NELA Live

"The product of pure whimsy..."

Here in Northeast Los Angeles, we have amazing homes of every size, style and description; from small cottages built in the 1800s, to mid-century modern and newly built contemporary.

In my quest to properly name the styles of homes in my neighborhood, I have been buying and reading architectural textbooks.

One small volume I bought is titled "What Style Is It" and there are a couple sentences in the introduction that so perfectly describe the homes in Northeast Los Angeles, I just had to quote them here:

"Many buildings defy stylistic labels.  They may represent transitional periods when one style was slowly blending into another; they may exhibit the conscious combination of unrelated stylistic elements for a certain effect; or they may be the product of pure whimsy or eccentricity."

 

Pure Whimsy and Joyful Eccentricity abound in Northeast Los Angeles.  Enjoy!

Opening at Avenue 50 Studio March 13 “Cuentos de Hadas” (Fairy Tales)

Rapunzel - Esau Andrade     

Mercedes Gertz and Esau Andrade reinterpret fairy tales

with photographs by Elizabeth Beristain

Opening Night Reception:  Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 7-10 pm

The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present “Cuentos de Hadas” (Fairy Tales), an exhibition of works by two contemporary Mexican artists.  Through a narrative language, Gertz and Andrade portray the female vs. male versions of fairy tales.  The exhibit opens with an artists’ reception on Saturday evening, March 13, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m. and closes on Sunday, April 4, 2010.

Mercedes Gertz. Using humor and sensuality, Gertz’s fairy tale series asks us to consider where women are in the 21st century.  Her heroines are unapologetic symbols of female confidence.  We sense in them a comfort with the body, with play and decoration.  They confidently own the sensual, and relish in being a woman in charge.

These … fairy or folk tales … recur over and over through millennia in the guise of innocent stories telling us time and again that the docile, young body gets the prince, that the girl brave enough to venture into the woods—the space of men--meets her fate at the hands of the big bad wolf. Peter Pan lives forever as a boy, Wendy must grow up--it is her calling, her duty, her essential nature. -- Marlena Doktorczyk-Donohue, Art Critic, Essayist, Poet

Esau Andrade.  Following in the footsteps of the Latin American surrealists, Esau Andrade twists reality, creating canvases bursting with color that are pop in nature.  He instills a childlike exuberance into his delightful paintings. Andrade comes from a folk art background, as both his mother Guadalupe Valencia and brother Raymundo Andrade are also artists.  He is mainly a self-taught painter, although attended La Escuela de Artes Plasticas de la Universidad de Guadalajara.

Unlike the candy colored confections of his more stylized folk art paintings, these other works by Andrade place him firmly in the surrealist tradition shared by many Latin masters. He retains a naiveté and originality with quirky images that are both charming and serious, and also remain indebted to his rich culture for visual symbols that are vivid and intense.  -- Kathy Zimmerer, Artscene 11/2004

Elizabeth Beristain.  Elizabeth was born in Mexico City.  A graduate of the Escuela Activa de Fotografia and staff photographer for “El Reforma,” one of the top national daily newspapers in Mexico, she moved to Los Angeles as a freelance photographer and later became Photography Editor for the cultural publication Latino Weekly Review.  A product of her Mexican mother’s artistic sensitivity and her Portuguese father’s decidedly more adventurous side, this subtle mixture of Old and the New World influences are germinal elements of Elizabeth’s artistry. Additionally, in devising the art direction of her own work, a wider range of crucial creative features shine through, from the world of opera, painting, music, and cinema, in a vision where a unique sense of artistry never intrudes with a boundless appreciation of our common humanity.  Elizabeth has participated in various collective and solo shows, both in Mexico and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, cinematographer Gabriel Beristain ASC, BSC, and their two children Max and Victoria.  She is currently at work on her new series, entitled Crowned Nuns.

March 13, 2010 through April 4, 2010

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
131 North Avenue 50
Los Angeles, CA  90042
323/258-1435
www.avenue50studio.com 

Avenue 50 Studio: Closing Event for Here is My Heart: March 7

Artists and Friends:  Sunday, March 7, from 1-3 pm, the Avenue 50 Studio will hold a special closing event for our exhibits Body Language and Here is My Heart.   Our Heart fundraiser in the Annex Gallery has been very successful with many of the hearts already sold, but there are a few very special ones that still want to be adopted. 

Please bring your friends to our closing event from 1 to 3 p.m. when the auction closes, take home a beautiful heart, and enjoy a last look at the art of our Body Language artists Judithe Hernandez, Jose Lozano, Louie Metz, Willie Middlebrook and Andres E. Montoya.

Light refreshments will be served

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA  90042

323-258-1435

http://www.avenue50studio.com

Seen on the Street: Mobile Art

Save This Date: Spring Equinox Sound Bath Friday March 19

You are invited to resonate in a Spring Quinox Sound Bath, Friday, March 19, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock

2225 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041

 

Join Jamie Bechtold and Mary Frances Spencer as they welcome the Vernal Equinox with an energizing Spring Concert of Planetary Gongs and Crystal Singing Bowls.  Sit back (or bring a blanket and lie down) in the Center's majestic main gallery and relax while being bathed the powerful vibrations of reverberating sound.

RSVP recommended 323-226-1617

$10.00 suggested donatation

For more informationL

www.centerartseaglerock.org

www.dancingspiral.com

www.hennatouch.net

Google Internet Service

You can nominate Highland Park for Google Interent Service here:

http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options

NELAArt Second Saturday Gallery Night, February 13

Saturday, February 13, NELAart presents: SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT

WHEN: The Second Saturday of Every Month  7:00-10:00p.m.
WHERE: Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night is a free self-guided tour of the galleries, non-profits and artist run project spaces located in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA).

NELA has a tradition in the arts that dates back to the early 1900s.

The tradition continues with new spaces opening regularly. NELA is now one of L.A.'s most exciting destinations to view contemporary art. 

Individual gallery hours may vary:

Avenue 50 Studios, 121 North Avenue 50

Cactus, 5434 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Cafe de Leche, 5000 York Boulevard

Future Studio, 5558 North Figueroa Street

hi tree, 131 North Avenue 50 (behind Avenue 50 Studio)

Jose Vera Fine Art, 2012 Colorado Boulevard

Judson Studios, 200 South Avenue 66

Kristi Engle Gallery, 5002 York Boulevard

Land of Odd Gallery, 4690 Eagle Rock Boulevard

La tierra de la Cuebra, 240 South Avenue 57

MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Boulevard

New Puppy, Unit 1, 2808 Elm Street 

New Stone Age Mosiacs, 4532 1/2 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Outpost for Contemporary Art, 1268 North Avenue 50

Sea and Space Explorations, 4755 York Boulevard

She Rides the Lion, 133 North Avenue 50

THIS, 5906 North Figueroa Street

Toros Pottery, 4962 Eagle Rock Boulevard

2 Tracks Art Studio, 135 North Avenue 50 (Next to Avenue 50 Studio)

WORKSPACE, 2601 Pasadena Avenue

York Studios, 5029 York Boulevard

NELAart is based in Highland Park and consists of galleries and art organizations located in Northeast Los Angeles who are dedicated to increase the visibility of the thriving arts community in the area. Northeast Los Angeles has a long tradition in the arts. Many working artists now continue this tradition by making their homes and having their studios here. The neighborhood is also home to many galleries, alternative arts spaces and arts organizations. NELAart provides a resource to share information and ideas, and assist in promoting galleries and organizations. Please join us in celebrating the arts in Northeast Los Angeles.

"Eventful" Week headed this way..

Lots of stuff to plan for this coming week!

Saturday, February 13 is NELAArt Second Saturday

Sunday, February 14 is Lunar New Year AND Valentine's Day

Monday, February 15 is President's Day

Tuesday, February 16 is Mardi Gras 

The Annex Presents: 50 Artists - 50 Hearts For Sale - Mini FundRaiser for Avenue 50 Studio

For our first fundraiser of the year, Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7-10 pm, the Avenue 50 Studio asked 50 artists to paint, decorate or write poems on hearts that will sell in silent auction with opening bids of $100 each.  The artist of each heart will not be identified during the exhibit.   The hearts, of four distinct designs, are already formed from composite wood, approximately 8" x 9" and ready-to-hang.  We  hope that you will join us at this special event.

Participating artists include:

Lalo Alcaraz, Katrina Alexy, Guillermo Bejerano, Kay Brown, Yrneh Brown, Nancy Bucanan, Mita Cuaron, Raoul De la Sota, Diane Destiny, Kiki Edder, Kathy Gallegos, Margaret Garcia, Graham Goddard, Pat Gomez, Yolanda Gonzalez, Lauren Gonzalez, Frank Gutierrez, Gerald Hacer, Lucy Hagopian, Cidne Hart, Kevin Hass, Amy Inouye, Jose Lopes, Robert Lowden, Jose Lozano, Maja, Poli Marichal, Amyliah Mejia, Andrés E. Montoya, Beth Peterson, Ester Petschar, CCH Pounder, Stuart Rapeport, Sonia Romero, Nancy Romero, Abel Salas, Peter Shire, Suzanne Siegel, Rachel Siegel, Joe Sims, Annie Sperling, Stormie, Cindy Suriyani, Howard Swerdloff, John Paul Thornton, Richard Turner, Sergio Vasquez, Gisel Vincent-Osuna, Lamont Westmoreland, Mike Yanagita, Val Zavala

 Opening Night Reception:  Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7-10 pm

Where:  
Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
131 North Avenue 50
Los Angeles, CA  90042
323/258-1435
www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 Studio: Second Saturday Exhibitions February 13

"Body Language"

Judithe Hernandez, Jose Lozano, Louie Metz, Willie Middlebrook, Andrés E. Montoya

Adam - The Surrender - Judithe Hernandez

Artists' reception -- Saturday evening, February 13, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present Body Language, an exhibition of works which use the human form as story teller.  

Judithe Hernandez began her career in the midst of the turbulent 1970's as part of the vanguard of Chicano Art.  Hernandez was the only female member of the important Chicano art collective, Los Four.  Working together with East Los Angeles youth, she created murals reflective of the times, exploring political and cultural topics while also incorporating personal narrative.  Judithe is most know for her pastels on paper.  Using lush colors, she continually draws creative inspiration from her cultural inheritance.  Judith has exhibited extensively in the United States, Europe and Mexico, including the ground-breaking first exhibition of contemporary Chicano Art in Europe: Les Démon des Anges.  Her exhibition with the Avenue 50 Studio marks her return to Los Angeles after a 30-year hiatus.

Louie Metz, born in an army hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, moved with his mother to Los Angeles at the age of nine.  At the age of fourteen, Louie and friends, responding to the world around them, formed Mad Society, a punk band.  He received his B.F.A. from Otis Parsons in 1990.  Louie's subjects reflect an inner psychological reality.  He conveys a classicism that is complex and straight forward - brutal yet beautiful.

Willie Middlebrook, obsessed with the need to communicate in an honest and direct manner, uses photography to reflect the ideals and the integrity of being Black.  His work speaks to an African-American sensibility that is always centered on his community.  Willie produces strong sepia toned images of his people; not necessarily in a positive light, but always in a true light.

Jose Lozano lived in Juárez, México during his youth. There he found many of the cultural touchstones that continue to influence his work today - bad Mexican cinema, fotonovelas, ghost stories, comic books, and musical genres such as bolero and ranchera.  He creates revealing, yet not always flattering, works about his neighborhood and its residents - parties, quinceañeras, strip clubs, weddings, and baby showers. Lozano prefers to work in a series, and focuses on particular themes and topics.  In his series for the Avenue 50 Studio, Lozano focuses, in a wry manner, on the numerous strip clubs scattered throughout Juárez.

Andrés Montoya utilizes the landscape and figure as a metaphor for the human condition, exploring personal experiences through thoughts, dreams, realities, and absurdities.  Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, yet growing up in Los Angeles, Montoya's multi-cultural reality merged and blended, transforming his truth into patterns of subdued color and reflective composition.

The exhibit opens with an artists' reception on Saturday evening, February 13, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m. and closes on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
131 North Avenue 50
Los Angeles, CA  90042
323/258-1435
www.avenue50studio.com

Imagine a Valentine's Day that is about Love, Peace and Global Unity

The Valentine Peace Project presents Poetry & Peace, A Night of Poetry, Music & Art

 

"Poetry is an act of peace.  Peace goes into the making of a poet as flour goes into the making of bread." -- Pable Neruda

Cindy Rinne
Gloria Alvarez
William Archila
Lois P. Jones
William O'Daly
Ron Baca
Susan Rogers
Kathabela Wilson
Taoli-Ambika Talwar
 
MUSICIAN:  Rick Wilson

We will be creating poem-wrapped flowers this evening as a call to peace

Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 7 to 9 pm

Peace
 
Peace is freedom from the
pain. Victory over the
deep hurts. Love that
will flow to others.
Able to be the real me
in my own country.
 
By Cindy Rinne

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA  90042

323-258-1435
http://www.avenue50studio.com

*   *   *   *   *

The Valentine Peace Project:  February 2010
 
One World Flowers (www.oneworldflowers.org )  - supporting sustainable business practices, human rights compliance, and fair compensation for flower workers in countries all over the world through Fair Trade flowers.

Budding partnerships for 2010: Where Peace Lives, P5Y, The Hub, Transfair USA, and IKV Pax Christi.
 
Where Peace Lives (www.wherepeacelives.org )
Creating a dynamic new vocabulary of images through children's art and peace cards - where the art of peace meets the world.
 
Peace in 5 Years (www.p5y.org )
Working together on a bold vision of world peace in five years - peace defined as safety from politically organized violence.
 
The Hub (www.the-hub.net)
Hub Bay Area opens joining Hub Amsterdam, Hub Milan, Hub Berlin and Hubsters around the world showcasing  'world changing ideas'.  A place for conversation, strategy and celebration of new initiatives for a radically better world.
 
TransFair (www.transfairusa.org )
Fair trade certifier - through Fair Trade Towns "committed to raising  awareness in our fellow community members that every dollar we spend is a powerful decision, with ramifications that echo across continents, countries, and communities."
 
IKV Pax Christi (www.ikvpaxchristi.org ) (www.vredesweek.nl)
The largest peace organization/movement in the Netherlands - supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in conflict areas in more than twenty countries over four continents.  Locally- the Seeds of Change festival, VredesWeek (Peace Week) and other initiatives to serve and broadcast the message and work of peace.
 
You
'The ones we've been waiting for.'
 
Working to spread thoughts of peace worldwide the Valentine Peace Project aims to highlight global citizenship, promote peace discussion and education, and celebrate the many faces and meanings of peace and love in today's connecting world community.  Generate your own involvement or contact info@valentinepeaceproject.org for information.  www.valentinepeaceproject.org; Federico Hewson, Project Director, The Valentine Peace Project, telephone: + 31 (0)6 16 777 520.

Groundhog Day

OK.  This morning Punxsutaweny Phil, the nation's original weatherman, saw his shadow, indicating "six more weeks of winter". 

Think about that:

When you see shadows, it is a bright, sunny day.   If you don't see shadows, it is cloudy and overcast.  So, "sunny" equals more winter?  What's with that?

February 2 is the middle point between Winter Solstice on December 21 and Spring Equinox on March 20.

And forklore has it that if the midpoint of Winter is bright and sunny, the remaining weeks of Winter will be harsh and stormy.  So ... Seeing a shadow on February 2 equals "bright and sunny" which equals more more harsh Winter weather to come.  More here.

In ancient Celtic traditions, the middle points between solticies and equinoxes were known as Cross Quarter Days and were celebrated as High Holy Days.  February 2, the Cross Quarter Day betwwen Winter Soltice and Spring Equinox, was called Imbolc.

February 2 is also exactly 40 days after December 25.  Ancient Jewish women celebrated a ritual purification exactly 40 days after the birth of a son.  According to early Christian tradition, Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have celebrated this ritual on February 2, 40 days after December 25. 

Artists in Discussion at Avenue 50 Studio, Sunday January 24

Birth of My Grandmother - Mita Cuaron

Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 1:00-3:30 pm

Please join us for a "round table" discussion with the artists of our Testimonies Two exhibition as we explore and dialogue on questions of spirituality in art and thoughts on working towards a theme-based show.  You are invited to bring your questions, or just enjoy the exchange of ideas.

Yrneh Brown, Martin Charlot, Mita Cuaron, Ruth De Nicola, Pat Gomez, Yolanda Gonzalez, Mark Steven Greenfield, Lucy Hagopian, Cidne Hart, Wayne Healy, Heriberto Luna, Rafael Matias, Susanna Meiers/Peter Liashkov, Andrés E. Montoya, Toti O’Brien, Suzanne Siegel, Richard Turner

Light refreshments will be served

Avenue 50 Studio, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit art gallery
131 North Avenue 50
Highland Park, CA  90042
323-258-1435

http://www.avenue50studio.com

Have a Blessed Twelfth Day

Christmas carolers will remember that the season has 12 days. 

For the early Western Christian Church, the twelve days of Christmas end today, with the Feast of Epiphany, celebrated on January 6. It is also known as Three Kings Day.

According to the legend based on the Bible story, the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who are often called the Three Wise Men saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star.

And after seeing the star, the Three Wise Men made a journey of twelve days following the star to Bethlehem, to present the baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Modern feminist humor sometimes gently jokes that Three Wise Women would have asked directions, arrived on time, and brought practical gifts.  :-)

NELAArt Second Saturday Gallery Night, January 9

Saturday, January 9, NELAart presents: SECOND SATURDAY GALLERY NIGHT

WHEN: Every Second Saturday 7:00-10:00p.m.
WHERE: Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night is a free self-guided tour of the galleries, non-profits and artist run project spaces located in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA).

NELA has a tradition in the arts that dates back to the early 1900s.

The tradition continues with new spaces opening regularly. NELA is now one of L.A.'s most exciting destinations to view contemporary art. 

Individual gallery hours may vary:

Avenue 50 Studios, 121 North Avenue 50

Bike Oven, 3706 North Figueroa Street

Cactus, 5434 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Cafe de Leche, 5000 York Boulevard

Future Studio, 5558 North Figueroa Street

hi tree, 131 North Avenue 50 (behind Avenue 50 Studio)

Jose Vera Fine Art, 2012 Colorado Boulevard

Kristi Engle Gallery, 5002 York Boulevard

Land of Odd Gallery, 4690 Eagle Rock Boulevard

La tierra de la Cuebra, 240 South Avenue 57

Monte Vista, 5442 Monte Vista Street

MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Boulevard

New Puppy, Unit 1, 2808 Elm Street

New Stone Age Mosiacs, 4532 1/2 Eagle Rock Boulevard

PHIL, 4918 York Boulevard

Toros Pottery, 4962 Eagle Rock Boulevard

2 Tracks Art Studio, 135 North Avenue 50 (Next to Avenue 50 Studio)

NELAart is based in Highland Park and consists of galleries and art organizations located in Northeast Los Angeles who are dedicated to increase the visibility of the thriving arts community in the area. Northeast Los Angeles has a long tradition in the arts. Many working artists now continue this tradition by making their homes and having their studios here. The neighborhood is also home to many galleries, alternative arts spaces and arts organizations. NELAart provides a resource to share information and ideas, and assist in promoting galleries and organizations. Please join us in celebrating the arts in Northeast Los Angeles.

Winning Lotto Ticket Sold at La Tropicana Market in Highland Park

Yes, it's true!  A winning California Lotto ticket was sold at La Tropicana Market on the corner of Avenue 52 and Monte Vista Street.

Victorian Mansions at Heritage Square, Los Angeles, Available for On-Location Filming

Are you a location scout in Los Angeles?  Do you need a vintage Victorian Mansion for film or TV location shooting?

Please consider Heritage Square Museum!  The museum staff is industry & location savvy. 

The Eastsider LA reports that with the decline in local on-location filming, revenue for the unique museum has taken a serious hit.

Heritage Square Museum is also available to host private rental opportunities, including weddings, parties, portrait photo shoots and small corporate events upon request. 

For more information on rentals, portrait photography or commercial filming to the Heritage Square Business Offices at (323) 225-2700, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

http://www.heritagesquare.org/index.htm

Villa Sombrero Returns

Early New Year's Eve at Villa Sombrero Restaurant:

Yes, Villa Sombrero Restaurant is again open at its original location: 6101 York Boulvard.  Same menu, same furnishings, same artwork on the walls.

Excellent margaritas, excellent mixed drinks, excellent guacamole!

Thank You, Santa Paws Supporters!

Thank you to all the many supporters who donated to Operation Santa Paws.  Several carloads of food and treats, beds, toys and even pet sweaters were gratefully accepted by workers at Lacy Street Animal Shelter.

The donations are deeply appreciated! 

New Year Resolution: Slow Time down, just a little

Like many others, the last few years have left me with a sensation of Time hurling, speeding by way too quickly.

So, I want it to slow down, already.  But how to slow it down?

I think that building a deeper awareness of the seasonal cycles, of the ancient solar festivals of quarter and cross-quarter days might help control that feeling of wild speed.

So I pick up a calendar and first remind myself that each day is an infinitely precious gift.

Then to write the old Celtic names on the Calendar

 

March 21 -Vernal Equinox:  Ostara

June 23 -Summer Solstice:  Litha

September 23 - Fall Equinox:  Mabon

December 21 - Winter Solstice:  Yule

Then the cross quarter days (High Feast Days of the Old Ways)

February 2 - Imbolc - halfway between Yule and Ostara

May 1 - Beltane - halfway between Ostara and Litha

August 1 - Lammas - halfway between Litha and Mabon

October 31 - Samhain - halfway between Mabon and Yule

Then to add a few Saints' Feast Days  such as:

October 4 - Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

December 12 - Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe

And a few days that are important to me:

June 16 - Bloomsday

August 29 - Katrina Remembrance Day

November 18 - Beaujolais Nouvelle

Then I'll add dates of Sporting Events, such as:

February 7 - SuperBowl

December 4 - USC-UCLA Cross-Town Rivalry Game Day

Then a few special birthdays....

Will this heightened awareness help slow time down?  I don't know.  Ask me next year.

I do know that life is too precious not to celebrate very single day with gratefulness and joy.

Highland Park Photo Survey

Get out your camera and your walking shoes, it's time for the Annual Highland Park Photo Survey, created and hosted by Waltarrrrr of 90042

http://highlandpark.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/highland-park-surveying/

Fifth Annual Holiday Sale & Party! Avenue 50 Studio

Celebrating another wonderful year of art and community!  Avenue 50 Studio, Two Tracks Studio, Hi Tree, She Rides the Lion cordially invite you to our Fifth Annual Holiday Sale & Party!

Original and affordable prints, paintings, jewelry, scarves, etc. by the following artists:

Lalo Alcaraz
Joseph Botello
Joe Bravo
Benito Campos
Raquel Escobar
Jack Fenn
Margaret Garcia
Rosie Getz
Pat Gomez
Roberto Gutierrez
Mavis Leahy
Los De Abajo Printmaking Collective with Victor Rosas
Pola Lopez
Jose Lozano
H. Luna
Robert Palacios
Beth Peterson
Pounder-Kone Art with CCH Pounder
Nancy Romero
Sonia Romero
Marianne Sadowski
Jaime Sabate
Hector Silva
Stormie
Richard Valdes

Saturday, December 19th from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, and Sunday, December 20th from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm

Tools for coping with L.A. power outages

Eagle Rock is in the midst of a power outage that started yesterday afternoon. Highland Park suffered a 16 hour outage in mid October, and it seems to me we have at least one serious outage a year. (I must start keeping a record.)

As L.A.'s infrastructure continues to deteriorate without sufficient funds to update it, I don't doubt that we will see outages more and more frequently.

So here's my list of tips for coping with erratic electricity. Please feel free to add your own.

I realize installing a gasoline generator would cover many of these issues, and I probably will get one installed one of these days, but meanwhile:

Battery operated wall clocks in several rooms.

At least 2 flashlights in every room, always kept in the same place - a drawer or on a shelf so I can remember where to reach for them. I think flashlights are safer and more practical than candles, too. Just turn on the flashlight, and set it up on its end and it becomes a lantern light.

Plenty of batteries for the flashlights, always kept in their own special drawer.

A charger for the cell phone that plugs into the car cigarette lighter.

A old-school, plug-into-the-wall-jack telephone.

 

Battery operated radio.  Extra batteries.

In L.A. most homes have natural gas for heating and cooking, so a tea kettle to boil water on the stove top and a non-electric drip coffee maker.

Everyone, please add your own tools and tips in the comments!

Operation Santa Paws Now Open for Donations

For the next several days, our office will serve as a donation center for Operation Santa Paws.

 

- OPERATION SANTA PAWS seeks donated pet toys for shelters and rescues to improve the health and demeanor of those pets while reducing their stress to increase the animals' chances of being adopted. The simplest toys can make the animals much more comfortable.

Durable puppy/dog toy, such as indestructible Ball, Nylabone, Kong, Booda, Gumabones, Velva  or Best Ball brand toys
Pup-Peroni, soft Milk Bones or other soft jerky type dog treats.
Dog and cat shampoo
Dry puppy food

Dry and canned kitten food
Large and medium food/water bowls
Durable kitten/cat toys
Cardboard serving trays for use as litter boxes

Heating pads for infant animals
Cleaning supplies and air freshener spray, kennel cleaning supplies
Scrub brushes, rubber curry brushes, mops, brooms heavy-duty water hoses
Laundry detergent, dishwashing gloves, baking soda, bleach, paper towels
Plastic aprons or smocks
blankets, bath towels (used or new)
6' nylon dog leashes
Flannel baby blankets for kittens
Paper towels & bathroom tissue
Top-loading cat carriers
Cardboard cat scratchers
Ziplock food storage bags, all sizes; 33 and 13 gallon trash bags
Liquid hand soap; Bleach; Dish/laundry detergent

NOTE Because of safety and/or housekeeping concerns, stuffed toys, tennis balls, rawhide items and pig ears cannot be accepted.

You can bring items and donations to our office at

5526 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Ask for Pat Barr or Dan Jordinelli

 

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night 12/12/2009

WHEN:The Second Saturday of every month from 7:00-10:00p.m.

WHERE: Highland Park and surrounding neighborhoods.

NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night is a free self-guided tour of the galleries, non-profits and artist run project spaces located in Northeast LosAngeles (NELA).

NELA has a tradition in the arts that dates back to the early 1900s.The tradition continues with new spaces opening regularly. NELA is now one of L.A.'s most exciting destinations to view contemporary art.

Individual gallery hours may vary:

Avenue 50 Studios, 121 North Avenue 50

Bike Oven, 3706 North Figueroa Street

Bughouse, 5046 Eagle Rock Bloulevard

Cactus, 5434 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Cafe de Leche, 5000 York Boulevard

Drkrm, 2121 San Fernando Road

Eagle Rock Plaza, 2700 Colorado Boulevard

Future Studio, 5558 North Figueroa Street

GorillArts Gallery, 170 San Fernando Road

hi tree, 131 North Avenue 50 (behind Avenue 50 Studio)

Jose Vera Fina Art, 2012 Colorado Boulevard

Kristi Engle Gallery, 5002 York Boulevard

The Land of Odd Gallery, 4690 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Moppet Studio, 5101 Monte Vista Street

MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Boulevard

New Puppy, 2808 Elm Street, Unit 1

New Stone Age Mosiacs, 4532 1/2 Eagle Rock Boulevard

PHIL, 4918 York Boulevard

Sea and Space Explorations, 4755 York Boulevard

Southwest Museum, 234 Museum Drive

Toros Pottery, 4962 Eagle Rock Boulevard

Two Track Art Studio, 135 North Avenue 50 (next to Avenue 50 Studio)

Verbre Studio and Gallery, 4540 Eagle Rock Boulevard

York Studio, 5029 York Boulevard