled to share a week of programming designed to encourage wellbeing and healing through art, connection, community engagement and creative expression – and there are many ways to join in!



LACMA is Open

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

We can’t wait to welcome you back!


Art to See! Get Out and See Art!

Ai Weiwei at the Skirball

Museums are open and if they haven’t opened yet, it will sure happen soon. I was very fortunate to get a press invitation to see the new Ai Weiwei show at the Skirball. What a wonderful experience to be out and in a cultural center. It’s been a minute. Please take the opportunity to visit the Skirball for this show.


The Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) and MOAH:CEDAR are thrilled to announce the 36th Annual All-Media Juried Art Exhibition.

Enter to be in this exhibit. Click on the image to link to the information.

Enter to be in this exhibit. Click on the image to link to the information.


Stained Glass That Breaks All the Rules - Judson Studio at Forest Lawn Museum and in the New York Times

Photo stolen from the Judson Studio Facebook page.

Photo stolen from the Judson Studio Facebook page.

Go to Forest Lawn Museum to see the Judson Studio exhibit, opening April 28th, 2021. You will need to book your time due to the limited occupancy of the museum. Check out the article in the NY Times (may be subscription only or limited access).