Dca Cultural Center Event

The Watts Towers Tour Guide Program offers visitors a unique and in-depth look at one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. Participants will be guided by knowledgeable tour guides through the towers, learning about the history, cultural significance, and artistic processes involved in their creation. The tour, which is the only way to gain access to the towers, will last approximately 30 minutes and highlight the life of Simon Rodia, the Italian immigrant who built the towers over a

33-year period, and the cultural and social context of the Watts neighborhood in which they stand. The tour also includes a visit to the Watts Towers Arts Center, where visitors can see rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and learn about the ongoing preservation efforts for the Towers. With this program, visitors will gain a greater appreciation for the Watts Towers as a masterpiece of folk art and a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

In 1943 Duke Ellington performed for the first time the symphony Black, Brown and Beige at Carnage Hall. Ellington described it as, “a parallel to the history of the American Negro”. The title of the symphony referred to the mistaken assertion that African-Americans can be categorized by a single color. In his tittle, Ellington was highlighting an experience that was broad in spectrum and experience. Conversely, Latinos also share the same generalizations as African- Americans as evidenced by the various accounts of racial profiling by police officers and the media. Unfortunately, the vast diversity in appearance within Latinos and African-Americans, as a result of various diasporas, falls behind the blanket of prejudice. As Ellington pointed out, our variety in appearance perhaps will lead us to distinct experiences, but that does not negate that we still fall under the same umbrella. In light of these shared experiences between both cultures and in an effort to share the various colorful stories that lie behind a label, we have organized the exhibition Black, Brown and Beige. The artists in the exhibition follow the trajectory that Ellington’s symphony set out to cover; historical, transitional and contemporary narratives. Our hope is to present an exhibition that points to an interconnectivity between both cultures and ultimately points to the fact that both cultures are indeed Black, Brown and Beige.

Original Curators: Nery Gabriel Lemus & Jimmy O’Balles

Current Curators: Jimmy O’Balles & Josiah O’Balles

Experience the interior of Hollyhock House at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Docents are on hand to provide information and answer questions. Guidebooks are also available for visitors to use in the house.

Tickets on sale now through January. Tickets for February will be released in December. If it says NO EVENTS on the purchasing calendar that indicates tours are sold out for that date or Hollyhock House is closed. Questions? Email hollyhockhouse@lacity.org.

The Watts Towers Tour Guide Program offers visitors a unique and in-depth look at one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks. Participants will be guided by knowledgeable tour guides through the towers, learning about the history, cultural significance, and artistic processes involved in their creation. The tour, which is the only way to gain access to the towers, will last approximately 30 minutes and highlight the life of Simon Rodia, the Italian immigrant who built the towers over a

33-year period, and the cultural and social context of the Watts neighborhood in which they stand. The tour also includes a visit to the Watts Towers Arts Center, where visitors can see rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and learn about the ongoing preservation efforts for the Towers. With this program, visitors will gain a greater appreciation for the Watts Towers as a masterpiece of folk art and a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

In 1943 Duke Ellington performed for the first time the symphony Black, Brown and Beige at Carnage Hall. Ellington described it as, “a parallel to the history of the American Negro”. The title of the symphony referred to the mistaken assertion that African-Americans can be categorized by a single color. In his tittle, Ellington was highlighting an experience that was broad in spectrum and experience. Conversely, Latinos also share the same generalizations as African- Americans as evidenced by the various accounts of racial profiling by police officers and the media. Unfortunately, the vast diversity in appearance within Latinos and African-Americans, as a result of various diasporas, falls behind the blanket of prejudice. As Ellington pointed out, our variety in appearance perhaps will lead us to distinct experiences, but that does not negate that we still fall under the same umbrella. In light of these shared experiences between both cultures and in an effort to share the various colorful stories that lie behind a label, we have organized the exhibition Black, Brown and Beige. The artists in the exhibition follow the trajectory that Ellington’s symphony set out to cover; historical, transitional and contemporary narratives. Our hope is to present an exhibition that points to an interconnectivity between both cultures and ultimately points to the fact that both cultures are indeed Black, Brown and Beige.

Original Curators: Nery Gabriel Lemus & Jimmy O’Balles

Current Curators: Jimmy O’Balles & Josiah O’Balles

In 1943 Duke Ellington performed for the first time the symphony Black, Brown and Beige at Carnage Hall. Ellington described it as, “a parallel to the history of the American Negro”. The title of the symphony referred to the mistaken assertion that African-Americans can be categorized by a single color. In his tittle, Ellington was highlighting an experience that was broad in spectrum and experience. Conversely, Latinos also share the same generalizations as African- Americans as evidenced by the various accounts of racial profiling by police officers and the media. Unfortunately, the vast diversity in appearance within Latinos and African-Americans, as a result of various diasporas, falls behind the blanket of prejudice. As Ellington pointed out, our variety in appearance perhaps will lead us to distinct experiences, but that does not negate that we still fall under the same umbrella. In light of these shared experiences between both cultures and in an effort to share the various colorful stories that lie behind a label, we have organized the exhibition Black, Brown and Beige. The artists in the exhibition follow the trajectory that Ellington’s symphony set out to cover; historical, transitional and contemporary narratives. Our hope is to present an exhibition that points to an interconnectivity between both cultures and ultimately points to the fact that both cultures are indeed Black, Brown and Beige.

Original Curators: Nery Gabriel Lemus & Jimmy O’Balles

Current Curators: Jimmy O’Balles & Josiah O’Balles

Experience the interior of Hollyhock House at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Docents are on hand to provide information and answer questions. Guidebooks are also available for visitors to use in the house.

Tickets on sale now through January. Tickets for February will be released in December. If it says NO EVENTS on the purchasing calendar that indicates tours are sold out for that date or Hollyhock House is closed. Questions? Email hollyhockhouse@lacity.org.

Community Arts is held outside in Hermon Park most Saturdays. Join us in exploring the arts, from puppets to painting.

Let’s keep each other healthy, please stay home if you feel unwell or have any potential Covid symptoms. If the weather is extreme due to high heat or rain, Community Arts will be canceled.

Community Band with Logan Hone is held outside in Hermon Park most Saturday, as a series of creative musical sessions and concerts. Musicians of all skill levels, ages, & backgrounds are invited to join the band in learning an eclectic mix of music, including jazz, Latin, folk, & original material. Participation is free. Bring your instrument, water, and snacks. Percussion instruments are provided.

Experience the interior of Hollyhock House at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Docents are on hand to provide information and answer questions. Guidebooks are also available for visitors to use in the house.

Tickets on sale now through January. Tickets for February will be released in December. If it says NO EVENTS on the purchasing calendar that indicates tours are sold out for that date or Hollyhock House is closed. Questions? Email hollyhockhouse@lacity.org.