A Year of Art and Community in Long Beach

One of the best projects I've been involved with this past year is ArtWorksLBC, which I facilitate in partnership with Long Beach's Rose Park Neighborhood Association. We use art to connect the local community through various activities that also inform the neighborhood about critical issues and services in our very own LBC. I've met some amazing new friends, artists, and colleagues, and we've made some really great projects. Included in these images: Art in Rose Park; Clean It and Green It event; Daisy Chain Wall; Heart of Ida ornaments for seniors; Hearts Across Long Beach; On the Boulevard event.

I'm truly grateful for everyone who has come out to join the events...especially our Art in Rose Park every Thursday. You can follow what we're doing on Instagram @ArtWorksLBC

Burst of Color for Spring

I recently completed this vibrant and whimsical piece for a small office space. It is a work full of surprises and color…see if you can find the tiny ceramic cheese sandwich, deer in the woods, an angel, a monkey, Frida, a bird with a clock, and a fish. I had so much fun making this, I’m doing it again for another customer.

Working Peacefully...

I’ve just finished up a commission inspired by the Tibetan prayer flags for an exterior planter at a private residence. A lovely project. These flags are very colorful and traditionally strung along trails and peaks in the Himalayas. They are meant to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe that prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread good will and compassion into the air for all to receive.

On one side, I wanted to show where they are traditionally displayed. On the other side, I wanted to fuse some fun and good energy into the flags I created, and so designed a close up of the flags with bits of interesting repurposed ceramic and glass. Installation coming soon!

Friendship Corner Community Mural

Another great project during COVID where the community can come together while apart. In collaboration with artist Cody Lusby, I helped facilitate this mural that combines painted and mosaic flowers in a long-neglected parking lot in Long Beach. We just finished Phase Two and are looking forward to what comes next!