It’s rare that the DiversionsLA tag line of “art, food, fun…” etc. gets used in one story, but that would be the case here, at a vibrant dinner hosted by Dulce Stein, curated at The Gallery Presents in Hawthorne. The Gallery Presents will be a memory by the end of this month, urban renewal taking its toll for now on the South Bay art scene.
However, Stein, above second from the left, and flanked by chef Leo Munoz on her left, with the lovely kitchen helper and server (as well as artist and musician) Elisa Garcia on the far right, will keep on bringing art, cultural experiences, and plenty of fun to artists and art lovers throughout the Southland at other venues from Silver Lake to Manhattan Beach.
DiversionsLA was included in a beautiful dinner of traditional Mexican cuisine as part of the closing for Stein’s The Frida Show.
Above, Stein with Munoz, who created Sabor Mexicano soul-full food that included a rich Sopa Tarasca, a fragrant bean-based soup from Mexico’s Michoacan; Mole de ciruela con Guajolote y arroz al cilantro – or turkey in plum mole, which for vegetarians was replaced with a delightful zucchini-based stew, Calabacitas Poblanas. Main dishes were followed by bread pudding with fruit, known as Capirotada. Served alongside were homemade horchata, Agua de Jamaica aka hibiscus tea, and sangria.
Below, a tribute to the artists who contributed to both The Frida Show and The Boobs Exhibit, both hung at the gallery and providing a terrific backdrop to a dinner fit for a Frida.
Above, artist Vicki Barkley.
An installation piece recreating Frida’s bedroom, above, created by Janet Gonzalez.
Above, photographer Fred Prinz gets the front-of-the-camera treatment.
DiversionsLA author with artist Charisse Abellana-Williams
Above, artist Gabriela Malinalxochitl Zapata.
Below, music by The Furious Seasons, whose dynamic playing set the mood for a lively evening. 
So here is a toast to Stein and her creative team – a delightful evening of art, music, and food – and most of all to a spirit that keeps on keepin’ on. You’ve seen the word that best describes this prolific curator in its most proper context: indefatigable.
- Genie Davis; Photos: Jack Burke