Sunday, April 1, 2012

'URBAN LEGENDS' PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION AND AUCTION


Chaz Bojorquez, 2011
'Tres Placas' (Three Tags)
Limited Edition Serigraph
Included in the Urban Legends Live Auction

April 25, 2012 (Los Angeles, CA ) --  Opening this Friday at the LA Mart Design Center is the highly anticipated ‘Urban Legends’ Public Art Exhibition, featuring works representing traditional muralism, street, graffiti art, and sculptures, by highly acclaimed and up-and-coming urban artists from around the world. Along with works for sale, will be the first ever Public Art Live Auction to be held in Los Angeles; also during this inaugural exhibition, a special presentation will be made honoring 4 individuals who have made significant contributions to public art over the last few decades.

Those being honored are: Judy Baca, Co-Founder of Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), and creator of the Great Wall of Los Angeles, one of the longest murals in the world; Kent Twitchell, Co-Founder of The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA), and one of America’s most recognized grand scale master muralists; Jim Prigoff, author, photographer and lecturer on the subject of worldwide urban murals, who has been documenting murals since the late 1960’s; Tony Quan aka TEMPT ONE, an American graffiti artist who began writing in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Tempt was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2003 and is now fully paralyzed, with the exception of his eyes. Through the use of The “EyeWriter” system, consisting of specialized cameras and eye-tracking and drawing software, he is able to continue his art through the movement of his eye’s.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, and debuting during the VIP focal point of both the VIP and public openings will be,
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles' http://www.muralconservancy.org inaugural show of the Graffiti Visual Mural Tour, and an exclusive screening of SPARC FROM THE ARCHIVES: 36 Years of Community Mural Making. Site specific pieces from SPARC include: A wall-mounted replica piece of the Great Wall of Los Angeles, along with a 3-D Display Model of the Great Wall of Los Angeles. www.sparcmurals.org
For the savvy art collector looking to diversify their portfolio, the presenters and honorary organizations of this exhibition are also curating the first-ever Public Art Live Auction to be held in Los Angeles, during the VIP opening. Examples of works for auction include; limited edition serigraphs, original works of paint on canvas, original sketches used to develop murals commissioned by the 1984 Olympics commission; on behalf of worldwide superstar, Michael Jackson; and additional rare, historical collectibles representing muralism, street art and graffiti writers. Select pieces from TEF’s Estria Battle, will be exhibited for the first time since the competition began five years ago, and will be included in the evening's live auction, and for sale. Most of the artwork included in the auction can be viewed at: http://www.estria.org/urban-legends-auction/.

In a recent article written by Ed Fuentes, on the business of street art for KCET Departures, Estria Miyashiro, founder of the Estria Foundation, stated: "Despite [graffiti] writing being around for over 40 years, artists are only now being recognized and paid for their skills. Galleries, museums and art fairs are jumping on the bandwagon." In that same interview, Miyashiro also shared: "We are now at a point in time where in most countries; anyone under the age of 28 has never seen a city without the people's voices on its walls. This means for the younger generation, public art has won its hearts, minds and eyes. Zero tolerance of (graffiti) writing has clearly failed, and now it is commonplace for city departments to consider and implement pro-art programs as a cheaper, more effective alternative to fighting the war on graffiti writing."

Prior to the Exhibition opening, numerous murals are being painted in cities throughout Los Angeles County, bringing many of the artists together showcasing their individual styles and flavor, by creating colorfully spray painted walls and adding to the existing open air museums that are once again starting to increase, thanks to the public outcry to remove the ban placed on murals.

This past weekend, Estria and LA artist, Sharktoof finished up on their collaboration piece on the Continental Art Supplies Building, in Reseda, followed by a new wall painted by Executive Director, and artist Erin Yoshi along with the Few and Far ladies crew in Hollywood. The weekend was capped off with a big collab with several LA and Bay area artists, painting at the Venice Public Art  Walls, overseen by Stash Maleski, Founder of ICU Art. All images can be found at: http://urbanlegendspublicartexhibition.blogspot.com/.

On Tuesday, April 24rth ManOne, Founder of Crewest Gallery, completed his mural of a local man who is a 30 year resident of Skid row, and fondly known as “The Downtown Artist.” This mural is to honor and recognize those representing the original downtown who have become invisible to many as Man One states, “In giving a face to the invisible, by commemorating him and others in a mural, I hope to also lift them up and let them know they are not alone or forgotten.”

Urban Legends Public Art Exhibition and Live Auction, opens Friday, April 27 at the LA Mart Design Center. All proceeds from the opening exhibition will go to the planning organizations, and artists, to help further their efforts and outreach into the local community, and abroad. 
Performing during the VIP Opening is the Mark De Clive Lowe Jazz Trio, Featuring MdCL, Freddie Washington and Dexter Story. Catering is provided by Market Restaurants and Catering, and the evening also includes a hosted bar by Akvinta Vodka, Black Lab Ventures, Licor 43, and Original Moonshine. Just before guests enter the LA Mart, they will encounter  the Find Art Mobile Art Gallery & Mobile Mural Labs, who will be joined by the Jarritos Street Team and DJ.

The legendary roster of more than 50 urban artists includes distinguished pioneers of the 60’s & 70’s revival of muralism in Los Angeles, Judy Baca (East LA/USA), Kent Twitchell (LA/USA), and Master typographical graffiti writer Chaz Bojorquez (East LA/USA.) In addition are many prolific artists of the hip hop movement, as well as traditional muralists who began in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, and are now today’s most sought after, collected and internationally known urban/street/graffiti artists including, among others, 2 time Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle winner, Vyal, and Mear One, Kofie, RETNA (Los Angeles); Estria (Hawaii); Brett “Dizney” Cook (Berkeley), SANER (Mexico), and 2009 Estria Battle winner, Vogue TDK (Oakland).
In addition to the above mentioned is legendary documentarian Martha Cooper (New York), who in 1977 became the first woman to be hired as a staff photographer for the NY Post. Joining her are, longtime Los Angeles heavies, photographer/film makers, Eriberto and Estevan Oriol, and original avant-garde art group ASCO member, Patssi Valdez; Yusef Davis (Atlanta); Jher (Colorado); TEWSR, Warren Heard (Costa Mesa, CA); Ckaweeks, Katch (Hawaii); ABCNT, Canlove, Codak, Cryptik, Erin Yoshi, Andrew Hem, Sand One, Woier, Shark Toof,  Alexander DC Smith & Hans Haveron,  Evan Mendleson,  John Park & Christina Angelina, Max Neutra, Van Saro, FOODONE (Los Angeles); Level (Miami); Cern, Doves, Mare 139, Meres (New York); BAM (Oakland); Chor Boogie, Pablo Cristi (San Francisco); EKLA (France); Herakut & MACLAIM (Germany); KIDGHE, LIBRE (Mexico); Aly Kouroma (Senegal); and Freddy Sam (South Africa.)


Free admission to ‘Urban Legends’ will begin May 1st. This exhibition is open to the public on select days Tuesday, May 1 through the closing on Saturday, May 26, 2012 and also by appointment. In addition, there will be artist talks, and additional programming scheduled throughout the month. This exhibition is sponsored in part by the following:  LA Weekly, Amoeba Music, Market Restaurants and Catering, Friends We Love, Fast Company, KCRW, LA Canvas, Jarritos Soda, Neon Green, LA Taco, Visual Art Source, Starbucks, Fusicology, Tribal Gear, LACMA, View From A Loft, KPFK,  Akvinta Vodka, Black Lab Ventures, Licor 43, and Original Moonshine.

A limited quantity of press passes will be issued, please send an e-mail to UrbanArtPR@gmail.com, for credential requirements. To volunteer, or for general information, please contact: Paloma Belara at: paloma [at] estria [dot] org // 415-992-1428, or Shawni D. at: UrbanArtPR [at] gmail [dot] com // 213-255-0059.

###
 
URBAN LEGENDS PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Press Preview 6:00pm -7:30pm
Exhibition VIP Opening 8:00pm-11:00pm

Highlights:

- Artist meet and greet
- Preview of all works for sale
- Catered by Market Restaurants and Catering
- Jarritos sparkling water and flavored sodas by the Jarritos Street Team
and DJ's alongside the Find Art Magazine Mobile Gallery and Mobile Mural Labs
- Jarritos Luchador!
- Bar hosted by BlackLab Ventures, Original Moonshine, Akvinta Vodka, and Licor 43
- Live music performed by Mark D Clive Lowe Jazz Trio
- Multiple gallery spaces
- DJ’s "Legends" Collective, including: Harvey WallBanger, Farmer, Spock Rock, Prof. LaCroix, TStrong, and Sparkletrot.
- Fine Art Live Auction of select art works
- Recognition Ceremony honoring: Judy Baca, Kent Twitchell, Jim Prigoff and Tempt One
- On loan collections representing historical site specific installations from MCLA, and SPARC.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012
PUBLIC Exhibition Opening: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Highlights:
- Select artists in attendance
- KOGI Truck
- Jarritos Soda Truck serving Jarritos sparkling water and flavored sodas and DJ's spinning outside with - Find Art Magazine Mobile Gallery and Mobile Mural Labs
- Select artists in attendance
- All works for sale
- DJ’s
- Multiple gallery spaces
- On loan collections representing historical site specific installations from MCLA, and SPARC.
 
 WHERE: LA Mart Design Center
Source LA 1933 South Broadway
12th Floor Suite #1240
LA, CA 90007

PRESENTED BY:

The Estria Foundation
L.A. Art Machine
The DoArT Foundation

HONORARY PARTNERS:
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA)
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
ICU Art
Crewest
Find Art Magazine
Mobile Mural Labs

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS:
The Estria Foundation - www.estria.org
The Do ArT Foundation - www.doartfoundation.org
L.A. Art Machine (LAAM) - www.laartmachine.com
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA) - www.muralconservancy.org
Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) - www.sparcmurals.org
In Creative Unity Art (ICU Art) - www.icuart.com
Crewest - www.crewest.com
Find Art Magazine - www.findartmagazine.com

‘Urban Legends’ Public Art Live Auction - This first of its kind live auction, which will occur during the VIP opening, will include select works from past exhibitions, installations, and public art and music festivals, spanning decades. The exhibition is curated by the multiple contributing organizations and auctioned under one roof on the evening of Friday, April 27th. Works will consist of large scale murals; collages; rare, limited edition photographs; and more. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the serious or beginning art collector to bid on and purchase rare works of art from an international roster of legendary, critically acclaimed muralists, graffiti writers, and contemporary urban artists.  Collectors will not want to miss the most exciting art auction happening in the city of Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased here: www.publicartlegends.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact: Shawni D., at (213) 255-0059 // UrbanArtPR [at] gmail [dot] com.

LA Mart Design Center is Southern California’s singular, comprehensive source for nationally branded, designer licensed and custom manufactured furniture and accessories, defining today’s West Coast lifestyle and the modern, well-designed home. Uniquely positioned at the gateway to downtown Los Angeles’ dynamic urban and residential renewal, and freeway adjacent to outlying communities of affluence, LAMDC offers one-stop-shopping access to a respected and extraordinary range of traditional through contemporary furnishings and design inspirations for both the interior design professional and the design-savvy consumer. www.lamart.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Event Hashtag > #PublicArtLegends
@estriaorg
@themcla
@laartmachine
@doartfoundation





 
An Original sketch of Michael Jackson's Hand,
by Master Muralist, Kent Twitchell
One of the items to be included in the
'Urban Legends' Live Auction.
Contacts:
Paloma Belara - paloma@estria.org
Shawni D. - UrbanArtPR@gmail.com

Full size image files available upon request





The Highly Anticipated, ‘Urban Legends’ Public Art Exhibition, Opening on April 27th Features Rare Works for Auction by Judy Baca, Kent Twitchell,
Martha Cooper and Chaz Bojorquez.

April 17, 2012 (Los Angeles, CA ) -- Opening at the LA Mart Design Center on the evening of Friday, April 27th is the ‘Urban Legends’ Public Art Exhibition, featuring works representing traditional muralism, street, graffiti art, and sculptures, by highly acclaimed and up-and-coming urban artists from around the world. Along with works for sale, will be historical site specific pieces on-loan from the personal archives of the planning organizations, and the Graffiti of War Project, a collaboration of veterans, service-members, military family members and civilians whose focus is on raising awareness for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war.


For the savvy art collector looking to diversify their portfolio, the presenters and honorary organizations of this exhibition are also curating the first-ever Public Art Live Auction to be held in Los Angeles, during the VIP opening. Examples of works for auction include; limited edition serigraphs, original works of paint on canvas, original sketches used to develop murals commissioned by the 1984 Olympics commission; on behalf of worldwide superstar, Michael Jackson; and additional rare, historical collectibles representing muralism, street art and graffiti writers.


The exhibition is being presented and commissioned by The Estria Foundation, L.A. Art Machine, and The DoArT Foundation, as well as showcasing on loan collections representing historical site specific installations from The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA), and, Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC). Working in support with the above mentioned are Los Angeles based graffiti art and culture institutions, ICU Art, and Crewest, along with Find Art magazine, and Mobile Mural Labs, both of which are mobile art galleries showcasing urban art of all disciplines.


A focal point of both the VIP and public openings will be, The MCLA’s inaugural slideshow screening of the Graffiti Visual Mural Tour, and an exclusive screening of SPARC FROM THE ARCHIVES: 36 Years of Community Mural Making. Select pieces from TEF’s Estria Battle, will be exhibited for the first time since the competition began five years ago, and will be included in the evening's live auction, and for sale. Performing during the VIP Opening is the Mark De Clive Lowe Jazz Trio, Featuring MdCL, Freddie Washington and Dexter Story. Catering is provided by Market Restaurants and Catering, and the evening also includes a hosted bar.


The legendary roster of more than 50 urban artists includes distinguished pioneers of the 60’s & 70’s revival of muralism in Los Angeles, Judy Baca (USA), Kent Twitchell (USA), and Master typographical graffiti writer Chaz Bojorquez (USA.) In addition are many prolific artists of the hip hop movement, as well as traditional muralists who began in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, and are now today’s most sought after, collected and internationally known urban/street/graffiti artists including, among others, 2 time Estria Battle winner, Vyal, and Mear One, Kofie, RETNA (Los Angeles); Estria (Hawaii); Brett “Dizney” Cook (Berkeley), SANER (Mexico), and 2009 Estria Battle winner, Vogue TDK (Oakland).


In addition to the above mentioned is legendary documentarian Martha Cooper (New York), who in 1977 became the first woman to be hired as a staff photographer for the NY Post. Joining her are, longtime Los Angeles heavies, photographer/film makers, Eriberto and Estevan Oriol and original avant-garde art group ASCO member, Patssi Valdez; Yusef Davis (Atlanta); Jher (Colorado); TEWSR, Warren Heard (Costa Mesa, CA); Ckaweeks, Katch (Hawaii); ABCNT, Canlove, Codak, Cryptik, Erin Yoshi, Andrew Hem, Sand One, Woier, Shark Toof, Alexander DC Smith & Hans Haveron, Evan Mendleson, John Park & Christina Angelina, Max Neutra, Van Saro, FOODONE (Los Angeles); Level (Miami); Cern, Doves, Mare 139, Meres (New York); BAM (Oakland); Chor Boogie, Pablo Cristi (San Francisco); EKLA (France); Herakut & MACLAIM (Germany); KIDGHE, LIBRE (Mexico); Aly Kouroma (Senegal); and Freddy Sam (South Africa.)


This exhibition spans half of the 12th floor of the LA Mart Design Center, and will provide art lovers an opportunity to get up close and personal with a movement that began in the late ‘60’s in Los Angeles and continues to gain appreciators and collectors throughout the world.


All proceeds from the opening exhibition will go to the planning organizations, and artists, to help further their efforts and outreach into the local community, and abroad. The urban art movement is considered as important as the pop-art movement of the mid 1950’s, but with a stronger impact on society due to the continuous removal of funding in the arts education system and the readily available walls, tunnels, concrete river beds and buildings located across the planet.


Details for both nights are listed below, and are ticketed events, benefiting all artists, presenting and honorary partner organizations. Tickets may be purchased in advance at: www.publicartlegends.eventbrite.com; (or at the door unless sold out.) The Estria Foundation was founded in 2010 by graffiti artist Estria Miyashiro, and Jeremy LaTrasse, co-founder of Twitter.


Free admission to ‘Urban Legends’ will begin May 1st. This exhibition is open to the public on select days Tuesday, May 1 through the closing on Saturday, May 26, 2012 and also by appointment. In addition, there will be artist talks, and additional programming scheduled throughout the month. This exhibition is sponsored in part by the following: LA Weekly, Amoeba Music, Market Restaurants and Catering, Friends We Love, Fast Company, KCRW, LA Canvas, Neon Green, LA Taco, Jarritos Soda, Visual Art Source, Big Man Bakes, Crescent Graffiti Paper, Starbucks, Fusicology, Tribal Gear, LACMA, View From A Loft, KCET, KPFK,  Black Lab Ventures, Licor 43, and Moonshine.


A limited quantity of press passes will be issued, please send an e-mail to UrbanArtPR@gmail.com, for credential requirements. To volunteer, or for general information, please contact: Paloma Belara at: paloma [at] estria [dot] org, or Shawni D. at: UrbanArtPR[at]gmail[dot]com.


###


FRIDAY, APRIL 27
VIP Preview, Exhibition Opening and Auction:
Press and VIP Preview 6:00pm -7:30pm
Exhibition Opening 8:00pm-11:00pm


VIP Opening Night Highlights:
- Artist meet and greet
- Preview of all works for sale
- Catered by Market Restaurants and Catering, a hosted bar, live music performed by Mark D Clive Lowe Jazz Trio
- Multiple gallery spaces
- Fine Art Live Auction of select art works
- Recognition of a group or individual representing contributions made in the public art sector
- On loan collections representing historical site specific installations from MCLA, SPARC and Graffiti of War Project.


SATURDAY, APRIL 28
PUBLIC Exhibition Opening: 7:00pm - 10:00pm



Public Opening Night Highlights:
- Select artists in attendance
- All works for sale
- DJ’s
- Food trucks
- Multiple gallery spaces
- On loan collections representing historical site specific installations from MCLA, SPARC and Graffiti of War Project.


WHERE: LA Mart Design Center
Source LA 1933 South Broadway
12th Floor Suite #1240
LA, CA 90007


PRESENTED BY:
The Estria Foundation
L.A. Art Machine
The DoArT Foundation
HONORARY PARTNERS:
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA)
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
ICU Art
Crewest
Find Art Magazine
Mobile Mural Labs


ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS


The Estria Foundation - www.estria.org
The Do ArT Foundation - www.doartfoundation.org
L.A. Art Machine (LAAM) - www.laartmachine.com
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA) - www.muralconservancy.org
Social & Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) - www.sparcmurals.org
In Creative Unity Art (ICU Art) - www.icuart.com
Crewest - www.crewest.com
Find Art Magazine - www.findartmagazine.com

‘Urban Legends’ Public Art Live Auction - This first of its kind live auction, which will occur during the VIP opening, will include select works from past exhibitions, installations, and public art and music festivals, spanning decades. The exhibition is curated by the multiple contributing organizations and auctioned under one roof on the evening of Friday, April 27th. Works will consist of large scale murals; collages; rare, limited edition photographs; and more. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the serious or beginning art collector to bid on and purchase rare works of art from an international roster of legendary, critically acclaimed muralists, graffiti writers, and contemporary urban artists. Collectors will not want to miss the most exciting art auction happening in the city of Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased here: www.publicartlegends.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact: Shawni D., at (213) 255-0059 // UrbanArtPR [at] gmail [dot] com.


LA Mart Design Center is Southern California’s singular, comprehensive source for nationally branded, designer licensed and custom manufactured furniture and accessories, defining today’s West Coast lifestyle and the modern, well-designed home. Uniquely positioned at the gateway to downtown Los Angeles’ dynamic urban and residential renewal, and freeway adjacent to outlying communities of affluence, LAMDC offers one-stop-shopping access to a respected and extraordinary range of traditional through contemporary furnishings and design inspirations for both the interior design professional and the design-savvy consumer. www.lamart.com.


SOCIAL MEDIA:


Event Hashtag > #PublicArtLegends
@estriaorg
@themcla
@laartmachine
@doartfoundation

VIP PREVIEW, RECEPTION
&
LIVE AUCTION 

FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Press and VIP Preview
6:00pm -7:30pm
Exhibition Opening
8:00pm-11:00pm  
Featuring the
FIRST-EVER PUBLIC ART LIVE AUCTION
To Be Held in Los Angeles

LIVE MUSIC BY

MARK DE CLIVE LOWE
JAZZ TRIO

CATERED BY
 
MARKET
Restaurants and Catering

VIP Opening Night Highlights:

- Artist meet and greet
- Preview of all works for sale
- Multiple gallery spaces 
- DJ'S 
- Fine Art Live Auction of select art works
- Recognition of a group or individual representing contributions made in the public art sector
- On loan collections representing historical site specific installations
from MCLA, SPARC and Graffiti of War Project.

 PUBLIC OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, April 28
7:00pm - 10:00pm

Public Opening Night Highlights:

-
Select artists in attendance
-
All works for sale
-
DJ’s
-
Food trucks
-
Multiple gallery spaces
-
On loan collections representing historical site specific installations
from MCLA, SPARC and Graffiti of War Project.


LOCATION:
LA Mart and Design Center
Source LA 1933 South Broadway12th Floor Suite #1240
LA, CA 90007


PRESENTED BY:
The Estria Foundation
L.A. Art Machine
The DoArT Foundation


HONORARY PARTNERS:
The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA)
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
In Creative Unity (ICU) Art
Crewest Gallery
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
www.publicartlegends.eventbrite.com

EXHIBITION DATES:

Friday, April 27- Saturday, May 26, 2012 





ARTISTS
Judy Baca (USA), Kent Twitchell (USA), Chaz Bojorquez (USA.)  Vyal, Mear One, Kofie, RETNA, Eriberto and Estevan Oriol (Los Angeles); Estria (Hawaii); Brett “Dizney” Cook (Berkeley), SANER (Mexico), and Vogue TDK (Oakland); Martha Cooper (New York);  Yusef Davis (Atlanta); Jher (Colorado); TEWSR, Warren Heard (Costa Mesa, CA); Ckaweeks, Katch (Hawaii); ABCNT, Canlove, Codak, Cryptik, Erin Yoshi, Andrew Hem, Sand One, Woier, Shark Toof,  Alexander DC Smith & Hans Haveron,  Evan Mendleson,  John Park & Christina Angelina, Max Neutra, Van Saro, FOODONE (Los Angeles); Level (Miami); Cern, Doves, Mare 139, Meres (New York); BAM (Oakland); Chor Boogie, Pablo Cristi (San Francisco); EKLA (France); Herakut & MACLAIM (Germany); KIDGHE, LIBRE (Mexico); Aly Kouroma (Senegal); and Freddy Sam (South Africa.)