Arts District Public Art Erica C

Outline 11/12 ( formulating final thoughts)

Art in my neighborhood 

I live on 629 Traction Ave. I would consider my neighborhood 50% Arts District and 50% Little Tokyo. That’s really interesting to me because part of the everyday architecture that I see is heavily influenced by Japanese architecture, however the other half is this industrial, gentrified, grungy architecture that reflects the early history of the Arts District. Although these spaces are so close in proximity and can sometimes cross barriers, they have completely independent histories. Little Tokyo has been home to a large Japanese community since the 1800’s. The Japanese population has faced heavy subjugation and racism and they remained strong. There is a resilience to this town. In my opinion an important artwork that reflects the hopeful and happy integration of the Japanese- American community is titled “LA Rising”. Across the street from me is Angel City Brewery. It is considered a staple 3rd space for the arts district community. In angel city brewery alone, there is enough art work to do this entire project on. Another one of the artworks we will be focusing on is a mural on the backside of Angel City titled “Legislative influence” by Shepard Fairey. In the Arts district there are also plenty of  free art installations. I had a discussion with the executive director of ArtShareLA ( a historic gallery and artist living space that still provides housing, art residencies, and work opportunities for artist in the Downtown area) 

Soho warehouse 

                                               Legislative Influence for Sale 2011 - Shepard Fairey Angel City Brewery  

Short term work is it still public art if it’s in a gallery that is free to the public?

Art installation at Art Share LA

interviewed the executive director 

Artworks surrounding the little Tokyo library & Arts District Park (near Urth Cafe) or lack there of 

Proposal more public art in third spaces appropriate for children. When you look around arts district the only thing you notice a true lack is in the creativity that is put into creating spaces for children. There are children that live in Arts district and little Tokyo but you will not see them at the parks or at the public library down our street. It’s disappointing the lack of color and art you will find.