There is something about art that has felt both accessible and exclusive to me at the same time. I’ve felt that it was easy to gain access to but harder to embrace. Having lived in New York and currently California I’m constantly at the center of all things art- music, painting, sculpture, poetry, writing. For every creative outlet there is an art form to support it. But for me the art world was always an “other” something to try to understand but never quite feel apart of. Sure I wanted to, I WANT to. But it feels almost like a elite society of folks who speak it, live it, breath and interpret it, in a way that I never could naturally, and if attempted, would embarrass myself . So I stay on the sidelines and I observe but I never quite let it pull me in. Until Eat, Drink, Art…
Held at Barnsdall Park in Hollywood this past weekend; Eat, Drink, Art was advertised as a “Kaleidoscope of the Senses”, where a vast array of visual and performance artists including live painters, giant puppets, nude sketch models, food truck purveyors and more would come together to raise funds benefiting The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. It was to be a night that would meld the exclusivity that is the art world with the inclusiveness found in charity and fundraising. The whole night was spent playing with art not just discussing it. I was able to get my hands dirty and create, I was able to interpret art with my guard down and fully experience art the way it should be experienced – through my own special kaleidoscopic view. Here are some photo’s from the night…
I got my Demi Moore on at the parks pottery making session where I’d intended on making a nice water jug, however the process is a lot harder than it looks so I settled for what I’ll refer to as an “artsy” shot glass.
The first piece in this set was created onsite at the event. It blows me away that artists can create so effortlessly in front of a room full of people. I can barely parallel park in front of an audience let alone create something so personal in front of one. Some of my favorite pieces of the night melded intricate sketching, and colorful backdrops with unconventional lines.
Music was blaring, people were talking and the artists were still able to create their work as if nobody was around. Watching the process was interesting,if you looked away for one minute when you looked back this world was made where at first you only saw a tiny dot.
Quite possibly the highlight of the night was the performance art. The detail in the costumes, the way nobody broke character- it was all so fascinating to watch. If I had to interpret the meaning of any of it I’d probably be way off so I didn’t attempt to it, I just allowed myself to feel the art and not think about the “meaning”. It felt vibrant, intense and exciting. I’m always impressed by the work put into a “thing” I imagine the people behind the work and what they must be thinking and feeling and challenge myself to feel as much appreciation for them sharing their gift as possible.
Another exhibit allowed us to use tape to create. As you can see I had to represent the blog 😉
As you can see, I’ve never met a photo booth I didn’t like.
Silent auctions were held to purchase the art that was showcased.
Wine and other cocktails were provided by the folks at Silverlake Wine who I am told have both a wine store and a wine bar. Can’t wait to check them out!
Part of the fun of this event was observing how other people interpreted the art and interactive galleries.
Postcards supplied the Eat portion of the night with their take on Central American soul food bowls and wraps. It was SO delish!
The night was definitely memorable, I met some great people, got to eat some great food and create and see some beautiful art. I’d like to thank Barnsdall Park and The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery for allowing me to cover the event. I urge everyone to check out the variety of artistic programs that these organizations have and to get involved with the arts in their communities. It’s been so important for me to have a creative outlet in my own life so I urge all of my readers to begin the search for their own. Until next time, remember- keep the party goin!
WWW
What a great concept – love the food and wine part – the art would have to grow on me, but I love how you went all-in with the pottery wheel – that is awesome!
The food and the wine part was what I was looking forward to the most. The art just kind of snuck up on me 🙂
What a great time and just my cup of tea…
It really was fun, and to think i was going to cancel at the last minute. So glad i didn’t!
This looks like so much fun!! I stink at art but it is always fun for me to attempt being artistic 🙂
Art is equal parts intimidating and inspiring to me. I took an art class in high school and I had other people complete my assignments for me I sucked so bad. Now looking back I realize it’s not about “good” or “ba”d it’s about making it your own.
How fun is that?! Can I come next time?
You’ve DEF got an open invitation with me 🙂
Sounds like such a great night! Jealous to the max!
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
LOL! It was a great time, I felt like one of those artsy fartsy people that I get jealous of LOL!
I love art and creating something amazing. Looks like so much fun!
It really was! Thank you for reading 🙂
This looks like such a fun time. You are so cute with your hands all dirty! haha
OMG you should have seen me afterward! The clay got in places I didn’t know it could get into! It was hilarious and worth the ruined wardrobe.
Oh my gosh that looks like so much fun!!
IT really was! It def made me want to get out of my comfort zone and try taking an art class of some sort.
So cool! Thanks for sharing! It looks like such a fun event.
Thank you for reading! It was super fun, i’m so happy I went 🙂
Looks like such a fun event! 🙂
It really was I had a ball!
I love this idea! Everything is so beautiful. Plus they had food!
That looks so fun! I am no art aficionado, but I love experiencing it!
You and me both! I can stare all day but ask me to offer some commentary and I’m kinds of “ummmmm” and “It looks real purty to me” . LOL!
Looks like such a fun event, and I love that it seems more casual than art events I’ve attended! <3
It was SO casual! That was my favorite part too. It was so casual in fact there were even nude models running around lol
This looks like a lot of fun and something I’d really enjoy going to I’m sure. I love art. Give me a bit of food and some cocktails and I’m sorted for the night!
Katie <3
It was the ultimate trifecta! You really can’t have one without the other two and all of them together is PERFECTION!
This looks like a fun event. I’ve been wanting to attempt pottery for awhile now, just to try once though, not as a hobby or anything.
I was really on the fence about trying it because I didn’t want to get all dirty, and when I saw the other people laughing and having a good time with it I had to try it. I got super messy but I’m glad i did it. I may even take a class.
OMG This is super something I would want to do! Looks like a lot of fun!!! ^_^
It was really fun! So glad I went 🙂
This looks like such a fun event!
It was! i’m so happy that i ended up going because I was really thinking about canceling at the last minute.
Wow! That looks like SO much fun! How cool that they had painters set up like that!
I was so impressed by the painters, they didn’t let anything distract them either.
That looks like so much fun!! I’ve always wanted to try pottery!
It’s so fun and messy. I’d try it again but this time with some old ratty clothes .
I want to go! This looks like it was so much fun. Pottery has been on my list to try – forever!
You have to try it. I can see how creating pottery can be really relaxing. Just make sure you’re dressed for it because it gets EVERYWHERE
How fun that you got to play on the potter’s wheel! The food looks delicious as well!
It was really fun and a great learning experience. It’s not as easy or sexy as Demi Moore made it look, when I was done I had the clay all over me!
I also have never met a photo booth I didn’t like! Looks like a really fun party!
and I know the photobooth is kind of overplayed at parties these days but it really is SO super fun!
how cool is this!! I love the pictures and have always wanted to work with clay like that!!
Thank you, I had a ball! I looked a hot mess afterward with all the clay on me and in my hair, but it was worth it.
Goodness that is so COOL looking art! Looks like an awesome event!
It amazes me how creative people can be. The art of the attendees was just as good and they were just playing around.
Super-cool-sounding event!! All of that creativity in a single space just sounds so appealing… and the opportunity to have fun with your creative side as well is great! I think that sounds like the perfect event… I would totally love to attend something like that. 😉
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
It was SO cool! It’s funny because that day I was coming up with every excuse NOT to go to the event. For some reason I was extremely tired, I had been out and about all day and I wasn’t feeling particularly social. PLUS! I didn’t have my DSLR camera on me and all I had was my point and shoot so I thought my pics would be horrible. I’m so glad I went though, it inspired me and I can’t wait for the next one. I may even sign up for a pottery class.
Oh wow. I live in a pretty cultureless city in terms of art provision (the minority of us are working on it) despite it being one of the most diverse cities in the UK. This is great inspiration!