MAS Attack – A Mutual Appreciation Society Art Pop Up for Our Times

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Community. Caring. Loads of love and sharp, social commentary art.  Conceived and curated by Torrance Art Museum director Max Presneill, this was one special evening at TAM, radiating with a sense of support and jubilant joy even in the face of uncertain (at best) times. LaLena Lewark-Presneill DJ’d; Jorin Bossen and Mark Fisher assisted; docent Katherine Orlin manned the desk.

While art on the wall might suggest “the end” times “…and scene,” this was the start of a really big scene of terrific art – over 300 artworks in all, from sculptures to paintings, photography, mixed media, and everything in between – and phenomenal art loving support with between 700 and 800 attendees. In three short, super fun hours on a very lucky Friday the 13th for all who came, a feast of art and happiness was on the table.

I didn’t get to say hi to all of you – and I missed some works – but here is somewhat of a compilation of terrific art.

If you were there, relive the glorious experience; if you were not, now you can pretend you were.

And share this story! We have no pay wall – so spread the love on and around.

  • Genie Davis; photos, Genie Davis

Odie Leigh Rocks Out at Echoplex

Posted on by Diversions LA

At a powerhouse concert at the Echoplex in Echo Park a week ago, indie folk artist Odie Leigh edged her way into rockin’  pop with a touch of slightly gritty punky edge.

Through her tight, 15 song playlist, Leigh’s voice was impeccable, her lyrics often darkly romantic and powerfully intense – and even occasionally lighthearted and whimsical, as was the case with “All Star Breakfast,” a gentle Americana love song duet performed with her friend Field Medic.

Playing a mix of songs from her Carrier Pigeon albumn, and older tunes such as her poignant “Crop Circles,” a viral hit on TIkTok,  Leigh might remind the audience of a young Lucinda Williams or Fiona Apple – the former, perhaps at least a bit, because of their shared Louisiana roots – but she is uniquely her own.

Melodic yet powerful, commanding on stage yet comfortably interactive with the audience, Leigh’s songs vibrated with a heady mix of sorrow and fun, determination and wonder.

Highlights of the strong set at Echoplex included heartfelt lyrics, a lively band to support her sounds, and a general upbeat vibe even when musing about loss and vulnerability. While the band supported her on most cuts, she did perform some songs solo, including the delicately wistful “Crop Circles.”

From the contagiously singable chorus in her “Chutes and Ladders”  – “I’ll prеtend love’s Chutes and Ladders/’Til the game stops playing me” to the edgy rocker “My Name on A T-Shirt,” in which she sings “I wanna know how this one еnds…”
Well in Leigh’s case, listeners won’t want this to end at all.

Vibrant, soulful even, and still retaining some of that Americana lyricism, long may Leigh rock – and roll out whatever musical alchemy may come next.

Opening act Clover County was no slouch either, offering rich vocals and sweetly melodic sounds with a strong mix of indie folk and country sounds with themes of heartbreak and modern love.

The Georgia native has a smooth yet intimate style that warmed the audience in the best way – winning those unfamiliar with her hopeful melodies and raw breakup stories to ask for one more song before she left the stage.

  • Genie Davis; photos: Jack Burke, Genie Davis

 

Descanso Gardens Blossoms with Holiday Light

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Now through January 5th, catch a glimpse of the illuminated trees, gorgeous stained glass houses, and waves of color shifting tulips that make up Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens in Pasadena.

This fairytale of a holiday light show uses elements of the gardens as part of its tableau. The singing tulip fields are first on view, charming as music shifts and colors change in waves; they are a returning favorite.

We pass through a tunnel of stars followed by a series of beautifully patterned lanterns colored in fushias and gold. Created by HYBYCOZO, these are delicate and astonishing, seemingly as ephemeral as the delicate woven shadows they cast.

Visitors move into a section of tall, coast live oak trees with musical steps around them – tap your feet to summon a bell-like sound.

Afterwards, illuminated “park benches” provide a rest and the chance to take in an entire field of stained glass houses created by artist Tom Fruin. Some are large enough to enter; some are themed with illuminated playing card patterns, four leaf clovers and the like, while others present orderly geometric patterns, or collage like colors. One floats like a lilypad of light on a small lake.

A field of golden light filaments wavers near by; wire fencing holding swirly abstract flourescent tubing rise adjacent to real, headily scented roses. Fountains glow; a large full faux moon rises above and reflects in a royal blue-lit pond and waterfall. In the Japanese garden, red lanterns cast a seductive glow.

Finally, there’s a wonderful and hushed magical forest, with soft sound effects played live and echoing through speakers in the woods. Here, fairy-like sparks flick between the higher branches, a chandelier is suspended from a towering limb; and in the “sacred sanctuary,” the final stop on the walk, the scents of fecund forest and recent rain petrichor add to the magic.

Carolers, classical quartets, and solo cello players appear at intervals create additonal aural pleasures. Guests can purchase hot chocolate, coffee, or tea or headier adult fare along with sweet treats and snacks in several different food areas.

Advance ticket purchase is required.  Discounted admission of $10–$22 tickets on Dec. 2–3 and Dec. 9–10;  other dates, adult ticket prices range from $15–38 (members) to $22–45 (non-members) with children’s tickets (2-12) priced at $10–23 (members)
$17–30 (non-members); prices vary by date. The exhibition is held from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly,  closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 24–25.

  • Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis

 

Carved Slices Up Artistic Halloween Fun at Descanso Gardens

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Carved at Descanso Gardens has created a gently haunted, transcendent Halloween-time experience this year, with a fresh route, hand-carved wooden spirit creatures created by Chainsaw Jenna, and more of the large, crazy-cool pumpkins visitors have come to know and love.

The garden setting is lovely and the lighting sets the mood for glowing, spooky fun.

The charming new Descanso Railroad is playfully aglow; Rhizome, an installation from Tom and Lien Dekyvere offers mesmerizing, futuristic beams of light.

And of course there are the ever changing – because they only last three days – carved pumpkins to delight young and old. The artists creating them are ready to chat about their unique designs from Beetlejuice to Pikachu.

Then there’s the delightfully haunting pumkin trail, where pumpkin sculptures offer a mix of toothy grins,  and fierce gazes.  There are pumpkin-headed scarecrows, and pumpkin families as well as a purple-lit, water based installation that depicts a storm tossed and tattered ghostly pirate ship, rainstorm periodically descending over it.

A pumpkin–filled mesh dragon shifts colors with cast light in another water spot; glowing red lanterns illuminate a tunnel in the Japanese Garden.

The garden’s tree forest features illuminated bases with touch pads that emanate spooky sounds when trod upon.

 

Wire figures of ghostly boys and girls are positioned eerily in the rose garden.

Even the parking lot attendant’s booth gets into the spirit of the event, with a jaunty skeleton ticket taker pointing the way to the entrance.

The whole event is original and delightful, and has grown exponentially in both size and charm since its first years. This is a don’t- miss for families and those who like their Halloween thrills compelling but not filled with jump-scares;  haunting in a mist-shrouded, purple-lit, leave-it-to-your imagination way.

There’s also a pumpkin house photos stop, a beer garden, snacks, coffee – and hot chocolate, and delicious cupcakes, cookies and pastries alluringly near the pumpkin carvers.

The event is open from now until October 30th. Ticket discounts for members. Non-members will pay a well-worth-it $35-45 for adults and $25-30 for kids.

Hours are 6-10 pm, with timed admissions at 6, 6:30 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, and 9 p.m.

  • Genie Davis; photos: Genie Davis and Jack Burke