For artist Ted Meyer, it was the most fun civics lesson he'd ever had.
The painter and photographer was one of several artists tapped to participate in Future Studio Gallery's latest exhibit, We Love LA, Please Make it Better. It is a series of portraits of Los Angeles' elected officials, interpreted by the artists through a variety of mediums.
The gallery hosted a media preview Thursday. The show opens to the public Saturday.
"It's a great idea. These are important people, but you don't get to see them like this," said Meyer, who with his partner Anna Stump, created the portrait of Councilman Bob Blumenfield.
To see a video of L.A. City Controller Ron Galerin talking to artist Cidne Hart about her piece, please click here.
Gallery curator Amy Inouye said the exhibit grew from the idea of welcoming new city council members (the newly elected were sworn in July 1) in a way that hopefully will engage them in an appreciation of the "crazy, fun and creative" art world. Artists had cart blanche to portray their subjects any way they liked. Some officials sent photographs, others, such as Councilman Gilbert Cedillo, sat for the artist.
"We want [elected officials] to really see how art is such a huge part of the city's culture, economy and social fabric," she said during Thursday's preview.
Videographer and photogrammetrist David Leonard said he appreciates the historic quality to the exhibit. His 3-D and video portrait was a way for him to show different perspectives of one person, he said. In this case, it was Councilman Paul Koretz.
"It's an opportunity for artists to engage civic leaders in a creative way, and I think that's important," said Leonard, whose father, veteran Los Angeles photojournalist Gary Leonard, is also featured in the show. The elder Leonard photographed newly elected Mayor Eric Garcetti in front of Colette Miller's angel wings.
The exhibit runs from Saturday through Sept. 13 at Future Studio Gallery, 5558 N. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042.
Saturday's viewing will be from 7-10 p.m.
For more information, please check out the gallery's website at www.futurestudiogallery.com
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Anna Stump's relationship to Ted Meyer. Patch apologizes for the error.
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