Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

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MCLA at MCLC Mural Unveiling

What we have been up to...

Mural Unveiling at Miguel Contreras Learning Center 
May 2012 

On May 8th, MCLA attended the unveiling of "Gente de Maiz" by Judy Baca and SPARC, at the Miguel Contreras Learning Center (MCLC). In attendance were artists Judithe Hernandez, Anna Siqueiros, muralist Kent Twitchell, and Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. The students from MCLC worked with Baca’s UCLA students to create a unique mural in the center's cafeteria. The 18ft x 33ft digital mural was printed using an innovative new process developed at SPARC’s studios, and was installed permanently at the school.

(Image shown above © Ian Robertson, 2012)

Tour of Urban Legends with Arts Professionals Advisor Link 
April 23 2012 

MCLA had the pleasure of hosting a tour for the mentorship program, Arts Professionals Advisor Link (APAL), Emerging Arts Leadership for Los Angeles. MCLA’s executive director, Isabel Rojas-Williams is a mentor to this program that allows for young professionals to work with experienced art experts in varying fields to ascertain valuable networking skills and experience. The mentees, which includes Isabel’s mentee Betty Avila, were able to hear from Steve Grody, writer of “Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art” and expert on the history of Graffiti and its evolution in Los Angeles.

Urban Legends Tour for APAL by MCLA
(Image © Hanh Nguyen, 2012)
Click to view more photos

Proclamation Ceremony & the Conclusion of Urban Legends 

May 24 2012 

With the end “Urban Legends”, the Estria Foundation (organizer of the event) hosted a proclamation ceremony that included the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles. The ceremony spotlighted some of the notable artists that were part of the event, including Kent Twitchell, Judy Baca, Tempt One, and Jim Prigoff. The Proclamation Certificate by the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Tom LaBonge, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the City of LA.


MCLA Closing Ceremony 5/24/12
(Image © Hanh Nguyen, 2012 )
  Click to view more photos


MCLA Lecture for Students at Pasadena City College
May 29 2012 

MCLA's Executive Director, Isabel Rojas-Williams and artist Judithe Hernandez were invited by Dr. Valerie Taylor to offer a lecture to Pasadena City College students. Isabel spoke about the importance of muralism in Los Angeles and MCLA's mission to save L.A.'s mural legacy. Judithe Hernandez spoke about the Getty's Pacific Standard Time Exhibitions, her role during the 1970's Chicano Art Movement and about art collectives of the 1970s such as ASCO & "Los Four," of which Judithe was the only female member.
 
Judithe Hernandez Lecturing at PCC
(Image © Isabel Rojas-Williams, 2012) 
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Murals in the News:

Openings: Urban Legends at L.A. Mart Design Center 
 Arrested Motion | May 2nd 2012 

Community Fights To Save Pasadena School Mural 
 Pasadena Sun | Joe Piasecki | May 4, 2012 

Release of New Mural Ordinance Delayed 

 Venice - Mar Vista Patch| David Fonseca | May 7, 2012 

Buffed Out Street Art a Case Study for Mural Ordinance
KCET Departures | Ed Fuentes | May 7, 2012 

East Meets West: A Nuyorican Tours East LA
Fox News Latino | Erica Lopez | May 30 2012

 Artist of the Month: Noni Olabisi

Artist of the Month June 2012: Noni Olabisi

Regarding her inspiration for her mural "Freedom Won't Wait". 
"It’s phenomenal how murals are birthed. You think it’s something you are doing but actually, it’s an Interplay of everyone around you, and the spirit inside of you." 

Read her entire interview here
Pictured above is Noni Olabisi and her mural "Freedom Won't Wait".

In This Issue...

  • Mural Tour in Arts District in Downtown LA!
  • Featured artist of the month: Noni Olabisi
  • Honoring Willie Middlebrook

Upcoming MCLA Mural Tours:

MCLA actively organizes mural tours throughout Los Angeles as a way to connect communities directly with these important public works. Follow MCLA on Facebook or visit our events page to stay up-to-date on upcoming mural tours throughout Los Angeles!

Click to view upcoming events
or to follow us on facebook


Join Us in a Mural Tour of the Art District in Downtown L.A!
June 30th 2012

In celebration of our recent mural restorations, we are now offering a FREE membership with the purchase of a $20 mural tour in the
Arts District in Downtown LA
Saturday June 30th 
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
905 E. 2nd Street

 
Not available on this date? No problem! We will be hosting several mural tours to our supporters, so keep an eye out for future invitations.

Invitation to DTLA Mural Tour!
(Click to enlarge)
Email us to learn more!
At a glance...


Honoring Willie Middlebrook  (1957-2012) 

It is with heavy hearts we share that beloved muralist Willie Middlebrook, an inspiration and mentor to so many, has passed.  Although our art community has lost one of its best, Willie will continue to be an inspiration to all of us forever. We wish much love and peace to the Middlebrook family. 

Artist Willie Middlebrook
To read our interview with Willie, click here

Unveiling of "Filipino Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy"
May 3rd 2012
 

Originally painted in 1994, this mural was created early in Eliseo Art Silva’s career as an artist. This restoration was sponsored in part by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT). His piece was recognized by the City of Los Angeles as the largest Filipino American mural in the United States.

 

Unveiling of “Venice West” 
May 27th 2012


MCLA attended the unveiling of “Venice West” by Francisco Letelier and Marybeth Fama. This piece was created as a tribute to the history of Venice, and its poets. Featured in the mural are Stuart Perkoff (founder of Venice West Cafe) and Philomene Long (poet laureate of Venice). Designated a city historic-cultural monument from 1958-1966, the Venice West Cafe served as a gathering place for disciples of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and other cultural pioneers, including the Door's Jim Morrison and Ray Manzeraek.


Venice West
(Photo © Isabel Rojas-Williams, 2012)
Click to view more photos
 

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