la art news april 2016 section a
DESCRIPTION
Celebrate 3 years with the newest issue of LA Art News. We started as NELAart News and are expanding to cover more of Los Angeles' vibrant art scene. This is section A. Don't forget to check out Section B too.TRANSCRIPT
LA ART NEWSLA ART NEWSLA ART NEWSHOW DO YOU CREATE?
NELAart SECOND SATURDAYGALLERY NIGHT MAP ENCLOSED
Section A Volume 4 No. 1 laartnews.com find us on Facebook April 2016
LINDA ARREOLA: ARCHITECT OF THE ABSTRACTAt The Vincent Price Art Museum
Linda Arreola’s abstract works operate in a manner counter to what initially might be expected. The straight lines and solid-looking shapes, clearly products of the artist’s training in architecture, do not cause the viewer’s perception to remain static. Instead, there is migration--from life to death, or death to life. A known image, such as a confederate flag, is reduced to its most elemental aspects and becomes something new. An image as solid as the Sixth Street Bridge, reduced to elemental components, is reinterpreted from massive object on the landscape to a means of communication between different communities across a river. Even text becomes a journey, as letters, numbers and symbols float and reposition themselves. The seemingly straightforward images work with the viewer’s mind. Arreola is not only a master of line, but also of texture. Paint application, depth and shine are tools which make a piece into a statement or a story. Arreola’s abstract imagery blows away any notions that one may have that all Chicano Art is representational or that all
abstract art is disinterested. Abstraction can be political statement about migration from home to the unknown. It may tell a personal story about an artist’s relationship to her father. “My work has revolved around a belief that when things are at their most elemental, they reveal to us their essence,” Arreola says in her artist statement. Arreola is a graduate of East Los Angeles College, so her show at the Vincent Price Art Museum on the college’s campus, represents something of a homecoming for her. A resident of Northeast Los Angeles, Arreola received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in sculpture from California State University, Los Angeles and a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is included in the book, Contemporary Chicana/Chicano Artists and was selected for a Public Art Commission at the East Los Angeles Civic Center main plaza. Arreola is a recipient of the Durfee Foundation ARC Grant and the City of Los Angeles (C.O.L.A.) Individual Artist Fellowship.The exhibit is curated by William Moreno.
Linda Arreola, Confederate Flag Reconfigured, 2015
Linda Arreola: Architect of the Abstract, The Vincent Price Art Museum
“MYTHICAL MASALA: postcards and dreams”ELIOT SEKULER AT ROCK ROSE GALLERY
Eliot Sekuler is well known in Northeast Los Angeles for his promotion of the arts through Lummis Day and other endeavors. Now, via a solo show at Rock Rose Gallery on North Figueroa Street, the community will have the opportunity to view Sekular’s own works.“MYTHICAL MASALA: postcards and dreams” features paintings and mixed media pieces that are spiritual and personal, while at the same time reflective of the broader Indian culture that inspires them. Sekuler first traveled to India in 2012 and has returned three times since for extended stays, mostly in the southern part of the subcontinent. He is fascinated by the tug between modern lifestyles and the traditional currents that remain visible beneath the picturesque surface of Indian life. The images that make up “MYTHICAL MASALA” relate modern Indian life to narratives of Indian mythology and sacred scripture.An alumnus of New York University’s School of the Arts, Sekuler spent over 35 years as a communications executive,
publicist and journalist, including 16 years as a Vice President at Universal Studios Hollywood. He retired from the latter position in 2011. He lives with his wife and three dogs in Mount Washington.Rock Rose Gallery was established by Rosamaria Marquez in 2000 and has served as an arts incubator for artists of a variety of disciplines.
Eliot Sekuler, “MYTHICAL MASALA: postcards and dreams”*Opening Reception: Saturday, April 2, 7-10 p.m.The reception will feature live music by noted sitarist and composer Paul Livingstone and the traditional and contemporary sounds of Arohi Ensemble.*Conversation With the Artist: Saturday April 9, 8 p.m. (as part of NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night)Rock Rose Gallery4108 N. Figueroa Street, Highland Parkwww.rockrosegallery.com
Draupadi and Yadhusthira’s Dog
Draupadi and Yadhusthira’s Dog
Shanta and Rishyasringa
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A panel discussion about the exhibit, featuring Linda Arreola, William Moreno, art scholar Sybil Venegas and art critic and writer Shana Nys Dambrot, will take place Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m.
Linda Arreola: Architect of the AbstractVincent Price Art MuseumEast Los Angeles College1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey ParkThrough May 21vincentpriceartmuseum.org
Linda Arreola, Replicant, 2015
Linda Arreola: Architect of the Abstract, The Vincent Price Art Museum
Linda Arreola, Evergreen, 2008
STAFFPublisher Cathi MilliganCreative Director Cathi Milligan Managing Editor Margaret ArnoldAdvertising Sales Cathi Milligan
Contributors: Margaret Arnold, Cornelius Peter, Brian Mallman, Amy Inouye, Stuart Rapeport, Cathi Milligan, Jennifer Hitchcock, Florence the dog, Jeremy Kaplan, Larisa Code, Harvey Slater, Kristine Schomaker, Baha Danesh, Leanna Lin, Joe Bermudez, John McIntyre, Leigh Adams, Desiree Cormier, Chen-hung Chen
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.
How to reach usLA Art News 5668 York Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90042323-387-9705
Calendar [email protected]
Sales - [email protected]
Where’s Monica?
3 YEARS!Well what do you know? We are three years old. Many things have changed in the three years since we began. Many things seem the same. We have a fresh name as of January which has us in many more locations, and we have many loyal advertisers that have been with us since the beginning. Thanks to all of them.
I’ve always felt that this newspaper is about connecting people...artists and collectors and opportunities and experiences. It keeps growing and with that it helps to provide a resource to spread the word about art, creativity, and the creative economy of this city.
One of the cool ways we get to illustrate the importance of creativity is by participating in events like Fig Jam, which took place last month. Groups of creative people joined together to throw a little party with music and theatre and art and food...as well as other components of what makes a Great Street, such as parklets and bike lanes. And Chicken Boy was there! We’ve got a bunch of pictures this issue from Fig Jam so if you didn’t get by that day, you can at least check out what we did.
Thanks,Cathi MilliganPublisher, LA Art News
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LA ART NEWS SECTION A
Vinyasa Flow| Power Lunch | Candlelight Flow | PrenatalKids Yoga | Yoga Sculpt | Mixed Level Flow
Yoga Studio | Art Gallery | Tea Shop
5118 York Blvd | Los Angeles | CA | 90042
www.namastehighlandpark.com
Namaste Highland Park
Linda Arreola: Architect of the Abstract, The Vincent Price Art Museum
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CHICKEN BOY HONORED BY ARTISTS AT FUTURE STUDIO, THE ROOST OF CHICKEN BOY
Anna Stump and Ted Meyer
Currently showing for one more week...
Ted Meyer
Miriam Jackson
Kacy Treadway and Amy Inouye“Chicken Boy: That’s My Name”
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LA ART NEWS SECTION A
Avenue 50 Studio:Saints, Sinners, and Los Angeles. Featuring: Manuel Lopez Aguilar, Joel Aguilara, Saul Aguilera, Armando Bobadilla, Steven Correa, Jesus De Dios, sNelson Gaspar, Jackie Gonzalez, Elmer Guevara, Brenda Holguin, Magda Keriakos, Gabriela Maldonado, Benjamin Morales, Sean Munley, Andrew Murga, Susanna Negrete, Gilbert Ortiz and Javier Ruiz.Portraits of the LA River~Judith Amdur.Through The Eyes Of A Bus Rider. A photography installation by Edward E. Solis. Commemorating Earth Day 2016 and Month of Photography Los Angeles.
Bob Taylor Properties:In January of 2014, a group of international artists came together in Puente Alto, Chile to create large scale public mosaic art. Several of these artists will be part of "Intervistas" at Bob Taylor Properties. Artists from the U.S., Ger-many, Holland, Turkey, New Zealand, Wales, and France. Curated by Rafael Matias. Live music with the Carlos Guitarlos Band.
Book Show and Madame Pamita's Parlour of Wonders:Linda Kaye Poetry & Book Show present Poetry Jam Night. Calling all acoustic musicians and poets. (rsvp req'd to perform, [email protected])
Cactus Gallery:Under the Moon and the Stars. Featured artist Ulla Anobile plus 12 female artists who explore these concepts personally or from their backgrounds and cultures. The choice of 13 artists represents the 13 moons. Ulla Anobile, Don-na Abbate, Denise Bledsoe, Andrea Bogdan, Ashley Fisher, Rasa Jadzeviciene, Kalli Arte, Patricia Krebs, Mavis Leahy, Ann Lim, Anna Magruder, Janet Olenik, Gabriela Malinalxochitl Zapata.
co-LAb:Solo show with LA Artist Kalen Dawson.
**New Venue** Collective Arts Incubator:"MysteryTrash" responds directly to the tides of waste, greed, and excess that pollute our natural environment and clog the bloated bureaucracies of our institutions. Featured artists KOOL SKULL and TheBlueTruth investigate challenging phenomena by creating incendiary characters and grotesque environments. Both create alternate visions of reality born from waste materi-als and abrasive aesthetics. Also featuring Colin Ambulance and Thoz Meddlin Kidz. Live performances, temporary immersive installations, and a gallery exhibition of paintings, drawings, and sculpture. (mature audiences)
Elephant: Sculptor Christian Tedeschi.
Future Studio:Art Bern 2: Portraits and Art Inspired by Bernie Sanders. Bernie Sanders enjoys the enthusiastic support of many LA artists who are inspired by his words and character. A great variety of wonderful work will be shown—paintings, sculptures, puppets, glass art, ceramic art, drawings, cartoons. Gallery proceeds and a portion of all artists’ proceeds go to the campaign.
Good Eye Gallery:"If Only For a Little While." A series of new paintings by Portland based artist Lisa Golightly. Golightly uses high gloss Farrow & Ball house paint to create dreamlike portraits and landscapes sourced from found photographs. Fiction-alized then digitally altered and printed onto paper, Golightly uses traditional brush strokes and lets the paint pool in an experimental fashion.
The Market:Alma Sangre, a three-piece acoustic ensemble born just east of the Los Angeles River. Alma Sangre is music to shake your heart to.Flaming Dingos, Retro Psychedelic Sex-Funk Dance Music.Asa Anderson, Singer/Songwriter. Acoustic Show with mellifluous voice + guitar.Sound Bath + Guided Meditation, 5:50-6:30 p.m., with Electric Sound Bath and Elisa Halma.
Mi Vida:"Trankilo," a solo exhibit by Benjie Escobar, an amazing pen and ink artist.
Rock Rose Gallery:Eliot Sekuler, Mythical Masala: postcards and dreams. Paintings on paper. Conversation with the artist at 8 p.m.
The Situation Room:Alex Aristei: Photographs. Emotionally moving works exploring the sublime aesthetics of psychological, social, and geographic terrains of our world today.
Vapegoat:Arbitrary Thoughts. Paintings by Raquel Gutierrez.
The York:Willis Goldsmith is the featured artist.
Spoke (N) Art Ride:Meet at the Bike Oven for a fun, slow-paced bicycle tour of art galleries. Blinkie lights recommended. Gather at 6. Roll at 6:30.
NELAart SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS FOR APRIL 9
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1. Avenue 50 Studio131 No. Avenue 50 323. 258.1435 avenue50studio.org
2. Bike Oven/Flying Pigeon3706 No Figueroa
3. Namaste Highland Park5118 York Blvd.www.namastehighlandpark.com
4. Offbeat6316 York Blvdwww.offbeatbar.com
5. Council District Office #1Gil Cedillo5577 N. Figueroa St.
6. Future Studio5558 N Figueroa St.323 254-4565futurestudiogallery.com
7. Elephant3325 Division St.
8. Meridian5007 1/2 York Blvd.meridianstorela.com
9. Vapegoat5054 York Blvd.323.963.VAPE 10. Bearded Beagle5926 N. Figueroa St.
11. Shopclass 5215 York Blvd.323.258.2500shopclassla.com
12. Matters of Space5005 York Blvdwww.mattersifspace.com323.743.3267
13. Mi Vida5159 York Blvd.
14. deb33213321 Pasadena Ave.
15. Antigua Coffee House3400 N. Figueroa St.www.antiguacoffeehouse.com
16. Align Gallery5045 York Blvd.www.aligngallery.com
17. New Stone Age Mosaics1754 Colorado Blvd.
18. Panorama Press House4700 York Blvd.www.thepanoramapress.com
19. Evil or Sacred Tattoos4524 Eagle Rock Blvd.
20. Toros Pottery4962 Eagle Rock Blvd 323.344.8330torospottery.com
April 9, 2016 - 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)
21. The Market1203 Avenue 50www.themarkethp.com
22. Keystone Art Gallery2558 N. San Fernando Rd.
23. Cactus Gallery @ Treeline Woodworks3001 N. Coolidge Ave
24. The York 5018 York Blvd.
25. Ball Clay Studio4851 York Blvd.ballclaystudio.com
26. Collective Arts Incubator1200 N. Ave 54collectiveartsincubator.com
27. Antenna Studio1617 Colorado Blvd.antennastudioart.com
28. The GreyhoundHighland Park Independant Film Festival570 N. Figueroa St.
29. Urchin5006 1/2 York Blvd.
30. Two TracksPola Lopez, open studio.131 North Avenue 50
31. O & M Leather5048 Eagle Rock Blvdwww.ommleather.com
32. Vapeology3714 N. Figueroa St.323.222.0744
33. Pop-Hop5002 York Blvd.www.thepophop.com
34. Social Studies5028.5 York Blvd.
35. Dotter5027 York Blvd.www.dotterstore.com
36. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland5204 Eagle Rock Blvd.www.leannalinswonderland.com
37. Good Eye Gallery4538 N. Eagle Rock Blvd.www.goodeyegallery.com
38. Highland Cafe5010 York Blvd.323.259.1000
39. CucuArt Gallery4704-06 Eagle Rocl Blvd.323.202.0672
40. Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor5115 York Blvd.
41. The U Space2626 N. Figueroa St., suite C
Visit us at NELAart.org
NELAartNortheast Los Angeles Arts Organization, Inc.
42. The Situation Room2313 Norwalk Ave.
43. Bookshow5503 Figueroa St.www.bookshow.com
44. The New SeedAve 34 & Verdugo
45. The Slow Down Gallery@ Random Gallery200 N. Ave 64
46. Curve Line1577 Colorado Blvd.
47. The Glass Studio5668 York Blvd.www.theglassstudio.net
48. Rock Rose Gallery4108 N. Figueroa St.323.635.9125
49. All Star Lanes4459 N Eagle Rock Blvd.323.254.2579
50. Pop Secret5119 Eagle Rock Blvd.
51. Apiary Gallery atThe Hive Highland Park5670 York Blvd.www.thehive.la
52. Leader of the Pack5110 York Blvd.www.leaderofthepackvintage.com
53. Short Hand5028 York Blvd.shopshorthand.com
54. Rosie Bunny Bean1309 N. Ave 51rosiebunnybean.com
55. co-Lab Gallery5319 York Blvd.www.co-Lab.com
56. The luxelust life Vintage Furniture6095 York Blvd
57. Bob Taylor Properties5526 N. Figueroa St.323-257-1080
58. MAN InsuranceAve 50 Satellite1270 N. Ave 50323.256.3151
59. Possession Vintage5119 York Blvd.www.possessionvintage.com
60. The Hunt Vintage5317 York Blvd.www.thehuntvintage.com
61. The Erin Hanson Gallery2732 Gilroy St.erinhanson.com
62. Vroom Vroom Bitsy Boo5031 B York Blvd.
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Second Saturday Gallery Night map is sponsored by
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On the Second Saturday of every month galleries, businesses, and artists in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, and Lincoln Heightsopen their doors a little later in the evening and welcome visitors. Use this map for locations of art and eateries, grab someone you love, get some dinner, and enjoy some art. Friend NELA Art Gallery Night on Facebook for the updated last minute list.
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LA ART NEWS SECTION A
1. Avenue 50 Studio131 No. Avenue 50 323. 258.1435 avenue50studio.org
2. Bike Oven/Flying Pigeon3706 No Figueroa
3. Namaste Highland Park5118 York Blvd.www.namastehighlandpark.com
4. Offbeat6316 York Blvdwww.offbeatbar.com
5. Council District Office #1Gil Cedillo5577 N. Figueroa St.
6. Future Studio5558 N Figueroa St.323 254-4565futurestudiogallery.com
7. Elephant3325 Division St.
8. Meridian5007 1/2 York Blvd.meridianstorela.com
9. Vapegoat5054 York Blvd.323.963.VAPE 10. Bearded Beagle5926 N. Figueroa St.
11. Shopclass 5215 York Blvd.323.258.2500shopclassla.com
12. Matters of Space5005 York Blvdwww.mattersifspace.com323.743.3267
13. Mi Vida5159 York Blvd.
14. deb33213321 Pasadena Ave.
15. Antigua Coffee House3400 N. Figueroa St.www.antiguacoffeehouse.com
16. Align Gallery5045 York Blvd.www.aligngallery.com
17. New Stone Age Mosaics1754 Colorado Blvd.
18. Panorama Press House4700 York Blvd.www.thepanoramapress.com
19. Evil or Sacred Tattoos4524 Eagle Rock Blvd.
20. Toros Pottery4962 Eagle Rock Blvd 323.344.8330torospottery.com
April 9, 2016 - 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)
21. The Market1203 Avenue 50www.themarkethp.com
22. Keystone Art Gallery2558 N. San Fernando Rd.
23. Cactus Gallery @ Treeline Woodworks3001 N. Coolidge Ave
24. The York 5018 York Blvd.
25. Ball Clay Studio4851 York Blvd.ballclaystudio.com
26. Collective Arts Incubator1200 N. Ave 54collectiveartsincubator.com
27. Antenna Studio1617 Colorado Blvd.antennastudioart.com
28. The GreyhoundHighland Park Independant Film Festival570 N. Figueroa St.
29. Urchin5006 1/2 York Blvd.
30. Two TracksPola Lopez, open studio.131 North Avenue 50
31. O & M Leather5048 Eagle Rock Blvdwww.ommleather.com
32. Vapeology3714 N. Figueroa St.323.222.0744
33. Pop-Hop5002 York Blvd.www.thepophop.com
34. Social Studies5028.5 York Blvd.
35. Dotter5027 York Blvd.www.dotterstore.com
36. Leanna Lin’s Wonderland5204 Eagle Rock Blvd.www.leannalinswonderland.com
37. Good Eye Gallery4538 N. Eagle Rock Blvd.www.goodeyegallery.com
38. Highland Cafe5010 York Blvd.323.259.1000
39. CucuArt Gallery4704-06 Eagle Rocl Blvd.323.202.0672
40. Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor5115 York Blvd.
41. The U Space2626 N. Figueroa St., suite C
Visit us at NELAart.org
NELAartNortheast Los Angeles Arts Organization, Inc.
42. The Situation Room2313 Norwalk Ave.
43. Bookshow5503 Figueroa St.www.bookshow.com
44. The New SeedAve 34 & Verdugo
45. The Slow Down Gallery@ Random Gallery200 N. Ave 64
46. Curve Line1577 Colorado Blvd.
47. The Glass Studio5668 York Blvd.www.theglassstudio.net
48. Rock Rose Gallery4108 N. Figueroa St.323.635.9125
49. All Star Lanes4459 N Eagle Rock Blvd.323.254.2579
50. Pop Secret5119 Eagle Rock Blvd.
51. Apiary Gallery atThe Hive Highland Park5670 York Blvd.www.thehive.la
52. Leader of the Pack5110 York Blvd.www.leaderofthepackvintage.com
53. Short Hand5028 York Blvd.shopshorthand.com
54. Rosie Bunny Bean1309 N. Ave 51rosiebunnybean.com
55. co-Lab Gallery5319 York Blvd.www.co-Lab.com
56. The luxelust life Vintage Furniture6095 York Blvd
57. Bob Taylor Properties5526 N. Figueroa St.323-257-1080
58. MAN InsuranceAve 50 Satellite1270 N. Ave 50323.256.3151
59. Possession Vintage5119 York Blvd.www.possessionvintage.com
60. The Hunt Vintage5317 York Blvd.www.thehuntvintage.com
61. The Erin Hanson Gallery2732 Gilroy St.erinhanson.com
62. Vroom Vroom Bitsy Boo5031 B York Blvd.
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Second Saturday Gallery Night map is sponsored by
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On the Second Saturday of every month galleries, businesses, and artists in Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, and Lincoln Heightsopen their doors a little later in the evening and welcome visitors. Use this map for locations of art and eateries, grab someone you love, get some dinner, and enjoy some art. Friend NELA Art Gallery Night on Facebook for the updated last minute list.
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NELAART SECOND SATURDAY MARCH 2016
Mark Brunner, HumanTreeRobot, at Vapegoat
Stuart Rapeport, Women Gatekeepers of the Art Scene, at Avenue 50 Studio AnnexBughouse
Miriam Jackson at Bob Taylor Properties
Gabriela Malinalxochitl at Mi Vida (detail)
Vroom Vroom Bitsy-Boo, Grand Opening
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LA ART NEWS SECTION A
323-222-0744
Vapeologyl . a .
Vapeology is an Environmental and Health Conscience Establishment
the art and science of vape
Electronic Cigarettes Since 2012
N. Figueroa St. @ aVe. 37
In our 4th year of successfully helping people quit smoking
Kanger Halo & Evo LiquidsProvari JoytechInnokin
EleafCoastal E-liquids Laboratories
Samsung
Thanks to all that came out for the photo-booth Check out the pictures at Vapeologyla.com in the “gallery”
Providing honest answers & information about electronic cigarettes
In a comfortable adult environment.
Fuzion Flavorz by JoeEliquid France
Selamawit Mekonen at Align Gallery
NOVA at Cafe de Leche Leader of the Pack Vintage, Grand Opening
On York Boulevard
Dreaming Without Sleeping, Namaste Highland Park in collaboration with the ECF Art Centers, a Los Angeles studio art day program serving
adults with developmental disabilities
Many Distant Cities at The Market
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GOVERNMENT NOTES
Olympics, 2024The City of Los Angeles has submitted its application to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The City's plan envisions sports venues and associated facilities as grouped into clusters: Coastal (including Westwood and the beach, with the Olympic Village at UCLA), The Sepulveda Dam area and San Fernando Valley, The South Bay, and Downtown (envisioned as the Heart of the host city and including City Hall, LA Live, USC, a renovated Coliseum, and nearby neighborhoods). Other venues beyond the clusters include The Rose Bowl, Wilson Golf Course, The Forum, The LA Waterfront, and an International Broadcast Center in Universal City. Los Angeles previously hosted the games in 1932 and 1984, and experienced no cost overruns. "We are the only city on earth that has hosted two Olympics and made money," said City Coun-cilmember Paul Krekorian at the March meeting of the Council Committee on the Olympic bid.The fact that hardly any new infrastructure will be necessary for the 2024 games puts the City a good position to repeat the economic experience. According to Krekorian, who chairs the Council's Budget and Finance Committee, cities that haven't made money have failed to do so because of infrastructure costs. City Councilmember Curren Price, at the Council committee meeting, expressed the desire to see artistic "legacy improvements" emerge from host-ing the games. "So I think in terms of legacy improvements," said Price, "while we might not necessarily want people to be on the freeways, we certainly want to benefit the communities around those freeways. And so I think we ought to be looking at some ways to do murals or other public art or lighting or landscaping around the exits--again, as a legacy to the Olympic Games, but also recognition that we want to bring some improvements to the community…There might be some opportunity there to provide some legacy improvements that will have some long-lasting effects and some immedi-ate benefits as we showcase our city."
Pioneer WomenSeveral women involved in the arts were among the honorees at this year's Pioneer Women Awards, presented March 23 during the meeting of the Los Angeles City Council. For 26 years, the Council and The Commission on the Status of Women have honored women who are chang-ing our city. Councilmember José Huizar honored Highland Park resident Monica Alcaraz for her work con-necting homeless residents with services and organizing homeless counts. Alcaraz is president of the local Neighborhood Council, and her work in social media has taken the council to new levels of community engagement.Alcaraz' many community involvements include support for the arts through the Highland Park Independent Film Festival and Play Music on the Porch Day.Councilmember Nury Martinez, who organized the awards presentation, honored Ciera Payton, an actress whose one-woman production, "Michael's Daughter," led to an annual summer camp through which girls from at-risk backgrounds learn to express their living situations through the arts. Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell honored Socorro Callejas of the Yucca Residents Group. Among her accomplishments is the co-founding of the Yucca Park Community Center, which provides sports, art, music, dance and computer classes to keep young people off the streets and away from gangs. Councilmember David Ryu honored Hollywood producer Cindy Chvatal, whose efforts through the Hancock Park Residents Association and the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council have led to significant strides in the historic preservation of her home community. Council President Herb Wesson honored Regina Jones, whose years of activism have included the publication of Soul Newspaper, the first widely dis-tributed source of information about African American entertainers, in the '60s through 80s, and serving as publicist for the NAACP Image Awards.
photo: Office of Jose Huizar
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Glassell Park Transit PavilionCouncilmember Gilbert Cedillo's staff held a community meeting in March to present and receive input on the latest developments in the long quest for a transit pavilion for a very busy crossroads in Glassell Park. The pavilion is to be sited on the island where Cypress Avenue, Eagle Rock Boulevard, Verdugo Road and San Fernando Road meet up. The island is across from the Sotomayor Learning Acad-emies and is in close proximity to Glassell Park Elementary School, the Glassell Park Early Education Center, and the Workforce Development Center and char-ter high school at the Van de Kamp site. But it is also an area known for speeding and hazardous situations and lack of visual amenities. Although the island is a major bus transfer site, it is often hot and currently offers no shade. The proposal is for a large canopied shelter, seating, and safety measures such as easier and better defined crossings.The transit pavilion has been a long time in coming. The project was created about 2005 by resident Helene Schpak and the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council. The design was originally grander and more artistic, but according to Council Office staff, that design was not compatible with underground utilities at the site. Funding for the project was difficult to obtain, in a time when "earmarks" is
considered a bad word in political circles. But through the efforts of Congressman Xavier Becerra, funding has been made available, and the City is prepared to move ahead.The Transit Pavilion project is slated to begin construction in August, and completion is tentatively scheduled for August of next year.
RIP Bill RosendahlFormer Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl passed away March 30. Rosendahl was known for his progressive politics and his advocacy on behalf of LGBT people, the homeless and all marginalized citizens. He was also known for gifts of chicken eggs from his yard and for his unbridled enthusiasm for greeting and serving his constitu-ents. One of Rosendahl's enduring legacies is public affairs television programing, an avenue for dissemination of news and an expression of culture for which he fought consistently. Rosendahl is survived by his partner, Hedi El-Kholti, and by the City of Los Angeles.
GOVERNMENT NOTES CONTINUED
Former City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl by the Los Angeles River.
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APRIL 2016
We Choose ArtChenhung Chen | Entelechy
Written by: Desiree Cormier from WeChooseArt.comLocated at: Brewery Art Lofts, Los Angeles, CAFeaturing: Chenhung ChenChenhung Chen is a multi-disciplinary artist living and working in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her BA from the Chinese Cultural University in 1983 and her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Throughout her artistic career, she has always been fascinated with the idea of a line. Chen states: “I’m always recognizing the presence of line whether it’s within a drawing, or Chinese calligraphy or painting, and even American Abstract Expressionism….Through the use of line, I try to express feelings of delicacy, buoyancy, motion, power and strength.” Her newest series, “Entelechy” definitely conveys all of the above! Her 3D work is composed of recycled materials including; copper wire, electrical wire, remotes of all sorts, and some found objects. In her studio, her installations and sculptures lie across the floor, while others hang from the ceiling 8 or 9-feet tall. This is partially due to the simple fact that a friend donated recycled wires and cables to Chen many years ago. It was that donation that sparked this fire for her to create these larger than life, yet approachable sculptures. For Chen, the wires, cables, and copper convey a sense of the inner force that translates to peace and serenity, while heavily emphasizing the presence and importance of line. Everything about Chen’s newest body of work represents finding a balance between her surrounding atmosphere and the electric industrial lives we live. It’s about harmony and dissonance, peace and chaos, the beautiful and the grotesque, the subtle and the powerful. Surrounded by a large number of awe-inspiring “Entelechy” pieces, We Choose Art sat down with Chen to discuss her upcoming show and chat about her other current projects: We Choose Art:Your upcoming show is titled “Entelechy.” What does that mean to you? Chenhung Chen:There are a couple meanings, it’s a Greek word, and the word itself can mean “soul, human soul.” The meaning I’m using is the driving force for inner fulfilment. And there’s a meaning of actualization of some kind of potential, like human potential but you want to actualize it, right? Like, make it happen.
We Choose Art:Right! That’s a powerful concept! Is this the only project you are currently working on? Chen:I currently have three projects going on at the same time. It gives me a break from Entelechy. I’ve been working on a project where I use staples to create drawings. I also crochet wires and have drawings that accompany it. That project is about the human condition and going within the soul, but it’s a different approach. We Choose Art:Speaking of crochet, I see there is crochet work in some of the “Entelechy” pieces. Chen:Yes, those are my most current pieces, besides all of the cables and wires, and the electrical and technological aspect of it, you’ll see there is more of a crochet quality. I tried to combine the two a little bit and I started using crochet to hold them together. It
gives this series of work another layer of meaning. I think the original material in itself is already very interesting and I want to put a little more of a feminine connotation into it. It’s like I hold these wires together with more feminine work… and it’s subtle.Growing up, in school, all girls learned how to crochet, so it’s a very womanly thing in my mind. We Choose Art:That’s very interesting. Because you’re aiming to add a feminine touch, is that another way for you to show the balance? Chen:Yes! Exactly! It is all about balance. It also is way of including my background, my upbringing, in a subtle yet modern way. I don’t want it to be the main focus but it pops up here and there in my work. Like with the disassemble Erhu, in this piece. The Erhu is a two-stringed instrument originating in China. My husband had two, and one was broken, so I took it apart and added it as elements in this piece. I always like to hear the Erhu played. It sounds beautiful, but sad. We Choose Art:So in addition to your show at Gallery 825, will you be participating in the Brewery Artwalk? Chen:Yes. I will be opening up the studio! We Choose Art:That’s great, and our last question is.....Why do you choose art? Chen:I choose art because I have no choice.
Be sure to check out Chenhung Chen’s work at the Brewery Artwalk on April 2nd and 3rd and at Gallery 825 on April 9th at 6 p.m. for the opening reception of “Entelechy.” This show runs through May 6th and believe me, after seeing what I saw,
you do not want to miss this!
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LA ART NEWS SECTION A
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WE HEART EAGLE ROCK ART WALKApril 2
Everyone is invited to join Eagle Rock’s small businesses for the monthly “We Heart Eagle Rock Art Walk” from 4-8 p.m. every First Saturday of the month! Artsy highlights happening on Saturday April 2nd include:
On Eagle Rock Boulevard, the Donelle MacLaren art exhibit at O & M Leather continues. Donelle uses mixed media as her journal for dark expressionist images of nature and humans. Then, take a journey to Leanna Lin’s Wonderland for a California Love Pop-Up + Live Art Event with Angela Song and Melinda Tracy Boyce/Cactus Club. These two artists from the current California Love Art Show will be popping up in the middle of the shop with their stationery, prints, books, and exclusives, and also doing live art. 10% of the sales will be donated to CITYstage, a Los Angeles-based performing arts non-profit that serves at risk middle and high school youth.
On Colorado Boulevard, get crafty at Purple Twig, with a Flower Dyed Banner Workshop for the kids from 4-6 p.m. ($15 per person, ages 3 and up, no registration needed). Then wander a few doors down to Milkfarm where you can do a Grilled Cheese & Allagash Beer Pairing from 4-8 p.m. ($22 per person, spaces limited).
The Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council (ERNC) continues to curate community art exhibits featuring local artists and students. See fine landscape art by Maura Latty and spiritual art by Alice Elka Dworkin. There will also be works by ERHS Senior Zoe Aguila. The shows take place at the Eagle Rock City Hall.
New this month is Arts & Crafts at Craft Beer Cellar! Check out DIY bottle cutting crafts and up-cycling wine and beer bottles, while drinking some Craft Beer.
For more on this month’s participating galleries and small shops, please visit the event page at www.facebook.com/WeHeartEagleRock.
Melinda Tracy Boyce/Cactus Club for California Love Pop-Up + Live Art Event at
Leanna Lin’s Wonderland
Maura Latty, Eagle Rock City Hall
Zoe Aguila, ERHS Senior Exhibit at Eagle Rock City Hall
Angela Song for California Love Pop-Up + Live Art Event at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland
