Creative Growth in Oakland CA is just about one of my most favorite places on earth. It is an art center for adults with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities that provides a stimulating environment for artistic instruction, gallery promotion and personal expression, but really that is just the half of it. I have been lucky enough to work with and collect the artwork from Creative Growth for a couple of years now and honestly the experience has been life changing. The work that is created here will blow your mind. Last week, I had reason to visit and was taken away by the gallery's exhibition "Multiplicity" a show that explores themes of repetition and obsession in the work of Creative Growth Artists. One of the highlights to be sure is James Ferrell who marries his love of paper mache with his passion and knowledge of cars. The combination evokes such feelings of nostalgia, you are happy to get behind the cardboard wheel of 1968 Bonneville and be taken away.

Multiplicity
Featuring the work of Gerone Spruill, Terri Bowden, Jay Daley, William Scott, Dinah Shapiro and more...artwork in wood, ceramic, textiles, painting and drawing, along with limited edition artist inspired merchandise.

Creative Growth Art Center
355 24th Street, Oakland
www.creativegrowth.org

So I think I may have had my first and potentially last paparazzi moment and honestly it couldn't have included a better B grade celeb. Don't think US magazine will be tracking me down to pay top dollar for this shot (well maybe for their "where are they now" edition) but the moment was sweet non the less. Coming home from the Undefeated picnic my husband and I spotted Angelyne the self proclaimed LA starlet and Hollywood Mayoral hopeful in her infamous pink corvette, getting pulled over by a female LA cop. Ah, the poetry of it all. My man hit a fast u-turn and I nabbed the shot....a LA classic. Remember folks, you saw it here first.


Cops doing their civic duty 



Angelyne photo courtesy of her Myspace page

Undefeated is kicking off  summertime with a picnic and some community awareness. Come spread your sneaker love, and for your girlies out there, this is a prime opportunity to meet a young buck, these events are notoriously dominated by well heeled gentleman (kinda). So throw on a summer dress, bring a pair of unworn sneaks to donate and spread the summer love.

Sunday 5-9PM for the Nike x UNDFTD x Gents of Desire "Kick Down". To celebrate launch of the amazing new "Gents of Desire" billboard on the corner of 1st and La Brea in Los Angeles,

The whole event is a shoe drive, so in order to gain entry to the party you MUST bring one pair of UNWORN shoes to donate to the East LA Community Youth Center.

Cindy Greene and Johnson Hartig's line, Libertine debuted Fall 2008 at Maxfield's on Wednesday. This notoriously macabre line stayed true to its devilish soul by delving deeper into its fascination with the dark-side. Their infamous use of reconsidered vintage and Swarovski crystals remain visual staples, but to that, the team has added a selection of beautifully produced garments including Italian cashmere sweaters and wet silkscreen T's. Their fascination with clustered embellishments has manifested itself in the Badge Blazer, a vintage coat highlighted with fabric buttons gathered on the lapel. Along with their trailblazing use of the skull, they have integrated some other upbeat imagery including a smeared bloody hand, dripping blood and a rather adorable monkey, I suppose added in for good measure. If you are a collector of Libertine's more exclusive pieces, Maxfield's holds the secret key. Cindy confessed that they make pieces for Maxfield's that no other accounts in the world get. Maxfield's gave them their first gig and judging from this Fall's collection they continue to return the favor in style. If you find yourself rolling down Melrose, check out their window installation accented with blood tinged IV bags, it is worth a LA drive by.

Coming from a footwear family (my husband James Bond is the co-owner of the sneaker shop Undefeated) turning out a look for your footsie's is serious business. Tonight, at our friend Cindy Greene's launch of Libertine's new season at Maxfield's proved that some tens are worth hanging with.

Chanel

















Givenchy

































Dreis Van Noten

















Chloe

To know the folks at Aardvark Letterpress is to be a part of some kind of creative extended family. They have been running their wildly inspiring letterpress for 40 years now, cranking out uniquely culled and beautifully hand pressed wedding invites, business cards and baby announcements, but the creative brothers behind this family run business, Cary and Brooks Ocon (sons of Louis Ocon who purchased the company in the 1978) felt it was time to stir it up. So, the boys teamed up with famed artist/photographer Lisa Jane Persky to celebrate their 40th in style. Drawing on their rich American and Mexican lineage they decided to create an original limited edition of fine art works based on the Mexican game of the Loteria.


Tokyo Pequeño by Mel Lim




























Hollywood Bowl (Quioscos De Regalo) by Greg Colson

































To understand the magnitude of such a project you must take a moment to grasp the skill set needed to run presses of this historical nature. I have personally seen master printers Bill Berkuta, Jorge Estrada and Adan Aragon use paper clips, pieces of gum and snips of cardboard to caress these beautiful behemoths into creative submission. Each color for the press requires a separate plate and considering some artists have upwards of 8-10 colors per piece, at 100 pieces per edition, you do the math. Oh, and by the way, did I mention each color must be hand mixed, after which the entire press must be cleaned and re-prepped for the next plate. In today's talk on the cell phone, while eating lunch and picking up your child at overpriced pre-school, the idea of such time consuming craftsmanship is a downright artistic luxury and I for one was excited to be part of the mix. Here are some pictures of how it went down. Check out all the Loteria cards on the Aardvark's website. The signed and numbered pieces will be sold beginning June 5, 2008.























Dave Lefner's print "El Inverso" rolls off the Vandercook,  photo Lisa Jane Persky



 





















Greg Colson's plates, photo Lisa Jane Persky




























Brook's power lunch?????






















Please pick a color...






















Final color for Espejismo (Mirage)
 


  

The LACE Re:Present Auction, as predicted brought some amazing art bargains. If you were in the market for an under priced Barry McGee, Edgar Arceneaux, James Welling or Jim Isermann, this was your lucky night. Some pieces went for almost half of their retail value. My personal favorite was the edition by Christopher Wool that read "If you don't like it you can get the fuck out of my house." Unfortunately, that was a crowd favorite and fetched a pretty penny. Ann Magnuson kicked off and closed the night with her notoriously original and at times ear piercing, yet refreshingly bizarre performance. All the art handlers sported iconic T's from Mason Martin Margelia, love that. Here are some shots of how it went down.




 

Every year LACE turns out an impressive collection of artworks ripe for the picking. I have scored big here, landing artworks that I have been coveting for far under their value. Shake a leg, because it all goes down tomorrow night.

LACE and the Re: PRESENT HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE

Amy Adler & Kate Nielsen, Edgar & Sascha Arceneaux, Barbara Bestor,Dorit Cypis, Alison Dickey & John C. Reilly, Sean & Arwen Duffy, Harry Gamboa Jr., Martin Kersels & Mary Collins, Josh Kun & Ceci Bastida, Suzanne Lacy, Paul & Karen McCarthy, Steve & Sari Roden, Malgorzata Romanska, Barbara T. Smith, Joe Sola & Erin Wright, and Susan Traylor & Jesse Dylan

 invite you to







Re: PRESENT ~ LACE ANNUAL BENEFIT ART AUCTION
Thursday, May 22, 2008
6522 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles CA  90028

A celebration of the moment
Representing three decades of excellence with a toast to the future!

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us for LACE's Annual Benefit Art Auction on Thursday, May 22, 2008 to celebrate our 30th anniversary. With Ann Magnuson as our MC, Re: PRESENT will feature both silent and live auctions and special entertainment to link LACE's historical foundations with the exciting new cultural production abounding in our city right now. This annual signature event offers patrons the opportunity to purchase 100+ original artworks by some of the most important established and emerging artists working today.

TICKET DETAILS
Presenters Circle ~ $1,000+general
Silver Circle ~ $500 duo/$250 solo
LACE Bundle ~ $500 (10 tickets in advance)
General ~$50 advance/$75 door

To purchase tickets: call 323.957.1777 or order online, www.welcometolace.org
Proxy bidding available

View artworks online www.welcometolace.org <http://www.welcometolace.org/>
Gallery preview: Wed - Sun 12 - 6pm, Fri 12 - 9pm through May 21
Featuring Ann Magnuson, Mistress of Ceremonies, with Kristian Hoffman, Alexander Rannie, Phranc and more special guest performers!

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Vito Acconci, AK-Ami, Cathy Akers, Andy Alexander & Kathleen Johnson, Eleanor Antin, Kevin Appel, Edgar Arceneaux, Michel Auder, John Baldessari, Uta Barth, Alicia Beach, Justin Beal, Walead Beshty, Joe Biel, Sanford Biggers, David Brady, Matty Byloos, Jedediah Caesar, Jane Callister, Ian Campbell, Steve Canaday, Enrique Castrejon, Terry Chatkupt, Rebecca Clark, Jacqueline Cooper, John Copeland, Kimberlee Cordova, Sister Corita, Mario Correa, Alison Cortson, Emily Counts, Zoe Crosher, Alex Da Corte, Flavia Da Rin, Sue de Beer, Lucy I. Dodd, Tomory Dodge, Harry Dodge & Stanya Kahn, Mari Eastman, Bart Exposito, Fallen Fruit, Ed Fella, Samantha Fields, Chris Finley, Rob Fischer, Kim Fisher, Mark Flores, Robert Fontenot, Alison Frey, Francesca Gabbiani, Jeff Gambill, Aaron Garber-Maikovska, Paul Gellman, Luke Gilford & Tanner Cohen, Mark Hagen, Skylar Haskard, Nathan Hayden, Edgar Heap of Birds, Drew Heitzler, Richard Hoblock, Channa Horwitz, Darren Hostetter, Phung Huynh, Jim Isermann, Adam Janes, David Kitz, Branden Koch, Alice Könitz, Jeff Kopp, Fay Ku, Kulov, Eli Langer, Sherrie Levine, Mark Licari, Miranda Lichtenstein, Matt Lipps, Laura London, Nick Lowe, Brenton Maart, Martin Margiela, Keith Mayerson, Paul McCarthy, Barry McGee, Martin McMurray, Juanita Meneses, John Ryan Moore, Ivan Morley, Tabitha Morris, Aaron Morse, Amitis Motevalli, Dragan Mrdja, Carter Mull, Chris Natrop, Pat Ngoho, Robert Olsen, John McGuire Olsen, Mary O'Malley, Michelle O'Marah, Marjam Oskoui, Tony Payne, Synderela Peng & Vincent Ruiz-Abogado, Renée Petropoulos, Danica Phelps, Kelly Poe, Pruitt-Early, Yuval Pudik, Michael Rashkow, Richard Renaldi, Ry Rocklen, Steve Roden, Amanda Ross-Ho, Christopher Russell, Anna Sew Hoy, Peter Shire, Fran Siegel, Alex Slade, Joe Sola, Matthew Spiegelman, George Stoll, Kirsten Stoltman, Misato Suzuki, Ami Tallman, Mateo Tannat, Henry Taylor, Stephanie Taylor, Ultra-red, Linda Vallejo, Monique Van Genderen , Henry Vincent, Robert Walker, James Welling, Erica Lee Wheelock, Luke Whitlach, Margeaux Williamson, Brian Wills, Goody-B Wiseman, Eve Wood, Christopher Wool, Bruce Yonemoto, Carrie Yury, Bari Ziperstein, Andrea Zittel/Smock Shop, Marina Zurkow, Katie Salen & Nancy Nowacek)

So, my talented and lovely friend Louise Bonnet has got a show opening tomorrow in Echo Park at SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS. Run by Shepard and Amanda Fairey, the Gallery focuses on new forms of graphic art, illustration, photography and time-based media and has hosted exhibitions by Ryan McGinness, HunterGatherer and David Ellis to name a few,

Louise hit it big with her incredible line of cosmetics Poole, recently she has switched back to her roots in graphic design, showing her work at Collete in Paris and Silho in LA.

Here is a sneak preview of one of the pieces in the show.

Check her out!!!

So, here is a little ditty that talks about my hood, Atwater Village. It was written my dear friend, Sarah Cohen. Originally written for a magazine (that shall remain nameless) that cut and shredded it down to a sound bite, I wanted to give it its proper do and help spread the good word about this charming little secret tucked away on the boarder of Glendale. When you are at home one night fighting with your friends or mate over were the hell to go for dinner. Pick your ass up, get in the car (again) or get on your bike (if you dare) and come check it out. The vibe is good, there is food within walking distance and the rents are still manageable, maybe I should have kept it to myself.....


Over the River
by Sarah Cohen


As an art advisor and independent curator I'm often drawn to neighborhoods in transition because I'm likely to find a burgeoning community of creatives looking for large, inexpensive spaces and seeking a close knit community to call home. And Atwater Village is a perfect example. Most often referred to as "Los Feliz Adjacent" and sandwiched between the grand mansions in the hills surrounding Griffith Park, Glendale's Brand Boulevard of Cars and close to the 5 and 2 Freeways, Atwater Village is one of the few remaining small Los Angeles neighborhoods with big time appeal. Take, for instance, the Beastie Boys who, always ahead of their time, had their studio in Atwater in the mid-90s. Back in 2001, the band Black Eye Peas auditioned Fergie at their studio on Glendale Boulevard.Their attraction to Atwater Village anticipated an influx of boutiques, restaurants, artist's studios, and families lured by wide tree-lined streets and two of LA's greatest assets, Griffith Park and the Los Angeles Zoo, around the corner.

Even though Atwater Village has seen tremendous growth during the booming housing market of the past several years, it has managed to retain its Pleasantville character. It boasts a Post Office with no lines (or attitudes), a public library, yoga, dance, and Pilates studios and has one other perk rarely found in other LA neighborhoods - free parking.  

Here are some of my highlights:

































Canele (pronounced can-eh-LAY) a restaurant opened by two former New York restaurateurs a little over a year ago put Atwater on the culinary map. Named for a small French pastry with a soft custard center and a dark, thick caramelized crust, which are offered a parting gift, Canelé has a hearty French bistro inspired menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients.  They don't take reservations but it's worth the wait. 3219 Glendale Blvd., www.canele-la.com, 323 666 7133

An offshoot of Silver Lake's Soy Café, Viet Noodle Bar is likely to become another local obsession.  The menu is small and the décor is simple but there's an air of true authenticity that permeates the food, service and experience. The food is healthy, simple and delicious. Cash only! 3133 ½ Glendale Blvd., 323 906 1575


























 Spring comes with verdant days and cool evenings that begin the months of outdoor living Los Angeles is famous for and whether your style is bohemian, urban or minimal, Potted is a one-stop shop for all your green garden needs. You'll find pots, vintage garden furniture, books, fountains, sculpture and my personal favorite, the Flattop Wok outdoor fireplace for cool LA nights. For the environmentally conscious Potted offers recycled wares so you can doll up your garden without sacrificing your style or beliefs. 3158 Los Feliz Blvd, www.pot-ted.com, 323 665 3801

WOOF, formerly located in the Burbank Towne Center, moved to Atwater when their previous landlord mandated a "no dogs allowed" policy and for a pet store that prides itself on being pet-friendly, that was simply unacceptable. The store is packed with every conceivable collar and leash for the teacup pup to the largest beasts. Gourmet dog snacks and food, sweaters, and of course costumes for every occasion and holiday, WOOF is a treasure trove for the hip pooch. And, as expected, the owners give back by working with local animal shelters to help lost pets find their way home. 3172 Glendale Blvd., www.woofdogboutique.com, 323-661-7722

Opened by a former set designer, Grain, one of the first and best-known stores to open in the neighborhood, specializes in mid-century modern furniture, contemporary sculpture and accessories.  Large wood organically shaped sculptures and outdoor furniture from the 50s and 60s dominate the space.  Small and well-edited, make it regular stop on your Atwater visit as inventory moves quickly. 3133 Glendale Blvd, 323 664 3130



















Named for the neighborhood in which the studio is located, Atwater Pottery founded by RISD graduate Adam Silverman, is the poster child for the Atwater's chic transformation. Hand thrown and fired with the most delicate glazes, such as the Volcanic glaze that resembles hardened lava, the forms are both brutal and refined.  Silverman's work is so refined that every piece is both an object and a sculpture. While Atwater Pottery can be found in local high end design stores such as OK on Third Street, Silverman has made the leap from Master Potter to influential contemporary artist showing at important international contemporary art galleries such as Tomio Koyama in Tokyo. 3609 Edenhurst, www.atwaterpottery.com, 323 666 3963

































Karen Kimmel has been a fixture in the worlds of art, design and fashion for years. Kimmel was first known in Los Angeles as one half of the couple that owned KBond from 1999-2003 (husband James Bond, her partner), a groundbreaking menswear store/art gallery/performance venue.  Primarily a fine artist and designer, Kimmel moved her studio to Atwater Village several years ago. Kimmel's practice is rooted in drawing and the use of stencils. Stencils, typically thought to guarantee precision and uniformity, as employed by Kimmel offer a starting point to explore the aesthetic and social boundaries of individual expression. Recent group exhibitions include Above Ground at Mary Goldman Gallery, Los Angeles and Wall Works 3 at Traywick Contemporary in Berkley, CA. Kimmel's work is currently on view in the group exhibition "Renaissance" at the Salvatore Ferragamo Gallery located in its flagship Madison Avenue store in New York. 3201 Casitas, www.karenkimmel.com, 323 459 5324

CalArts Graduate Geoff McFetridge's work moves seamlessly between visual art and graphic design.  While working in Atwater Village as art director for the Beastie Boy's Grand Royal Magazine in the mid to late 90's, McFetridge founded his own graphic design studio, Champion Graphics. Champion Graphics, located on Glendale Boulevard, focuses on innovative commercial design working with such style and fashion giants as MTV and The New York Times. Other commercial projects include designing billboards, logotypes and graphics for skateboards, toys, wallpaper, and even a shoe for Nike. His paintings and drawings provide the inspiration for his famed design work and he often exhibits both practices together pairing paintings and drawings with wallpaper and graphics. 3003 Glendale Blvd, www.championdontstop.com, 323 666 1897