What we have been up to...
Mural Unveilings, Symposiums, and the Getty
October 9th, 16th, & 17th 2012
David Alfaro Siqueiros’ iconic mural América Tropical was finally unveiled on October 9th, thanks to the efforts of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). This huge achievement was celebrated at the mural’s site, the América Tropical Interpretive Center, managed by El Pueblo, on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The event was followed closely with the Getty Conservation Institute's Symposium: "The Siqueiros Legacy: Challenges of Conserving the Artists Monumental Murals." The event became a meeting of the minds that included academics, art historians, scholars, and world-renowned restorers from Argentina, Chile, México, and the USA.
Above is the newly restored América Tropical (Photo © Ian Robertson-Salt, 2012) Click to view album
End to L.A. Freeway Kids Campaign
October 27th 2012
After over a year of discussions and meetings with the City of Los Angeles, and a decade long mural ban, the new Mural Ordinance has passed with the Department of City Planning (DCP). The next step to having it officially passed is having it approved by the Planning Land Use Management (PLUM) and finally City Council. The final version came with much compromise between both artists and city officials, but mural advocates are pleased to have progress on the long-awaited mural ordinance. To read what was approved by the DCP, click here
LA Freeway Kids Workshops on the Freeway
October 23th and 30th 2012
MCLA invited a group of emerging muralists and art advocates to a workshop at the site of Glenna Avila's LA Freeway Kidsmural. The workshops were led by MCLA’s executive director, Isabel Rojas-Williams, and restorer/muralist Willie Herrón who was aided by muralist Raul Gonzalez. Isabel, Willie, and Raul shared the knowledge, techniques, and processes they used to restore the 1984 Olympic Freeway Murals. Some of the highlights of the workshops included having in attendance artist Margaret Garcia, who painted the face of 6th Freeway Kid in 1984 (Misty Holan), Gabriel Estrada, the model for “the kid with the basketball”, and MCLA's directors Kent Twitchell, Gil Ortiz, and Ilia Anossov present. The mural is slated for completion in early November 2012.
Image of workshop on October 23rd (Image courtesy of © Ian Robertson-Salt, 2012) Click to view album
End to L.A. Freeway Kids Campaign
October 27th 2012
Thanks to the help of art advocates like you, MCLA was able to surpass its goal for our L.A. Freeway Kids Campaign. The funds raised will ensure that the mural will be safeguarded from future tagging and damage from the elements. To view the finished campaign, click here. If you would still like to make a contribution, please click here.
 Image of nearly completed LA Freeway Kids (Image courtesy of © Ian Robertson-Salt, 2012) Click to view album |
