“Brutalist” teapots, a talk about “greening the gas tank”, SKIN reconsidered by artists, the Museum of Neon Art reopens, a “Sleepless” night of art and music at the Music Center, and a tour of WeWork’s new space in the Fine Arts Building — that’s all this week in design events.
1) Hammer Forum: Greening the Gas Tank
Consumer Watchdog president Jamie Court, environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. and automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein discuss the political, technological, economic, and manufacturing issues involved in getting more non-polluting vehicles on the road. Ian Masters moderates.
When: Tuesday February 2, 2016, 7:30 PM. The event will also stream live online.
Where: Billy Wilder Theater at UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, LA 90024
Tickets: Tickets are required and available at the Box Office one hour before the program. General admission tickets are available one per person on a first come, first served basis following member ticketing. Early arrival is recommended.
2) 30 Brutalist Teapots
How many Brutalist teapots are enough? You’ll find thirty on display at “progressive men’s luxury retail and exhibition space” Please Do Not Enter. Parisian artist and designer Frédérick Gautier created these functional concrete teapots during a 2015 residency on a barge moored on the Seine; the works “explore the themes of necessity, utility, shape and form.” They also brew tea.
The exhibition opens with a concrete tea party offering Brutalist-brewed samples of the fall/winter collection of August Uncommon Tea.
When: Opening reception, Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 6 PM – 9 PM. Show runs through March 15
Where: Please Do Not Enter, 549 S. Olive Street, LA 90013
Tickets: Free and open to the public. Click here for more information.
3) Case Study & Site Tour: WeWork DTLA & The Fine Arts Building
The Urban Land Institute examines the adaptive reuse of L.A.’s ornate 1926 Fine Arts Building, refitted by WeWork into open plan, collaborative workspaces for new-economy businesses, startups and freelancers. A panel features WeWork representatives and revitalization consultant Hal Bastian.
When: Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: WeWork DTLA / Fine Arts Building, 811 W. 7th St, 12th Floor, LA 90017
Tickets: $45 – $100; register here.
5) Museum of Neon Art Grand (Re)Opening
The Museum of Neon Art celebrates its long-awaited relocation to Glendale with food, an open bar, and music from the Neon Hunter Collective. The museum’s impressive collection of historic signs will be lit up and on display.
When: Saturday, February 6, 7 PM – 10 PM
Where: Museum of Neon Art, 216 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91209
Tickets: $50 in advance
5) SKIN
This exhibition examines the work of “36 contemporary artists from established to emerging– who are expanding the ongoing dialogue about race and identity, while challenging the very definition of skin color.” Artists include Kara Walker, Nery Gabriel Lemus and Ken Gonzalez Day.
When: Opening Reception, Sunday, February 7, 2016, 2 PM – 5 PM. Show runs through April 17.
Where: Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG), 4800 Hollywood Blvd, LA 90027
Tickets: Free
And for night owls, here’s a free late night event:
Sleepless: The Music Center After Dark
The Music Center, in collaboration with dublab, presents this late-night event featuring DJs, music performances, video installations and sonic sculptures. Dance in the Founders Room, build a shadow-puppet cityscape, or enjoy DJ sets while lounging on pillows. Travel through the Light Lock corridor as it is transformed by a soundtrack of “furniture music.” Eat. Drink. Dance. Nap.
When: Friday, February 5, 2016, 11:30 PM – 3 AM
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave, LA 90012
Tickets: FREE. Entry before midnight requires RSVP, which are all taken — but DnA is informed your chances of getting in are good.
Note that the 101 freeway will be closed this weekend, for demolition of the 6th Street Bridge.