Last spring, in a strategic move that I related to on a very personal level, the Santa Monica Museum of Art decided to pull up stakes on its Bergamot Station location to re-evaluate its mission in a self-reflective, revitalization effort called SMMoA Unbound. Today the museum announced that it would be relocating from Santa Monica … Continue reading The Santa Monica Museum of Art Heads East
Early on in my career I was given a small piece of advice that dictated how I presented myself professionally: “Dress for the job you want.” In the intersecting space between gentrification and street art, developers have applied that age old career advice to the neighborhoods they invest in. When it comes to street art, … Continue reading Mural Buffings Confirm Fears of Runaway Development in DTLA’s Arts District
At the beginning of Women’s History Month the National Museum of Women in the Arts asked an intriguing question when they created this hashtag: It was a call to action with a simple challenge: Name 5 women artists. Can you name them off the top of your head? Sure that may be easy, but if you walk … Continue reading DTLA Gallery Brings a Revolution to the Arts District
Over 6 miles of downtown streets were closed to traffic in the heart of Los Angeles for CicLAvia. Yesterday officially marked the 5 year anniversary of the event that celebrates physical activity, community engagement and alternative modes of transportation. During CicLAvia all non motorized modes of transportation are free to take over the blocked off streets of … Continue reading CicLAvia Reveals the “Heart of LA”
Last year I went to a meeting at the CleanTech Incubator near the L.A. river and I was surprised to see how much development has gone into the Arts District. Over the last few months I’ve been getting acquainted to L.A.’s latest gentrified, “it” neighborhood. Here’s what I LOVE about it: The energy is phenomenal (I … Continue reading Wandering: DTLA’s Arts District
Maybe you have noticed two characteristics exist in my paintings; either their surfaces are expansive and push outward in all directions, or their surfaces contract and rush inward in all directions. Between these two poles you can find everything I want to say.”~~Mark Rothko, 1953 Explaining “why” I love Mark Rothko’s work is not an … Continue reading Reflections on Rothko
What happens when 29 artists including Amanda Ross-Ho and Kevin Appel “occupy” the Farmers and Merchants Bank in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles? Painting in Place is a diverse exhibition where the artists, themes, styles and techniques are all woven together to explore self image and the space they occupied. The exhibition was … Continue reading Painting in Place
Today I spent the afternoon in the most eclectic store I’ve ever seen in Los Angeles. (Yes, that is saying a lot). The Last Bookstore can be found in a converted Crocker Bank on 5th and Spring. If you are too young to remember Crocker Bank, here is their logo (still on the Spring St. … Continue reading The Last Bookstore-A Literary Wonderland in DTLA
Having a day-long, city-wide celebration of cross cultural music is probably the best way I can think of to usher in the summer! MMLA is part of an international festival originating in France called Fete de la Musique (World Music Day). The event is celebrated on the same day by over 110 countries. Throughout Los … Continue reading Make Music Los Angeles! World Music Day: June 21, 2012
So, I’ve been neglecting my beloved blog and it makes me sad. There are too many excuses to count, but to sum it up, I’ve been trying to get fit; I’m cycling, taking kick boxing classes and working my way through P90X. I’ve completely cut cupcakes out of my diet (a major accomplishment), cut back … Continue reading Blogging Blues
Culture Shock Art 