Talking about the Work

During the opening of the Love in a Cemetery exhibition I met the president of Common Ground and some of the staff. They told me that they were planning a reception at the gallery in the groups weeks, and was interested to know if I would like to join them, along with the curator of the show and another artist, to speak about my work and the show. Not exactly sure at the moment what they were interested in (given the excitement of the evening) I enthusiastically agreed. Over the next week we were able to catch up over email and was able to learn more about their great organization, and what the event was about.

On Saturday Feb. 6 I joined them for their event and spoke about my artwork in front of 50+ people in the gallery. Not exactly sure how it would go, and slightly nervous, talking about the work was actually really fun and stimulating. It was particularly nice to have the artwork there while speaking, and the audience ended up asking a lot of questions about the work and were really engaged. After I addressed the group several people came up to me over the next hour with questions and comments about the work. It was one of the most rewarding parts of creating the work.

Thrift Store Gallery - Closed.

The gallery was scheduled to be up for 1 month, with the possibility of becoming permanent. Due to numerous factors, the gallery has closed after only one week. The thrift store will be moving its whole store into half the space, starting on Dec 31. Due to my holiday schedule, and their upcoming move, we both decided to dissemble the art show early. After the new year we will discuss the possibility of bringing the gallery back. There was really good feedback from both the staff and patrons about the gallery space, but given the thrift store's limited amount on space the layout will have to be reconsidered.

Stay tuned to find out if the thrift store gallery returns.

Up and Coming!

The time has come. Our show is up on 18th Street's main page. Above is a screen shot. Make sure to check the website's calendar for upcoming events: http://18thstreet.org

Thrift Store Gallery - Open!

The event at the thrift store turned out really well. Time will tell if the establishment of the gallery space in the thrift store is beneficial for either the store or the clinic, but for the time being it looks great.

I talked with Carlos, one of the artists, and outreach coordinator for the clinic about the possibility of renting out the gallery space for artists, and to hold more art shows in the future. It seems like having this extra space could work out well for everyone.

I also started a contact list with email and phone info. for those who would be interested in receiving updates on upcoming gallery shows and to indicate if interested in volunteering at either the thrift store or the clinic. I think this smaller initiative could be really helpful in informing the community, and encouraging people to get involved.

The show is scheduled to be up for about 3 weeks. It will be interesting to see the effects, both long term and sooner.

Thrift Store Event to benefit Free Clinic

Tonight is the opening of the art show I've organized for the Thrift Store's 1st Annual Event.

Time: 6-10pm - Tonight Dec.11
Location: Berda Paradise Thrift Store - 3506 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 - (323) 661-8246
Event - Music, Art Show, Big Sale - 50% off everything in store, and hot cider

If you are in the area, or can make it on short notice that would be great, otherwise I'll have pictures documenting the event.

Community Walk

Here is a pre-walk photo of me and the cart before the AIDS Posada. The walk was about one mile, and during that time I talked to numerous people of all ages and backgrounds.

AIDS Posada Tonight.

Tonight will be my first time out with the cart in the community. I practiced with tool shelf at school one day, but I haven't had my pretty little cart out there.

Here are the details if anyone wants to come:
Meet at the clinic to start walking at 6pm.
Address: 3324 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026-2190
Details: Walk with be approximately one mile to the United Methodist Church in Echo Park.

If you are in the area tonight come and join us!