Exploring the people, places & culture of greater LA
This weekend, Red Bull will transform the streets of downtown LA into a drag strip for the Red Bull Soapbox Race. Approximately 40 teams of experienced racers and amateurs will compete in this non-motorized racing event, featuring outrageously designed, human-powered vehicles trying to beat the clock in a downhill competition.
On May 25, 1986, approximately 6.5 million people held hands for 15 minutes and formed a human chain that stretched across the continental United States. This benefit event and publicity campaign raised millions of dollars that were donated to local charities fighting poverty, hunger and homelessness.
With its many museums and art galleries, the Miracle Mile and surrounding mid-Wilshire neighborhood is one of several important centers of LA’s vibrant art scene. Home to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Architecture+Design Museum, and the Craft and Folk Art Museum, as well as numerous galleries, visitors to this part of the city can easily spend several days exploring the area’s wealth of art venues.
In early January I took a tour of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and wrote about my experience. At the end of that post, I encouraged others to visit the Lab because the tour provides an excellent overview of a fascinating facility that plays a central role in our space program as the leading US center for the robotic exploration of our solar system. Now you have a great opportunity to delve even deeper into the Lab’s work by attending its annual Open House, which takes place in just a few days.
This weekend, The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) and the U.S. Postal Service are co-sponsoring a party to celebrate the release of the newest USPS first-class “forever” stamp, which is a tribute to neon. Designed by LA-based neon artist Michael Flechtner and USPS art director Phil Jordan, the stamp depicts the word “Celebrate” surrounded by brilliantly colored swirls, circles and dashes in pink, blue, orange, yellow and green.
Ever since the first Harry Potter book was published, readers around the world have been captivated by the magical arts so vividly and compellingly described by JK Rowling and subsequently brought to life on the big screen. Now those of us living in the greater LA area have the opportunity to delve into magical history of a completely different kind with tomorrow’s opening of two companion exhibitions at the Skirball Cultural Center.
If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly outdoor activity that’s also an opportunity to do good in our community, I highly recommend the LA River Day of Service, organized by the City of Los Angeles and Friends of the Los Angeles River. You can volunteer to help remove trash at one of 14 sites along the 51 mile length of the river from the Valley to the Harbor.
Follow Us!