Big Read Program In La

In celebration of the NEA Big Read: Los Angeles, the Barnsdall Junior Arts Center will provide 4 sequential workshops exploring various mediums such as Photography, Poetry, and Collage.

Each week students (ages 12-17) will work with a different Professional Artist producing work that explores various themes from Sandra Cisnero’s The House on Mango Street. All artwork created will be assembled into a Booklet/Zine that will be distributed for the public to acquire and experience.

*Students must attend orientation and all workshops

Registration opens on Eventbrite on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 9:00 a.m., eventbrite.com/e/nea-big-read-art-workshops-4-classes-ages-12-17-tickets-1301224640929?aff=oddtdtcreator. 

Workshop Schedule:

This series will meet in Studio 1 for 4-weeks on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning April 26th and ending May 24th.

Class Dates and Times:

Saturday, April 19, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m.- Orientation

Saturday, April 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.- Photography Workshop with Star Montana

Saturday, May 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.- Poetry Workshop with Teresa Hernandez

Saturday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.- Collage Workshop with Graham Moore

Saturday, May 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.- Bookmaking Workshop with Io Olivera

For more information, contact BJAC Inquiries: DCA.Barnsdall.JAC@lacity.org

As part of the NEA Big Read: Los Angeles initiative McGroarty Arts Center invites you to celebrate The House on Mango Street  by Sandra Cisneros in this two day event through art making that explores the themes of the self-identity and sense of belonging.

Activities Include:
Saturday, March 29,

• Poetry / Creative Writing Workshop, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Participants are welcome to express their feelings about home, community, and personal identity, themes that reflect this years 2024/25 NEA Big Read: Los Angeles book selection, “The House On Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.

Sunday, March 30

• Personal Collage Art Activity, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  and again from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
  Bring photos and personal memorabilia to create a collage based on a fun guided discussion about personal identity!
• Improvisation Workshop, 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Join in or just enjoy watching and laughing along.

• Memory Mosaic Art Activity, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  and again from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Bring personal and found objects to create mosaic that celebrates your unique personality.

All materials will be provided to arts workshop participants, while supplies last.

Free RSVP available at mcgroartyartscenter.org/big-read-2025.

For more information, visit www.mcgroartyartscenter.org, or email, info@mcgroartyartscenter.org

The McGroarty home was acquired by the City of Los Angeles in 1953. The house was declared a City of Los Angeles historic-cultural monument (#63) in 1970.

John Steven McGroarty wrote several poems and plays, most notably the Mission Play, which was a three-hour pageant portraying the history of the California missions. The play ran for twenty years and was seen by over two million people. In 1933, Mr. McGroarty was appointed Poet Laureate of California, a position which he held until he died in 1944, at the age of 82.
McGroarty Arts Center’s mission is to provide access to the arts, community and history by offering affordable or free in-depth arts instruction, and a wide range of creative experiences and events, to people of all ages, for many years to come. The Center provides a historic and cultural venue for artists to present their work in all forms, while preserving the legacy of John Steven McGroarty and his truly historic home. A home that is dearly treasured by so many members of our wonderful and supportive community.

As part of the NEA Big Read: Los Angeles initiative McGroarty Arts Center invites you to celebrate The House on Mango Street  by Sandra Cisneros in this two day event through art making that explores the themes of the self-identity and sense of belonging.

Activities Include:
Saturday, March 29,

• Poetry / Creative Writing Workshop, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Participants are welcome to express their feelings about home, community, and personal identity, themes that reflect this years 2024/25 NEA Big Read: Los Angeles book selection, “The House On Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.

Sunday, March 30

• Personal Collage Art Activity, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  and again from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
  Bring photos and personal memorabilia to create a collage based on a fun guided discussion about personal identity!
• Improvisation Workshop, 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Join in or just enjoy watching and laughing along.

• Memory Mosaic Art Activity, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  and again from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Bring personal and found objects to create mosaic that celebrates your unique personality.

All materials will be provided to arts workshop participants, while supplies last.

Free RSVP available at mcgroartyartscenter.org/big-read-2025.

For more information, visit www.mcgroartyartscenter.org, or email, info@mcgroartyartscenter.org

The McGroarty home was acquired by the City of Los Angeles in 1953. The house was declared a City of Los Angeles historic-cultural monument (#63) in 1970.

John Steven McGroarty wrote several poems and plays, most notably the Mission Play, which was a three-hour pageant portraying the history of the California missions. The play ran for twenty years and was seen by over two million people. In 1933, Mr. McGroarty was appointed Poet Laureate of California, a position which he held until he died in 1944, at the age of 82.
McGroarty Arts Center’s mission is to provide access to the arts, community and history by offering affordable or free in-depth arts instruction, and a wide range of creative experiences and events, to people of all ages, for many years to come. The Center provides a historic and cultural venue for artists to present their work in all forms, while preserving the legacy of John Steven McGroarty and his truly historic home. A home that is dearly treasured by so many members of our wonderful and supportive community.

Animated shorts create by youth in the Sony Pictures Media Arts Program will be screened for the community.

The films are the result of a 30-week, tuition-free media arts program, held after-school
twice a week, is for middle school students aged 10 to 16. The following are the sites
where the program is offered:
Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center at Watts Towers Arts Center
Pacoima City Hall
William Reagh Los Angeles Photography Center
Wilmington Public Library
and one class online

This program is part of the Sony Pictures Media Arts Program, a partnership between the
CalArts Community Arts Partnership, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural
Affairs (DCA), and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Jews who fled the rise of fascism in Europe in the 1930’s flocked to California. Many became involved in the film and music industry, enriching American and world culture in the process. This program features soprano, filmmaker, and scholar Christina Linhardt and renowned pianist Brian Pezzone, who will tell the stories behind the composers and their work as well as perform them.

COLLAGE is an arts venue in San Pedro that opened in July 2021. The mission of COLLAGE is to serve both the local and broader community with programs that are adventurous yet accessible. This is done by taking an expansive view of art that can include the visual, performative, culinary, and literary world, and making culture inclusive to consider ethnicity, affinity, ability, and emerging ways people are brought together.
COLLAGE builds relationships with artistic and cultural communities and provides a space where they may come together to teach, learn, and entertain.

This program will be available both live and livestreamed. For more information, visit collageartculture.org.

Bring some ease to your mornings with the return of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings, a serene way to kick off your weekend with activities designed to deepen connections with yourself, the community, and the park. This free four-hour event offers something for everyone, from arts and culture to educational and creative programs, along with a focus on community health.

Back by popular demand, our mini-market returns, showcasing the finest offerings from local small businesses and community organizations. Indulge in unique finds while supporting your community’s entrepreneurs. And let the rhythm move you with live performances by acclaimed local artists, including the infectious beats of DJ Lance Rock and the timeless charm of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.

Bring some ease to your mornings with the return of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings, a serene way to kick off your weekend with activities designed to deepen connections with yourself, the community, and the park. This free four-hour event offers something for everyone, from arts and culture to educational and creative programs, along with a focus on community health.

Back by popular demand, our mini-market returns, showcasing the finest offerings from local small businesses and community organizations. Indulge in unique finds while supporting your community’s entrepreneurs. And let the rhythm move you with live performances by acclaimed local artists, including the infectious beats of DJ Lance Rock and the timeless charm of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.