LAist posted an article today that made me a little sad for LA, because it's true:
"Los Angeles isn't exactly lacking when it comes to premiere art venues, a thriving gallery scene, and arts-oriented communities. But according to a recent Top 100 list published by Art Newspaper, only two of our museums rank among those around the globe for attendance...
...What we can't help is our sprawl, and an Art Newspaper rep explains to the LA Times why art tourism is a hard sell in the city of angels: 'In New York you can visit three museums in a day, maybe more. In L.A., you would never try to do LACMA, the Getty and MOCA in the same day."
This strengthens my belief in the need for our local arts scenes - communities like downtown Fullerton that provide a respite for those who don't have the time, energy or interest to sit through hours of traffic to get across L.A. ArtWalk occurs again this Friday, and I'm so grateful for those who work behind the scenes to make it happen. I hope folks at Epic continue to address the creative needs of Fullerton; we are the ones responsible for maintaining these vital resources for personal growth, interpersonal interaction and thought-provoking expression. Southern California is one giant city, but that doesn't mean community need inevitably be lost in its midst.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Forecasting Nostalgia
11 weeks. That's how long I have left in Southern California. I have to be honest - I am REALLY EXCITED to be back in the Bay Area. But I will miss Epic dearly, and as much as I love to rag on Southern California, there are some things that I will miss and get nostalgic about.
I had some time to kill yesterday, and since it was a lovely, overcast day, I meandered up to the creek in the back of Irvine Park. I actually enjoy hiking more on days that are chilly and gray; it makes the green of the hills and trees pop, and puts me in a restless, wandering mood. I just have to walk it out, quiet my brain and enjoy feeling the textures of the earth against my feet - the cold flowing water, the supple mud, the soft pieces of grass between my toes, the crunch of sand and pebbles as I walk over them. There is a deeply spiritual peace that comes to me in this place - and that's why I will greatly miss it.
Some of my other "will greatly miss it" spots in Southern California, that I hope you all get to check out at some time or another:
- REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater) in Downtown LA: I've visited this performance venue far more than any other because of the experimental, high quality and thought-provoking art of all genres that is presented here. Dance, music, theater... I've been challenged and inspired by almost everything I've seen here.
- The smell of the Fullerton Arboretum first-thing in the morning, when everything is still cool, dewey and quiet.
- Driving the freeways of L.A. late at night - when I can just ride the fast twists and turns without worrying about bumper-to-bumper traffic.
- Lunch at Les Amis, Orange Sushi, or Anepalco's at least once a week
- Dancing/cups of tea/conversations on the roof at Pieter
- Free parking and small crowds at Sunset Beach (when I actually want to feel like a SoCal beach bum)
- Tasting the latest creations at Bootleggers Brewery and The Bruery
- The crazy antics of Henry Rollins on KCRW Saturdays from 6-8 (thank God I'll be able to listen online!)
- The beautiful children, families, dance and vision at The Wooden Floor
I'm sure there are others, but these are at the top; I am also sure of the moments that will come when I'll remember other lovely events, places and people here that will always hold a piece of my heart.
I had some time to kill yesterday, and since it was a lovely, overcast day, I meandered up to the creek in the back of Irvine Park. I actually enjoy hiking more on days that are chilly and gray; it makes the green of the hills and trees pop, and puts me in a restless, wandering mood. I just have to walk it out, quiet my brain and enjoy feeling the textures of the earth against my feet - the cold flowing water, the supple mud, the soft pieces of grass between my toes, the crunch of sand and pebbles as I walk over them. There is a deeply spiritual peace that comes to me in this place - and that's why I will greatly miss it.
Some of my other "will greatly miss it" spots in Southern California, that I hope you all get to check out at some time or another:
- REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater) in Downtown LA: I've visited this performance venue far more than any other because of the experimental, high quality and thought-provoking art of all genres that is presented here. Dance, music, theater... I've been challenged and inspired by almost everything I've seen here.
- The smell of the Fullerton Arboretum first-thing in the morning, when everything is still cool, dewey and quiet.
- Driving the freeways of L.A. late at night - when I can just ride the fast twists and turns without worrying about bumper-to-bumper traffic.
- Lunch at Les Amis, Orange Sushi, or Anepalco's at least once a week
- Dancing/cups of tea/conversations on the roof at Pieter
- Free parking and small crowds at Sunset Beach (when I actually want to feel like a SoCal beach bum)
- Tasting the latest creations at Bootleggers Brewery and The Bruery
- The crazy antics of Henry Rollins on KCRW Saturdays from 6-8 (thank God I'll be able to listen online!)
- The beautiful children, families, dance and vision at The Wooden Floor
I'm sure there are others, but these are at the top; I am also sure of the moments that will come when I'll remember other lovely events, places and people here that will always hold a piece of my heart.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Srsly
I kindly connect you to Sarah A.O. Rosner's response to a statement in the Huffington Post by Michael Kaiser about the "lack of excellent art being created" today. I don't think we can advocate "too much" for funding/education/interest/community for the arts. Just sayin'.
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