Goodbye Rain, Hello Gallery Night

Get back on the streets and enjoy some art.

The weather oracles are predicting a cold and dry evening. Sounds like the perfect time to enjoy Second Saturday Gallery Night, organized by the good folks at NELAart--that’s the Northeast Los Angeles Arts Organization-- a wonderful evening of art and community for you--yes you--to enjoy. Cypress Park New Puppy Gallery 2808 Elm Street Los Angeles, CA 90065 The show Apology Accepted features over 40 woodblock and monoprints by Derek Cowan. The New Puppy tells us that “Cowan’s prints are a reminder of a waning book culture in an age of e-readers. He is a leading practitioner of fine printing, printmaking and bookmaking.” The show will only be on display this weekend. *** Finster Studio 2638 N. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90065 The …

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LAUSD Considering Total Elimination of Arts Funding

Cuts would imperil arts programs at LAUSD's elementary schools.

Facing a $600 million budget deficit, the Los Angeles Unified School District is considering the total elimination of elementary school arts education funding, according to Arts for L.A., and county-wide arts advocacy group. Arts for L.A. posted the following action alert on Friday, Feb 3. The Los Angeles Unified School District has proposed total elimination of its elementary school arts education program. To take action by contacting the Superintendent and School Board, please click here.  This unprecedented step will reverse a ten-year effort made by the District to restore arts education to its 700,000 students. The post provides a link to a form letter that can be sent to LAUSD board members prior to the Tuesday, Feb. 14 Board of …

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Avenue 50 Studio to Host 'Resurrected Histories' Talk

Key players in the Chicano arts movement will discuss Highland Park's role in history on Sunday at Avenue 50 Studio.

On January 14, Avenue 50 Studio looked back into the Highland Park's not-to-distant past, highlighting the neighborhood's key role in the Chicano arts movement on the 1970s through the "Resurrected Histories" exhibit. The archival exhibition presented paintings, graphic art, photographs, publications and other memorabilia telling the story of the Chicano arts collectives Mechicano and the Centro de Arte Publico. Featured artists included  Carlos Almaraz, Barbara Carrasco, Leo Limon, Guillermo Bejerano, John Valadez, Dolores Guerrero and others associated with the collectives. On Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., those artists will participate in a question and answer session at Avenue 50 Studio. From Avenue 50 Studio: Please join us on Sunday, …

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Art Show to Reflect Economy, American Dream

Local artist Stephanie Mercado will debut Land of Plenty—artwork that blends contemporary themes with historical imagery—at SPACE 6 p.m. Saturday. Come out for the opening reception!

Artist Stephanie Mercado overlooks an oil painting hanging in her Highland Park studio. The portrait is filled with 18th century imagery but also modern day influences. Think Marie Antoinette carrying a Louis Vuitton purse. Literally. “Displays of wealth really come from a historical context from 17th, 18th and even 19th century imagery,” she explains of her inspiration.  Entitled Mine is Forever, the painting is one of many (gouaches and oil paintings) that will debut at SPACE 6 p.m. Saturday in Mercado’s show: Land of Plenty. While the aesthetics are romantic, her color choice is vibrant and the work itself reminds us that social and economic inequities have spanned centuries: “the greed and the pursuit of material goals, and the price …

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Everything You Need to Know About Second Saturday

Resolve to get to know your neighbors better by enjoying Second Saturday Gallery Night.

Years ago, I made one last New Year’s resolution, and that was to not make any more New Year’s resolutions. I’ve kept that one very successfully. If one of your resolutions was to get to know your community better, the next two Saturdays give you an excellent opportunity to keep your resolve. On the Second Saturday of every month the galleries and many other shops in our end of town stay open late for us to wander around and appreciate and mingle and get to know our artistic environment. District 4 at RicRoks RicRoks Tattoo & Body Piercing will be hosting District 4, a collaboration of Highland Park natives Angel Alfaro, Carlos Reyes and William Soto. According to Alfaro, the show takes its name from the local school district each attended…

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David O'Roscoe

9:31 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012

While you own the gallery, eres una loca to me.   more ›

Gallery Night Returns for First Time Under New Director

Reports of gallery night's have been greatly exaggerated, said new Director Cathi Milligan.

The first ever Second Saturday Gallery Night to be held under the guidance of anyone other than longtime director Brian Mallman will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12. Mallman stepped down from his role as director on Saturday, Oct. 17, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and to concentrate on his own artistic endeavors. Mallman's resignation also followed alleged conversations between members of Councilman José Huizar's staff with MorYork Gallery owner Clare Graham, who announced he would be closing his gallery to the public after Huizar staffers proposed charging fees to gallery owners for participating in the monthly gallery night. Huizar's staff adamantly denied ever mentioning fees and instead insisted that they had …

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anita acosta

3:06 am on Monday, November 14, 2011

Hey Cat let us get together next week, perhaps at the new Cafe Lobos for an early dinner 5PM and go over the NELA may for next mos. aaacosta owner La Vida Loca galleria Multicultural Community Center, York Blvd   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Hipsters and Homeboys: A Dramatized Conversation

"The Hipsters are coming," indeed. A pair of lifelong Arroyo residents say they're willing to accept change, but ask for a bit more respect of the Highland Park's past.

Rigo and Elias, lifelong Northeast LA residents, are walking down York Blvd in Highland Park. It’s the weekend and people are out. There are families with kids coming out of restaurants and youngsters huddled in groups, talking their private gossip. It’s dusk and Rigo and Elias are heading over to El Huarache Azteca to get some huaraches. On the way, they pass the old Verdugo Pet Shop, which recently closed. Along the way they strike up a conversation with Norman, a self-described newcomer to the neighborhood. Norman talks about the possibilities of Highland Park, he’s excited about the new life he can make here. The following is a fictional conversation between Norman, Rigo and Elias. Elias: Did you see Rigo? Verdugo Pet Shop is closed…

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Five Things You Need to Know Today: Jan.19

Activities for toddlers, high school hoops, and multiple fitness classes are on today's schedule.

1. Children 3-years-old and younger can have a good time at Baby and Toddler Storytime. Little ones can listen to stories, interact with other toddlers, and sing along with classic pre-school songs. Activities will be held at Arroyo Seco Library and begin at 10:30 a.m. 2. The Franklin High School varsity boy's basketball team is riding a three game winning streak. The Panthers are looking to extend that streak on the road when they take on Edward Roybal High School in Echo Park. Tip off is slated for 5:30 p.m. 3. Take as many classes as you can in one month at 1st Defense Mind Body Studio for only $100. There's also a first visit special, which consists of an exam, acupuncture, and Reiki for $65.  The special promotions are good for the …

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Five Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 12

A bundle of activities and events slated for Wednesday in Highland Park.

1. A handful of activities are on the schedule at Arroyo Seco Library. Get familiar with locating resources and searching the web by signing up for The Library Web Tools & The Internet computer class. Toddlers 3-years-old and under can sing songs, listen to stories and interact with other children at story time. Teenagers in grades five through 12 can meet and socialize with other kids their age at the Teen Council. Contact the library at (323) 255-0537 for start times.  2. The Franklin High School boys varsity basketball team is looking to accomplish something they haven’t done all season—win two consecutive games. The mighty panthers are coming off an impressive 71-49 victory over AGBU High, and are looking to protect its home court …

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Knowhow Sets up Shop at Intersection of Art and Architecture

New shop on Echo Street will provide location for local designers to collaborate.

It's right about the time that Kagan Taylor, Justin Rice and Joshua Howell settle into a set of benches made from repurposed skateboard decks in their Echo Street studio that their vision, and their place in Highland Park, come into focus. The trio of architects opened Knowhow Shop at 6019 Echo Street on Saturday evening with a tribute to that venerable icon to the marriage of form and function: the skateboard. The four-wheeled wonder could very well serve as a symbol for Highland Park's newest design shop, as well. On Saturday evening, Knowhow was packed with fashionable 20-somethings who sipped hot apple cider and thoughtfully observed the skateboard exhibit as a DJ spun digital cuts from his iTunes collection. However, in the coming …

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