L.A. Agenda: Design and Arts Events in Southern California
Author:Valerie ChenWith the incessant hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Angeles, one seldom has the opportunity to pause and actually take in the grandeur of the city’s buildings, much less understand its rich history that dates back to 1781. However, the renowned Historic Downtown Walking Tour enables its participants to do both. Rain or shine, the 2-1/2 hour stroll – fused with an architecture lesson – begins at the iconic Pershing Square and spans approximately 12 blocks of other beloved landmarks. Every Saturday, meet at the park’s center by 9:45 a.m., program starts at 10 a.m. General admission: $10, Conservatory members and Children: $5. Cash or check only. Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles
Photo by Arnold Newman. Truman Capote, writer, Capote’s apartment, New York City, 1977, courtesy of Getty Images.
Experiencing bouts of nostalgia for the vacation time you underappreciated as a student? Enjoy a new type of “summer break,” cultivated and held by the San Diego Museum of Art and Helmuth Projects. Packaged in a more creative and adult format, contemporary art festival Summer Break 2013 opens on August 1. For 10 consecutive days, indulge in various curated presentations of art, workshops, lectures and much more. All programs fall under the topical umbrella of “double portraits,” a theme explored and mastered by celebrated American photographer Arnold Newman. Begins Thursday, August 1 and runs through Saturday, August 10. Festival schedule times vary. General adult admission: $12, Seniors and Military: $9, Students: $8, Youths (ages 7 – 17): $4.50, Members and Youths (ages 6 and younger): free, Family 4-Pack: $28. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego; and Helmuth Projects, 1827 5th Avenue in Bankers Hill, San Diego.
For a minimal fee, make your way through the front doors of the oldest residence built in Orange County’s Huntington Beach: the Newland House Museum. Constructed in 1898, the quaint home features a plethora of well-preserved treasures, including gorgeous vintage furniture and delicate antique dishware. The tour is an intriguing glimpse into what once was the Newland family’s day-to-day life, allowing current visitors a better perception of a historic era long gone. First and third Saturday and Sunday each month, noon – 4 p.m. General adult admission: $2, Children: $1. 19820 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach
Head toward the coast for the 42nd Annual Malibu Arts Festival on July 27 and 28. The lineup of 200 artists comprises gifted individuals hailing from within the local community and nationally-acclaimed artisans who have traveled from a distance. If the complimentary entrance and eclectic display of sculptures, photography, paintings and jewelry aren’t sufficient impetus for a visit, there will also be an early pancake breakfast at 8. a.m., followed by live music, a children’s workshop and a food truck terrace once doors open at 10 a.m. You had us at pancake breakfast. July 27 & 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is free. Malibu Civic Center, 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu.
