Long Beach Arts

Long Beach Arts and the Satellite Window in Downtown Long Beach, CA,
http://www.long-beach-arts.org/

Extended to Jan 26, 2013

Landmark Square 
111 West Ocean Blvd 
on First street between Pine and Pacific Avenues (foot traffic only)
December 15, 2012 - January 26, 2013

Its kinda of funny how in life we seem to go on paths that take us from where we began, that good old circle of life.  Probably the best memories of childhood and the teenage life all took place in the beautiful and diverse city of Long Beach, CA, north Long Beach to be exact.  Graduated in 1987 in a haze of juvenile delinquency and unbridled enthusiasm for life from the high school of hard knocks, David Starr Jordan High.  The memories of a young misguided misfit roaming these streets and neighborhoods seeking the mysteries of life are still vivid. 

Well little did we know that a couple of decades later, this once nice area of the world would be the stomping ground for another one of my artistic endeavors.  Being involved in the arts for the past 15 years of so, I have stumbled into art galleries and institutions big and small, cultural entities of pomp and glory, some more aesthetically pleasing than others. However I want to say the Long Beach arts is one of the lesser known art institutions on the map.  A very humble and unassuming gallery that has had a prestigious history of some 50 plus odd years or so. Sitting on Long Beach Blvd near the corner of Market street in the tough area of North Long Beach, mixing and blending in with the rest of the random business window front suites, this gallery has played host to a wide variety and a wide and random showing of eclectic art.  With its unique cast of characters that make up the staff and support group, a cast that would fit nicely in any comedy series on prime time t.v.  

The Long Beach arts has allowed me, and thank you very much, to display random pieces from time to time with in its gallery walls.  Along with its rotating exhibitions the gallery has a unique program, described as a satellite window in the heart of downtown Long Beach.  The LBA coordinates and exhibits art work in a 20 ft. display window right on 1st street in between Pacific and Pine avenues. Underneath the business high rises and the random activity that makes Long Beach the diverse city that it is, sits this display window, in nice view of the thousands of daily commuters, hipster socialites, wondering vagabonds and of course the business minded community that supports and maintains the welfare of this glorious seaside community.  The year will end and begin with a body of work ranging from pottery, plates on panels and pen and ink illustrations, the fruit of my labors.  This display of my art work will be in the gallery window from mid December to mid January, a nice way to end another artsy fartsy year and begin another hopeful and optimistic one.  

Thank You so much to the Long Beach arts for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to make my mark in downtown Long Beach.  Thanks to Al and Niki King who choreographed and installed this once in a lifetime opportunity, but a Huge big Thanks for Lily LaBare for making all this happen your help, support and encouragement over the years cannot be measured.  A fitting tribute that with a little hard work, sweat and toil, dreams do come true. 

Muckenthaler Cultural Center

The Muckenthaler window at John Wayne Airport
www.themuck.org

Dec 2012 - March 2013

Amongst all the hustle and bustle of terminal C at the John Wayne Airport, there is this long corridor where random weary and heart filled travelers jockey from one terminal to the next. Along the newly contemporary glass filled corridor sits on one side a handsome row of freshly installed exhibition cases.  These impressive glass cases that rise from the floor up to the ceiling is where the Muckenthaler has an exciting exhibit showcasing all the programs, exhibitions, memorabilia and fact filled information about the cultural center. 

There is an impressive display of art work supporting the culturally enriched program that the Muckenthaler has to offer.  Classes in book making, quilting, photography, performing arts and one of the centers stronger programs the ceramics program are well represented.  

Within this well put together and curated exhibit sits two of my hand built, hand coiled and hand painted vases.  It brings back vivid memories of a group exhibition and the excitement and prestige of my previous showing at the John Wayne Airport back in 2007 with the O.C. Contemporary Ceramics Exhibit.  Although that exhibit was displayed in a passenger only area of the airport, this exhibit is open for the general public for all to see.  Hopefully the cornucopia of travelers going to and from from all points and destinations from around the world, will take the time to check out the exhibit and support the center and its all accommodating enriching programs. 

Satwiwa

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center
http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/satwiwa-native-american-indian-culture-center.htm

The road, the journey, the painstaking odyssey of it all, has its rich destinies, people, places and events that all have their special little meanings. Personally, some of these itineraries has taken me to some very spiritual destinations such as Mesa Verde, Acoma Sky City, Chaco Canyon, and of course my homeland the Navajo and Pueblo of Isleta reservations all encompassing rich natural beauty and wonder, with an aura of religious and spiritual wonderment that pierces the heart, mind and soul.  

One such place that has been on the schedule for the past 3 years is the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, tucked away on the western end of the Santa Monica mountains national recreation area.  This small humble yet meaningful center and area has been home to the Chumash people and the Tongva people.  Its one of the more tranquil and spiritual settings that I have had the opportunity to present and share my work in.  There is this wonderful quiet spiritual element that hovers over the grassy rolling hills and rises over the ancient natural stone bluffs.  With its lush hill sides and natural trees and vegetation Satwiwa is ripe for outdoor enthusiasts.  The tranquil landscape is emblazoned with many trails for hiking, mountain biking, jogging and soul searching afternoon walks.  If you listen closely you can hear the whispers and chants of the Chumash people echoing within the rustling leaves and the gentle delicate breezes that come from the pacific ocean and through the hills and valleys of this enchanting natural environment. 


For the past 3 years I have had the opportunity to be a part of their cultural program, by demonstrating, lecturing, presenting my work and talking about Native American pottery and in general my culture. The center has a yearly program of Native American cultural events, such as storytelling, dancing, flute music, basketry making and other programs that support and represent American Indian culture.  They have many guests speaker and artists programs that allow visitors to learn and create a little something special.  It's always a wonderful and pleasant feeling to be greeted by all the wonderful Satwiwa Rangers and their charming ranger uniforms, right out of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom.  This staff of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals are all a part of the National Park Service, which I have had the wonderful pleasure of working with for the past 3 years.  

So looking for some outdoor adventure with intriguing cultural enriching programs, drive west on the 101 fwy, take the Wendy Drive exit right past Thousand Oaks, make a few lefts and rights through the quiet suburban neighborhood and within minutes you find yourself nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains with the always present Boney Mountain, inviting you with open arms to explore all that Satwiwa has to offer. 

Autry National Center

Autry National Center   

www.theautry.org 

For the past several years the Native American Indian Art Market has been a constant refuge on the Two Tribes pottery trail.  This annual event which is in the early week of November draws some of the most affluent, talented and eclectic Native American artists from different points and directions across the U.S.

While the show itself has changed its programming format over the years, the heart and agenda always remains the same.  Bringing together indigenous people representing their cultural heritage through the arts and the collectors and buyers that support and encourage these artistic individuals. The quality and media is always as diverse and innovative year after year,  with work in jewelry, painting, mixed media, wood work, pottery and metal work.  Photography is always proudly displayed along with textiles and the intricate, interwoven complexity of basketry. To support art show, the Autry compiles a wonderful program throughout the course of the weekend consisting of Native American singing, performers, storytellers, demonstrators and the always popular American Indian dancing.

Always held on the grounds of the Autry National Center in Griffith Park a few minutes from the bustling cosmopolitan center of downtown L.A.  This beautiful museum supports the history of the American West and has always been a promoter and a collector of Native American Art.  The collection which has an exhaustive 500,000 pieces of artifacts representing western culture and heritage which includes Native American people as well, is one of the biggest museum of its kind.  With its many programs and rotating exhibitions the Autry and its staff has always been a dedicated, friendly and supportive group.  Accommodating the artists, their friends and families to an always fun and rewarding event.  Highlights are the artist and member reception dinner, always held on the Friday evening before the weekend show, it is an opportunity for the artist the members of the museum and the collectors to socialize, mix and mingle over a spectacular dinner with all the trimmings.

It is also an evening to recognize the artists, their efforts through the Autry's art contest, an exciting evening is always on hand as we exhibit the top place finishers in each of the designated categories.

Of course the best thing about the show is to reconnect and meet up with old an new friends and artists to get together talk shop about the whole art scene and what is occurring out their in the field. It is always a time to get inspired from other peoples work, to witness the progression and changing styles of all the artists.  To listen to their stories, their walks of life, the journeys they have taken far and wide.  Even more importantly is to always talk and interact with the public to get their views on ones work and on the work of others, their encouragement, support and appreciation of what we do, is the driving mechanism to continue on the Two Tribes trail, a real POW WOW of sorts.