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Community Corner

An Ode to Chicken Boy (and His Mom)

David O'Roscoe provides a glimpse into what the Future (Studio) is offering this weekend and looks into Chicken Boy's past.

I hope you know about Second Saturday, when the in our neck of the artistic woods open their doors and let us enjoy and explore.

Go to the site, print out a map, and appreciate.

Join me here every month and we will look around a bit and see what there is to see in our so-called "."

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One of my favorite galleries, for three reasons, is Future Studio Gallery. 

One reason, of course, is the art. 

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Owner Amy Inouye always has something interesting every month for us to take in.  This month, from Saturday, March 12 until April 2, is a show called  Accumulations: Pomanders and Small Pleasures by the artist Ingrid Lilligren.

 There are forty works, all in a 7” x 7” square with a centered circle of 4½'', made of only dry pastels and eggshells.

She says that by working with limited materials she was able to “explore what it would feel like to do the same thing over and over."

"You get very creative when you limit yourself," Lilligren said.

Also we will find pomanders: small forms that contain a perforated tube that holds herbs and spices. These pieces allow people to experience the scented air contained in the body of the ceramic piece. Once again, a picture to your right.

The opening reception will be held during NELA Art's Second Saturday Gallery Night, March 12, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. After the opening, you’ll need to make an appointment to see the exhibit. Call 323 254-4565, or go to futurestudio@sbcglobal.net to do so.

Another reason I really like Future Studio is what you will see on their roof. 

Long ago, when I was wandering the earth, a place that was dear to my heart was near the intersection of Broadway and 5th in downtown Los Angeles.  On the roof of a fast food chicken place, where you could get your fill of grease and a little chicken, was a 22 foot tall statue of a guy, with the head of a chicken. He was also holding a bucket, which we all had to assume had chicken in it. Chicken Boy was just one of those sights that I had to salute every time I passed. 

Well, the chicken place closed down in 1984.  Amy rescued the statue of Chicken Boy from certain destruction, and when she opened Future Studio she put the statue up on the roof, returning him to his rightful place, gazing down on those who admire him. You can read more about Chicken Boy's journey here.

 And in case you missed it, in 2010 Amy won the Governor's Historic Preservation Award. You see, I am not alone in my admiration of Chicken Boy.

Another reason I like the Future Studio is the Chicken Boy Shop. No, not a place to get a bucket of fried chicken, but a wonderful place to find Chicken Boy themed goodies, as well as an amazing assortment of books, toys, gizmos, jewelry and stuff you probably won’t find anywhere else. And a good selection of local history books as well.

Go out and enjoy Second Saturday, and stop in at Future Studio Gallery, located at 5558 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles CA 90042, and don’t forget your Chicken Boy trading card.

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