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ART IN THE ARTHOUSE: Art for the Holidays

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With the holidays right around the corner, why not consider giving a meaningful gift of art or simply stop by to view our galleries. No tickets required. ART IN THE ARTHOUSE connects film audiences with the visual arts all year long and our artwork is for sale.  We proudly deliver a unique, alternative art-viewing experience at seven of our nine venues. You might be inspired to buy a memorable work of art for someone special.

Check out the bold, dynamic paintings and collages of Isabella Kelly-Ramirez at the Monica Film Center. Ramirez coopts images from fashion and art magazines, repurposing them to create surreal urban legends and ironic emblems of commercialism. Her show runs till early January, 2019. Or get on up to Glendale for Caley O’Dwyer’s modern mixed media works; we extended his NoHo show to our newest Laemmle theatre. O’Dwyer explores multiple selves through deft application of gouache and collage cutouts. His work is on display till February, 2019.

At Laemmle venues around town, we provide movie goers with the opportunity to bond with notable and emerging visual artists. We focus on local talent and the robust Los Angeles arts scene, applying high curatorial standards to long-lasting exhibits that allow for repeat visits and extended reflection. Contribute to the conversation and become a Laemmle patron of the arts.

Going to Encino Town Center any time soon?  Take a look at Kirk Mann’s colorful nature photographs. We recently moved his show over from the Royal. With an awe and reverence for the natural world, Mann presents a unique artistic convergence of Eastern philosophy and nature’s essence. His exhibit runs till February, 2019. Please know, we proudly donate a portion of art sales to the Laemmle Foundation which supports a variety of environmental and humanitarian non-profits doing inspired, essential work in our community.

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents: HILL & STUMP at the Royal

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ART IN THE ARTHOUSE happily welcomes back artists DAPHNE HILL and ANNA STUMP, this time to the Royal for a festival of color just in time for the holidays. Swing by our gallery for a look at their newest work. The exhibit runs through February, 2019.

About the exhibit

Successful collaboration in the world of painting is a rare phenomenon. The duo of HILL and STUMP,  known for their breathtaking floral compositions, have nourished a unique and productive partnership. In a kind of creative symbiosis, they appear to “finish each other’s sentences,” layering each piece and editing each other to create something entirely new. Stump comments, “Our process is almost egoless because we can’t, as individual artists, get attached to anything we do. Hill confirms, “We never call a piece finished unless we’re both happy with it.”

Each application of paint is separated from the next by a layer of clear resin, lending depth and brilliance to the compositions. Their work includes nods to Rococo foliage, gilt decoration, Japanese motifs, and Impressionism. Artists such as JAKUCHU, FRAGONARD and SARGENT, as well as the light and spectacle of the Southern California landscape serve as inspiration.

In this exhibit, curated for Art in the Arthouse by Tish Laemmle, the magic of the flower is utilized as a vehicle for light and form to express itself. Nothing is overlooked. Whether realized or abstracted, each individual mum, magnolia, or cactus blossom is rendered until it glows. The artists work together in their studio in San Diego and also maintain a space in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles. Hill has recently become bicoastal, returning to her childhood home of Tennessee while Stump has become involved in the blooming High Desert community. Both teach art in college and at a men’s maximum security prison.
– Tish Laemmle, curator

 

Our 11th Annual Christmas Eve FIDDLER SING-ALONG is Just Around the Corner! Get Tickets Now!

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UPDATE! We’re pleased to announce our Fiddler Hosts for 2018!  Click here for bios.
(skip to main article)

Music Hall
Michael Schlesinger – NEW! – writer, producer, and classic film expert, appearing on behalf of The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival – BUY TIX

Ahrya Fine Arts
Robbo – NEW! – singer, songwriter, and song leader, appearing on behalf of Shalom Institute, home of Camp JCA Shalom – BUY TIX

Playhouse
Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom – NEW! – appearing on behalf of the Jewish Federation of the San Gabriel and Pamona Valleys – BUY TIX

Glendale
Elissa Glickman – NEW! – community leader, appearing on behalf of Glendale Arts – BUY TIX

Royal
Aaron Wolf – NEW! – director of Restoring Tomorrow, appearing on behalf of Camp Hes Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp – BUY TIX

NoHo 7
Gustavo Bulgach – musician, bandleader of Klezmer Juice – BUY TIX

Monica Film Center
Isaac Wade – NEW! – actor, and Monica Film Center GM – BUY TIX

Claremont 5
Dr. Arthur Benjamin  – NEW! – “mathemagician” appearing on behalf of Temple Beth Israel – BUY TIX

Town Center 5
Stephen Sass (4:30pm) – of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern CA – BUY TIX
Kenny Ellis (7:30pm) – entertainer, comedian, singer of Hanukah Swings! – BUY TIX

Jump below to find out more about our hosts.

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Can you believe it’s the 11th year of our Christmas Eve FIDDLER SING-ALONG!?  Join us in coming together as a community to celebrate the song, shtick, and shenanigans of Laemmle’s legendary Christmas Eve experience.

For 2018, this ever-popular event will be occurring at eight of our neighborhood venues including our brand new theater in Glendale and the magnificent single screen, art deco AHRYA FINE ARTS in Beverly Hills (see below for full listing and ticket links).

(Jump down to watch the Sing-A-Long trailer.  For tickets, visit Laemmle.com/Fiddler).

In addition to movie and song, the evening will feature TRIVIA with PRIZES being awarded to Fiddler buffs with the quickest recall.  Dressing in COSTUME is not required, but highly encouraged! Who knows, perhaps the best costume will garner a prize?  Or perhaps this is the year you’ll be given an opportunity to do your best Tevye or Golde impression?  That will be up to the emcee.  Indeed, each location will feature its own host (to be announced).

As Greg Laemmle is fond of saying “Christmas Eve isn’t just Chinese food!”  He elaborates, “This is your once-a-year chance to be the star of the shtetl. Join with friends and neighbors and sing your heart out alongside Fiddler’s screen legends. And it’s okay if you haven’t memorized all the songs. We provide the lyrics.”

Song highlights include the iconic “TRADITION”, “IF I WERE A RICH MAN”,  “TO LIFE”, “SUNRISE SUNSET”, “DO YOU LOVE ME?” and “ANATEVKA”, among many, many more.

Don’t be late! Those who wish to attend the program are advised to purchase tickets in advance as the program has traditionally sold to capacity. We welcome all those in the community who are looking for an alternative Christmas Eve.

See you in the shtetl…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnuyNaOEBt4&feature=youtu.be

Fiddler Hosts – 2018

Michael Schlesinger at the Music Hall (Beverly Hills)
Writer, producer, and classic film expert MICHAEL SCHLESINGER will be our host at the MUSIC HALL in Beverly Hills. Known as the “the dean of classic film distributors,” Schlesinger worked for more than 25 years at MGM, Paramount and Sony, keeping hundreds of vintage movies in theatrical release. He was responsible for restoring many films, including the award-winning completion of ORSON WELLES’ 1942 documentary “It’s All True.” He has also recorded several DVD commentaries, is a “Trailers From Hell” guru and has appeared in numerous documentaries, notably the recent HBO smash “If You’re Not In The Obit, Eat Breakfast.” Behind the camera, he wrote and produced the American version of “Godzilla 2000” and co-produced such LARRY BLAMIRE comedies as “The Lost Skeleton Returns Again.” According to Schlesinger, he has “never fiddled, and avoids going up onto the roof.” His appearance at the will support our community partner, the THE LOS ANGELES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. BUY TIX

ROBBO at the Ahrya Fine Arts (Beverly Hills)
Singer, songwriter, and legendary Jewish camp songleader ROB ZELONKY, aka “ROBBO” will be our host at the AHRYA FINE ARTS venue in Beverly Hills. A three-time White House performer and Parent’s Choice Gold Award winner, Robbo has long been a staple of the national children’s music scene. His abundant material on Spotify and iTunes includes the stand-out album “A Kid’s Life” which features the vocal talents of Oscar and Emmy nominated celebrities including TERI GARR. Born into a musical family, Robbo began singing Yiddish and American folk songs around Chicago with his parents and sister as a young boy. ROBBO’s appearance at FIDDLER will support the SHALOM INSTITUTE. The institute operates CAMP JCA SHALOM in Malibu, one of the several Jewish camps that recently fell victim to the recent Woolsey Fire. Robbo served as the camp’s beloved songleader for over 20 years. BUY TIX

Cantor AVIVA ROSENBLOOM at the Playhouse 7 (Pasadena)
Creator of the Feminist Shabbat at Temple Israel of Hollywood and female cantor pioneer AVIVA ROSENBLOOM headlines proceedings at Laemmle’s Pasadena Playhouse. An anti-war activist and veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosenbloom’s life trajectory changed after a transformational trip to Israel. With the realization that Jewish music was her calling, her journey soon led her to become the first full-time woman Cantor in Los Angeles. She served as Cantor at Temple Israel of Hollywood for over 30 years from 1975 to 2008. She is also a songwriter, with several recordings of Jewish music to her credit, including the career retrospective “Viva Aviva: A Life in Song.” Rosenbloom’s appearance will support our community partner, the JEWISH FEDERATION OF THE SAN GABRIEL AND POMONA VALLEYS. BUY TIX

ELISSA GLICKMAN at the Laemmle Glendale
Community leader and CEO of Glendale Arts, ELISSA GLICKMAN will be our host at the brand new Laemmle Glendale. GLENDALE ARTS is the non-profit organization the operates the iconic ALEX THEATRE, a Glendale landmark since 1925 and situated just around the corner from Laemmle. Glickman presides over a dynamic array of film and live programming designed to benefit youth, patrons, artists, and the broader community. She brings more than twenty years of non-profit marketing and event planning experience to the table including stops at the NATIONAL ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES, AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES, and the CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES. Glickman has been awarded “Business Woman of the Year” from both the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and the CA State Assembly. Her appearance at FIDDLER will support the valuable work of Glendale Arts. BUY TIX

AARON WOLF at the Royal (West L.A.)
Award-winning actor and filmmaker AARON WOLF will be our host at the ROYAL THEATRE in West Los Angeles. A native Angeleno, Wolf’s latest film, RESTORING TOMORROW is a personal journey of rediscovery told through recounting the awe-inspiring restoration of our sacred spaces, including the synagogue of his upbringing, Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Currently, Wolf is in post-production on the thriller TAR about an ancient creature that lurks beneath the La Brea Tar Pits featuring Academy nominees Timothy Bottoms and Graham Greene. His upcoming comedy project LD UNIVERSITY, and its companion documentary “(We Are All) disAbled” tackles the important topic of learning disabilities and education. Wolf’s appearance will support the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps in Malibu – CAMP HESS KRAMER and GINDLING HILLTOP CAMP – both devastated in the Woolsey Fire. BUY TIX

gustavositting_crop_prGUSTAVO BULGACH at the NoHo 7 (N. Hollwyood)
Accomplished Klezmer musician and bandleader GUSTAVO BULGACH will be our host at the Royal in West L.A. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Bulgach was inspired at an early age by the religious and secular life of the Argentine community. Now based in L.A., Bulgach travels the globe uplifting audiences with a vibrant, soulful Klezmer he terms the “soundtrack of the Diaspora.” Bulgach has been a longtime member of the House of Blues Foundation house band backing artist such as LITTLE RICHARD, TAJ MAHAL, and THE WAILERS. His own outfit, KLEZMER JUICE, was featured in the Hollywood mega hit movie THE WEDDING CRASHERS featuring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. BUY TIX

ISAAC WADE at the Monica Film Center (Santa Monica)
Laemmle’s very own ISAAC WADE is the General Manager of our MONICA FILM CENTER location and has been working with the company for over 16 years. He is the former GM of the storied LAEMMLE SUNSET 5 in W. Hollywood as well as the company’s signature ROYAL venue in West L.A. Additionally, the talented Wade is an accomplished thespian, working overseas and with several local companies such as the L.A. THEATRE ENSEMBLE and cARTel: THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE. During his youth in Kansas, he performed the role of TEVYE in the Galena High School production of Fiddler. Laemmle audiences who love and appreciate Wade in his role as theater manager are in for a treat as he reveals yet another facet of his dynamic persona. BUY TIX

Dr. ARTHUR BENJAMIN at the Claremont 5 (Claremont)
New this year to the Claremont 5, Dr. ARTHUR BENJAMIN brings his mesmerizing math and magic combo to host and entertain our Claremont audiences in an entirely unique way! Appearing on TV and radio on shows such as The Today Show, CNN, The Colbert Report, and NPR, Dr. Benjamin demonstrates and explains his secrets for performing rapid mental calculations faster than a calculator. He has given 3 TED Talks, one of which has been viewed over five million times. Reader’s Digest calls him “America’s Best Math Whiz”. Dr. Benjamin’s appearance will support TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL in Claremont, our Fiddler partner for the past six years. BUY TIX

STEVE SASS at the Town Center 5 (Encino, 4:30pm Show)
Community leader STEPHEN SASS currently serves as President of the JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. As founding president of the BREED STREET SHUL PROJECT, he has been instrumental in the ongoing revitalization of one of L.A’s earliest synagogues built in 1915 in Boyle Heights. He co-wrote and executive-produced “Meet Me at Brooklyn & Soto” an award-winning documentary on East L.A.’s Jewish Heritage. What’s more, Sass is the chair of the L.A. COUNTY HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND RECORDS COMMISSION, appointed by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. In professional life, he is the Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs for HBO. Sass’ appearance will support our partner, Jewish Historical Society of Southern California. BUY TIX

KENNY ELLIS at theTown Center 5 (Encino, 7:30pm Show)
Known as “The Man Behind the Matzoh Ball,” cantor and comedian KENNY ELLIS will be our 7:30pm host in Encino. He appears in support of our partner, the JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. As a cantor and comedian, Ellis has entertained audiences all around the globe. Currently the cantor at Temple Beth Ami in Santa Clarita, you can also catch Ellis at the LAUGH FACTORY in Hollywood. His television credits include recent appearances on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM as well as LAW & ORDER. Ellis achieved further success with HANUKKAH SWINGS! a recording that broke new ground as the first ever big band Hanukkah album. Large YouTube audiences have enjoyed “Swingin’ Dreidel” and other tracks from the hit record. BUY TIX

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PROGRAM DETAILS

DATE: Monday, December 24th

TIME: 7:30pm

PRICING:
General – $18
Senior 62 & Over / Child 11 & Under – $15
Premiere Card General – $15
Premiere Card Senior 62 & Over / Child 11 & Under – $12

LOCATIONS:
Claremont – Get Tickets
Ahrya Fine Arts in Beverly Hills- Get Tickets
Glendale – Get Tickets
NoHo – Get Tickets
Playhouse in Pasadena – Get Tickets
Royal in West L.A. – Get Tickets
Monica Film Center in Santa Monica – Get Tickets
Town Center in Encino- Get Tickets 

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents: SCREENINGS in NoHo October 17

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Artist Reception
Laemmle NoHo 7
Wednesday, October 17,  7-9 pm

RSVP here
This is a free event

Laemmle’s Art in the Arthouse presents SCREENINGS, a new art show in Noho based on ideas of scale, reproduction, and projection. This special exhibit features a slideshow on the big screen, artist talks and the wine, cheese, and conversation Art in the Arthouse is known for. Sales benefit the Laemmle Foundation and its support of humanitarian and environmental causes in Los Angeles.

The artists are: Brody Albert, Stephen Aldahl, Theodora Allen, Allen Brewer, Andy Brown, Jason Burgess, Pablo Carrillo, Milano Chow, Michael Dopp, Andy Faulkner, Kim Garcia, Rochele Gomez, Dustin Hodges,  Daniel Ingroff, Max Karnig, Nick Lowe, Nancy Lupo, Nevine Mahmoud, Maura Murnane, Jean Nagai, Ben Wolf Noam, Nick Perr, Paul Pescador, Pam Posey, Heather Rasmussen, Cally Robertson, Georgia Sands, Asha Schechter, Katie Shapiro, Dylan Sharp, Orion Shepherd, Augustus Thompson, Tristan Unrau, Jessica Williams, Nate Wolf, and Bruce Yonemoto.

About the Exhibit
Screenings started with a very simple idea; make an artwork in the shape of a movie screen. In order to produce an exhibition to include a range of voices, moods, and tones, we engaged a group of artists from diverse practices and offered them a uniform, structured point of departure: the widescreen format. We thought it would be fantastic to see these artworks displayed on the big screen. For the duration of screenings, the artworks are projected, silently, as part of Laemmle’s pre-show trailers. This creates a two-part viewing experience; the original artwork and its scaled-up reproduction.

The prompt to “make an artwork in the shape of a movie screen” naturally inspires thoughts about the history and context of cinema. The movie screen is probably the most iconic rectangle of all time (maybe only recently surpassed by the smartphone).  It’s compelling to see how different visual artists compose in this scenic format.  Some artists in Screenings, such as Bruce Yonemoto and Paul Pescador, work with film/video as a primary medium. Others have certainly been influenced by films in their aesthetic development. Our hope is that a moviegoer who comes to a Laemmle Theatre to see a film discovers not only the artworks on display but also a meditation on composition that enhances their cinematic experience.

   – Conor Thompson, CURATOR

Artist Reception
Laemmle Noho 7
Wednesday, October 17, 7-9pm
Refreshments will be provided


 

Join Laemmle for Tour de Summer Camps on Oct. 28 and Earn Free Movies + Private Screening

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This fall Laemmle is going to camp!  No, we’re not scheduling a “campy film” retrospective for our Throwback Thursday series  (though that might be a good idea!).  We’re going to an actual camp (Camp Alonim in Simi Valley to be precise) Oct. 28 to participate in the 5th annual Tour de Summer Camps, a charity bicycle ride that generates scholarship funding for 13 L.A. area Jewish summer camps.  The idea is to provide any youngster who wants to attend summer camp the means to do so. What’s not to love about that?

Here’s the best part: you can join us! That includes our very own Greg Laemmle, his wife Tish, and Laemmle V.P. and family member Jay Reisbaum – all proud products of local Jewish camps who made sure their kids got to experience the magic of camp for themselves!  Now, they’re riding on Oct. 28th to ensure that the next generation is afforded the same opportunity, regardless of financial status.

If riding isn’t your thing but you’d like to support Team Laemmle and the kids who’ll benefit,  CLICK HERE.  Thank you!

For more active participation, Team Laemmle is now forming and we’re accepting all comers at all levels to ride with Greg & co. The hardcore among us can opt for the century or metric century, while the less ambitious can opt for 36 or 18-mile routes. Mash the pedals or head out for a Sunday cruise. Either way, you’ll find like-minded spirits coming together for a day of fun, challenge, camaraderie, and natural beauty. All in the name of a great cause.

It gets better still. When you join Team Laemmle you’ll be eligible for perks that will appeal to both your cycling and movie-loving sides. For starters, if you’re a first-time TDSC (Tour de Summer Camps) participant, we’ll cover your entire registration fee (a $45-$55 value). If you’re a returning TDSC rider, we’ll provide you with code for $10 off.  Contact Marc Horwitz for Team Laemmle sign-up instructions and promo codes.

If you’re one of the first 18 members to join us, we’ll seed your fundraising account with $100.  This will give you a jump start on the $500 suggested minimum. Then it’s up to you to hit up your network. We’ll be there throughout to support you with ideas and incentives. Plus, there’ll be free team training rides in the lead up to the event.

Now … what about those fundraising incentives?

At $180, get a pair of Laemmle movie passes and free popcorn coupon, good at any of our nine neighborhood locations. That’s right, all you need to do is raise 80 bucks (when we supply the first $100) to earn your passes!

At $300, get a second pair of movie passes.

At $500, get a third pair of passes and a custom-designed Laemmle cycling jersey (post-event).

At $700, get a Laemmle Premiere Card with $100 to spend on movies and concessions (this replaces prior movie passes earned).

At $1000, keep your Premiere Card AND book a night in The Lamb’s Den, Laemmle’s swanky West L.A. 13-seat private screening room ($300 value).

Well, what do you say – let’s hop on our bikes, earn some great free stuff, and help us look after the next generation of movie-goers.  No-brainer, right?

Questions?  Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents: The Claremont Art Show 2018 September 30

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Artist Reception
Laemmle Claremont 5
450 West 2nd Street
Sunday, September 30, 11am-1pm

RSVP here
This is a free event!

Laemmle’s Art in the Arthouse presents THE CLAREMONT ART SHOW 2018!  Please join us as we celebrate local artists in an intimate theatre setting. Produced by master impresario Lynn Chang, our special event features a slideshow on the big screen, artist talks, and refreshments. Meet the artists and stay for the bagels, pastries, coffee and conversation Art in the Arthouse is known for. Sales benefit the Laemmle Foundation and its support of humanitarian and environmental causes in Los Angeles. 

About the Exhibit
POLARITIES – Art in the Arthouse’s second annual community show in Claremont reflects polarities of artistic vision within a shared space of magnetic interaction. The artworks all create pointed juxtapositions, grounded and fantasy-based in their nature. Viewers encounter a forest opening its door and a dancer engaging his spirit. They discover a space absent of subject and a subject absent of anything under the floor of the sky. An ancient statue of a baby rhinoceros is stoically reflected in dancing lights that envision a new America. A parrot is caged while poppies roam free. Each artist within this collective unveils an unintentional interconnection with each other.

Individual works, tone, and vibration were created through a clear, positive manipulation of media. Sixteen unique and talented people have fused their personal vision, artistry, and craftsmanship to hone a professional oeuvre of artworks. The range of media includes photography, digital sculpture, painting, and mixed media, each inviting us to consider their message.

   – Joshua Elias, CURATOR

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents: The Pasadena Art Show 2018 June 13

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Laemmle’s Art in the Arthouse presents THE PASADENA ART SHOW 2018! Please join us as we celebrate our local artists in an intimate theatre setting. Our special event features a slideshow on the big screen, artist talks, and of course refreshments. Meet the artists and stay for the wine, cheese and conversation Art in the Arthouse is known for. Sales benefit the Laemmle Foundation and its support of humanitarian and environmental causes in the Los Angeles region.

About the Exhibit

We continue our tradition of showcasing dynamic, local talent in this fourth edition of our annual Pasadena group exhibit. Produced every year by master impresario Lynn Chang, the process began with an online juried selection culled from over two hundred entries.

Judging criteria included aspects such as color, tone, line, composition, as well as skillful handling and sensitivity to media and materials. The body of work engages, delights, and provokes some intriguing questions: Do artists impose their picture on the world or does the world impose itself upon the artist? How do artists bridge the space between source and creative output? One cannot create and be in doubt at the same time. Just as no two objects occupy the same space, it takes conviction and commitment for the work to find its voice.

The challenge for our artists is how to extend the visual moment through guile and
wonder. Shifting fields of nature, tonal photos, torn paper landscapes, figures gazing in the stillness of a room, and dreamy abstracts reconnect us to the present.

 – Joshua Elias, CURATOR

Artist Reception:

Laemmle Playhouse 7
Wednesday June 13, 7-9pm
Refreshments will be provided

RSVP here
This is a Free Event

 

ART IN THE ARTHOUSE presents THE STROM PROJECT: FRAGMENT in Pasadena

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ART IN THE ARTHOUSE invites you to view our newest exhibit in Pasadena from photographer, musician, and cultural anthropologist Yale Strom.  All works in THE STROM PROJECT: FRAGMENT exhibit are for sale and on display until June 14, 2018.

About the exhibit

Forty years ago, musician and cultural anthropologist YALE STROM trekked to Eastern Europe. He came across Jews living in cities, towns and tiny villages, often reminiscent of a pre-war shtetl environment. He bore witness to a dwindled Jewish population with some areas completely devoid of Jewish life. But he also found that a few larger cities were quite populous, and had actually exhibited an increase in numbers.

On his journey, Strom discovered a rich tapestry, including remnants of Hasidic and Orthodox worlds, Jews who were greatly devoted to communism, and parents who were fervently seeking better lives for their children and their children’s children.This photographic exhibition is a small window into a large field of conditions as they were, as they are, and perhaps as they will remain. Strom seeks out the moment with an artist’s hyperawareness, capturing it with an emotion and tone that is singular and authentic. The artist expresses a quality of relaxed spontaneity in his work, an organic, natural approach that never feels preset. The shots were taken with a 35mm Nikon FE camera using Kodak Tri-X 400 B&W film.

Strom’s career has been incredibly multi-disciplinary. In the klezmer world, he is celebrated as a leading scholar, ethnographer, virtuoso violinist and bandleader. Remarkably, he is a writer of 12 books, a musician/composer of 15 recordings and a documentarian of 9 films.

His newest film, American Socialist: The Life & Times of Eugene Victor Debs, starts Friday, May 4th in Pasadena and Santa Monica. The film traces the history of American populism with the man who inspired progressive ideas– from FDR’s New Deal to Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign.

 – Joshua Elias, CURATOR