What we have been up to...
MCLA Interviewed by NBC 4
September 27th 2012
On September 27th, MCLA's executive director, Isabel Rojas-Williams, was interviewed by NBC 4's reporter John Cádiz Klemack at the birth place of Los Angeles and home to muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros' soon-to-be unveiled 1932 "América Tropical" at Plaza Olvera. Cádiz Klemack's conversation with Isabel included Latino Heritage in Los Angeles, the influence of Siqueiros on today's muralists, the Chicano Mural Art Movement, and MCLA's ongoing restoration of the "1984 Olympic Freeway Murals". Isabel introduced artist Willie Herrón III to speak about the Chicano Art Movement and of his experience as the commissioned restorer for the 1984 Olympic Freeway Murals.
Above is Isabel Rojas-Williams, Willie Herrón
& NBC 4’s John Cádiz Klemack.
(Photo © Ian Robertson-Salt, 2012)
MCLA Begins Restoration of LA Freeway Kids
September 18th, 2012
Fresh on the heels of our last restoration of The Lita Albuquerque Monument, MCLA began work on Glenna Avila’sLA Freeway Kids- one of the 1984 Olympic Freeway murals. MCLA has been working closely with Glenna, establishing her as the official supervisor of the project. Never forgetting the importance of working with community muralists, MCLA commissioned legendary muralist/restorer Willie Herrón III. Herron selected muralists Carlos Callejo and Raul Gonzalez to be apart of his team of restorers. The mural is slated to be finished mid-October. The mural features seven children playfully running together. If you are interested in becoming involved with this project, visit our campaign here to see how you can help us protect against future tagging!
MCLA Finishes Restoration of Lita Albuquerque Monument
September 17th, 2012
On September 17th, MCLA completed restoration on The Lita Albuquerque Monument. This mural is part of a diptych, the counterpart of which is The Jim Morphesis Monument, which was also restored last December 2011. Facing each other on the 101 Freeway, this mural restoration was made possible through the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and private donors.
 Image of completed Lita Albuquerque Monument (Image courtesy of © Gil Ortiz, 2012) Click to view album
Official Unveiling of América Tropical
September 10th 2012
On September 10th the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) announced the October 9th unveiling of the iconic 1932 América Tropical, by master muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. This restoration was made possible through the collaboration between the City of Los Angeles and GCI. This mural is highly significant, as Siqueiros has long been regarded as the one of the most influential muralist to inspire modern day muralists. To read the full press release of the event, click here.
 Getty Conservation Institute conservators working on the América Tropical mural.© J. Paul Getty Trust. |
