Red Shoe by Elizabeth Murray

The Stuart Collection took a bold move by asking New York based artist Elizabeth Murray to construct her first freestanding sculpture. Murray, who was mainly known for painting at the time, was slowing moving away from traditional painting on canvas toward something that became increasingly three dimensional. She soon jumped at the chance of constructing her first sculpture in a grove of eucalyptus trees near the theater and drama department on UCSD, campus in La Jolla.

Murray’s work is characterized by the use of everyday objects such as shoes, cups, and saucers but adding a twist to show movement. Murray would construct what would come to be known as the Red Shoe in 1996, in her New York studio. The work was to challenge the boundaries of traditional painting. Robert Storr, Dean of the Yale University School of Art, stated, "Reason presides over universities; it remains for artists to give substance to those areas of consciousness that reason has not and perhaps cannot articulate." The Red Shoe brought life to the formerly forgotten and dull corner of campus by adding a touch of color and motion. The artwork invokes a fairly-tale like narrative and brings about a childlike feeling of whimsy. The playfulness and mischief is exactly what Elizabeth Murray aimed to bring to mind.

Murray lived in New York until her untimely death in 2007. She was a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 1999, and in 2005 The Museum of Modern Art, New York, created a major exhibition of her work. The Red Shoe can still be found on the UCSD campus in La Jolla off of Torrey Pines Road.
 
After visiting the statue, drop by Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street, to see more contemporary art. The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Source: http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/artists/murray.shtml

La Jolla's Athenaeum Starts Fall with Parisian Pizzaz

Galas are considered a socialite event, filled with gowns, proper grammar, and exquisite food. La Jolla’s Athenaeum Music and Arts Library Annual Gala should be no different. The Gala is famous for its spectacular venue, theme, food, and decorations. The theme for this year’s gala is "Midnight in Paris," which should prove to be incomparable to other galas of years past.

The Gala features a gorgeous French dinner catered by the La Jolla Hyatt Regency. Following the dinner there will be live entertainment and dancing. It is customary for guests to dress the part, and the costumes should prove to be wonderful! A reconstructed Le Marche aux Puces, the famous Parisian flea market, provides an ambient area for guests to meander.

The Gala is the Athenaeum’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the gala and silent auction go to the Music and Arts Library to support their mission. The Athenaeum is Southern California’s only membership only library and is the oldest cultural institution in La Jolla. The event takes place on September 8, 2012 at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla. Tickets are $200, for general admission, or $300. Admission includes valet service, open bar, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment.

Also, while in La Jolla further enrich your cultural experience by visiting Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street, in La Jolla, only three blocks from the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, to learn more about local artists. The art gallery in La Jolla is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Source: http://www.lajollabythesea.com/arts-and-culture/arts-calendar/2012/09/08/athenaeum-annual-gala-midnight-in-paris 

Sound Designer Learns His Trade at UCSD in La Jolla

Martin Lopez is sort of like the guy from Police Academy that can reproduce any sound.  He has done it all from the roar of Godzilla, to the sound of Spider-Man’s web slinging, and everything in between. Yet nothing Lopez learned from University of California San Diego in La Jolla could have prepared him for the challenge of making sounds for some of the movies he has worked on. There was no class to teach him the sound a killer tomato might make.

While attending school in La Jolla Lopez was originally hoping to become a doctor, but 4 ½ years later he ended up graduating with a degree in Communications/Visual Arts and the intention of being a cinematographer. His first credited work was as sound designer for the sequel to the cult hit, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. He tried his hand at writing soon after but abandoned that to focus mainly on sound work.

         

Lopez was hired on as a sound director from the 1998 remake of Japanese monster flick Godzilla. This new Godzilla was to be a completely new monster but was to still pay homage to the original. Lopez built a 6-foot artificial lung to create the sounds of the monster’s breathing. This was said to be the most realistic way to produce the breathing of a creature the size of a building. Sounds had to be made for when the monster jumped, ran, climbed and everything else a prehistoric beast might do. Maybe the time studying to be a doctor at UCSD helped a little bit in this case.

In just over two decades Lopez has managed to work on over four-dozen diverse movies ranging from action films like Karate Kid to documentaries like Michael Jackson’s This Is It. As a sound designer and sound effects editor, he is responsible for creating all of the non-dialogue and non-music sound elements for use in a film to enrich or enhance the film. Lopez is scheduled to start on a thriller called Broken City, starring Russell Crowe, and he is looking forward to the challenge of a new genre.  He still credits finding his voice from his time at UCSD in La Jolla.

Music, arts, and theater are a fundamental part of UCSD’s educational focus. The support of UCSD and the surrounding La Jolla community allows for students like Lopez to explore their self-expression and turn their art into a career. To learn more about contemporary art in La Jolla, visit Thumbprint Gallery on Kline St., open 12-4pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Zoot Suits Return to La Jolla

When most people think of the 1940’s they envision a scene from Casablanca: with fedoras, trench coats, and perfect makeup. However, Kristin Brandt now sees Zoot Suits. A graduate of UCSD theater program in La Jolla, Brandt returns to direct the retelling of the infamous 1943 “Zoot Suit Riots.” The San Diego Reparatory Theatre play will be taking place at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza until August 12, 2012.

The tale is based on the Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial in Los Angeles. The play reenacts the scapegoat-ing of Latin youth who dressed in the so-called “Zoot Suits.” The 175 Pachuco were held in custody for various crimes, and the murder was never solved. Rioting ensued across the city, as the Latin people were enraged at the injustice against their youth. Luis Valdez was the first the write the script for this play, which became the first Chicano play on Broadway, in 1979.

The actors of “Zoot Suit Riots” portray the racial tension. The dancing and music are both relevant to the progression of the story and the historical aspects of the time. Music is played by a live band, mixing Latin Jazz and 1940s big band into an upbeat accompaniment for the equally vivacious choreography. Javier Valesco, who has produced dances for the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old globe, and the San Diego Reparatory Theatre, writes both the music and the choreography for “Zoot Suit Riots.”

After seeing the contemporary re-telling of the “Zoot Suit Riots” dive deeper into contemporary artistic expression by visiting Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street, in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery exhibits urban and lowbrow art by local artists and is open 12-4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Source: http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/07/17/ucsd-alumni-tackle-gritty-swinging-tale-of-zoot-suit-riots/

La Jolla Gets a 'Bite' of The East Coast

Boston: the word itself brings to mind a myriad of images and sensations. The Boston Tea Party, Colonial America, a major financial center, fine art, and amazing food are some of things people associate with the city of Boston. A little bit of it, the food to be exact, has found it’s way to the west coast, and imbedded itself in San Diego. Bite of Boston, is a family owned submarine shop serving traditional New England fare. They first opened shop in Rancho Bernardo, and have more recently opened a branch in La Jolla, University City, a few months ago.

Bite of Boston serves all of their sandwiches on New England breads and rolls. They’re made in Massachusetts and shipped to San Diego specifically for Robert Major, the owner of Bite of Boston. Along with all natural, Philadelphia cold cuts and meats, the shop also offers mouthwatering chowders and soups. A specialty of the shop is the Lobster Roll. Twice a week, 200 pounds of fresh lobster is flown in from Maine for these signature sandwiches. Giant lumps of lobster meat are mixes with spices, celery, and mayonnaise and served on a buttered and grilled roll. They are to die for. Pair that with a cup of steaming New England style clam chowder and you would think you had magically been sent to the East Coast for lunch.

Before heading to University City for a delicious Bite of Boston meal, work up your appetite by visiting Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street, which is also in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery showcases local contemporary urban and lowbrow artists and is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Sources:

http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/14706764/article-New-digs--Lobster-rolls?instance=dining
http://www.biteofboston.net/Home_Page.html

Theatricality On Display at the La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse is a quirky, eclectic, and inspiring harbor for contemporary theater. Founded in 1947 by Gregory peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, this not-for-profit theater encourages the progression of theater as an art form.  The Playhouse strives for diversity and audacity at all costs. Its location on the campus of UCSD is an ideal environment for such “progressive” theatrical endeavors.

The Playhouse has garnered more than three hundred honors, including a 1993 Tony Award. It has also been the venue of forty-four world premiers and seven American premiers. Many plays were born at the La Jolla Playhouse, before finding fame on Broadway, including "Jane Eyre," "Dracula, the Musical," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Memphis," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Jersey Boys," and Matthew Broderick’s revival of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" just to name a few.

Education is another important aspect of the Playhouse. Outreach programs including Young Performers’ Workshop, Summer Conservatory, and internships the Playhouse both teaches, supports, and nurtures the theatrical arts.  They also provide school programs year round teaching children about classic plays like Shakespeare, incorporating theater into existing curriculums, and Guest Artist Workshops. 

Musicals and plays are always under development at the Playhouse. "Hands On a Hardbody," created at the La Jolla Playhouse, is currently headed to Broadway. The most recent play, "Blood and Gifts," has received tremendous reviews from local press. As you book your tickets for the next big thing in theater come and visit the next big thing in lowbrow art and urban art at Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street! 

Source: http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/

SummerFest Returns to La Jolla for the 26th Year

There is something magical about the combination of warm summer nights and beautiful music. The La Jolla Music Society has been bringing these two wonderful elements together since 1986, with the SummerFest. This festival features chamber music from over 70 artists and ensembles from around the world. SummerFest begins on July 31, and runs through August 24th.

Besides bringing spectacular musicians and composers to La Jolla for locals to enjoy, the SummerFest also offers what the Music Society calls “encounters.” Every Thursday during SummerFest, members of the roster will gather for intimate discussions on the process of music composition, the competitive nature of chamber music, and a lecture by leading Schubert scholar, Susan Youens. SummerFest is also a residency for conservatory students. Master classes are held and conducted during the festival by senior artists from SummerFest, culminating in a performance by the students after three weeks.

The La Jolla Music Society also offers open rehearsals. These rare opportunities allow for limited amounts of people to experience a working rehearsal with a behind-the-scenes taste of what happens before the stage lights are turned on.

Before you head to Ellen Browning Scripps Park or the La Jolla Playhouse, warm up your cultural right brain by visiting Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street in La Jolla. The gallery features contemporary, lowbrow, and urban art by local artist. Thumbprint is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm (so you won’t miss your 7:30pm concert!).

Sources:
http://www.ljms.org/About-Us/HISTORY/
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/Open-Rehearsals.html
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/Coaching-Workshops.html
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Performances/

Dinosoul Comes to Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla

Many artists explore the concepts of truth, identity, and spirituality through studying the past. Finding inspiration in history can lead to vast leaps in personal development. One artist, Enosh, takes his own creatures on a journey through prehistoric history to find new characteristics and spirituality. The “Crevice Creeps” are re-imagined into dinosaur cross breeds in search of their identity. Enosh will exhibit this solo show entitled “Dinosoul” at Thumbprint Gallery on July 14th.

Enosh graduated from the Art Institute of California, San Diego, in 2003. He has become an important member of local artists community. Enosh utilizes a variety of mixed media; using different kinds of paint and grounds and surfaces. From mixed paint, spray paint, ink, canvas, stickers, and neighborhood walls, Enosh plays with these combinations to create the effects he desires. Enosh’s work can be seen in many places due to his collaborations with local musicians, event promoters, and freelance work. The Crevice Creeps, the characters Enosh created to engage his viewers, personify the human elements of all humans. With these characters, Enosh endeavors to encourage soulfulness and positivity within people of all ages.

The opening reception for “Dinosoul” will take place on July 14th, 2012 at Thumbprint Gallery, at 920 Kline Street #104 in La Jolla. The event will begin at 5pm and run until 10pm. Complimentary beverages will be available. The reception is open to the public and to all ages. The show will be on exhibit until August 5th.