LA WeeklyCompound in the Zaferia District of Long Beach will celebrate the holiday season with a month of enriching cultural activities and immersive experiences that include wellness, shopping, creative art and culinary moments.
An art and cultural complex that features thought-provoking contemporary art by emerging and intergenerational artists, Compound is a community-inclusive third place, where locals and guests are encouraged to explore, discover, and connect. Compound operates as a nonprofit entity with inclusive public programming including contemporary art exhibitions and immersive experiences, talks, wellness classes, workshops, community markets and youth programs.
View the current exhibition, When the Veil Thins, curated by artist Tofer Chin and Mari Orkenyi now through February 9, 2025. General admission is free and parking is available at Compound’s nearby parking structure located at 1326 Obispo Avenue. Ride-sharing is strongly encouraged.
Community Market at Compound (Courtesy of Compound)
Shop Thoughtfully
The charming retail shop is a great place to find rare and distinct artistic works from local and regional creators. Hand-crafted items and curated and themed holiday gift boxes feature a selection of uncommon finds ($65-$140) and are available now to shop. The custom-designed holiday boxes range from an artist kit including Aquarelle watercolors to a Mindfulness Gift Box with a meditation book by Biet Simkin, to a Baby Bundle Box with Clover & Birch.
Additional artisanal items include Native Sol jewelry; artist Brittany Mojo’s ceramic works that confront sculpture, craft, fine art, and design in one-of-a-kind vessels for the dining table and kitchen; skin, body and aromatherapy care including Onsen Bath Salts by Earl of East, as well as Palo Santo skin potion Monk Oil.
Literaries can shop books by artists Glenn Kaino and culinary artists such as Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, as well as reflective self-care and wellness books for kids and adults like Feeling All The Feelings by Brad Peterson or The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz Jr. Browse the curated collection of vinyl for music enthusiasts on the holiday list hand-selected by Long Beach’s own Twelves Record Shop Owner Hector Waluyo, recognized as one of the best independent record shops in the city.
Community Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 7 Join a community of artists and creators including authors, sculptors, ceramicists, designers, musicians, and culinary experts for a festive Holiday Market to shop one-of-a-kind goods and rare finds. Designed to uplift and celebrate the community ecosystem, items range from home decor and design, textiles, sculptures, jewelry, vintage decor, upcycled fashion and sustainable gifting including Native Sol, Bel Canto Books, Current Shapes, Tiny Clay Forge, Twelves, Hellbent Silversmith, Burke Mercantile, KUBO, and more. Enjoy brunch with friends at Union post- or pre-shop or a simple respite and Matcha Lavender Latte. Admission is free and made possible by the sponsorship of the Port of Long Beach.
Union Bar (Courtesy Compound)
Supper Club Dinner Series at Union on Thursday, Dec. 12
Union’s Supper Club Dinner Series honors culinary traditions, ingredients, and practices from a communal Kamayan-style feast inspired by Union Chef Eugene Santiago’s Filipino heritage to an all-mushroom fungi feast. Visit the Compound website or Tock for further information including time, reservations, and ticket pricing.
Wellness Collective Series Breathwork & Sound Bath Session | Weekly, Every Sunday
Every Sunday, Integrative Wellness Practitioner Sabrina Rollo leads a group through active meditation together with sound healing tools that ground and balance. Nourish the body, and reflect with a post-session Friends of Compound communal brunch at Union hosted by Rollo in Compound’s Sculpture Garden. There will be Southeast Asian-inspired brunch dishes created by Santiago on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29. Brunch and wellness package information, specially ticketed pricing, and reservations are available via Eventbrite.
Wellness Wednesdays on December 4, 11 and 18
Midweek Wellness Wednesday sessions centered on healing and self-care feature a rotating series of special guests and restorative experiences to quiet the mind and restore the body. Special guests include Kundalini Yoga Teacher Janeen Augenbaugh, lyricist and breathwork facilitator, Zaire Black, who integrates eastern thought practice for an Inner Wisdom and Amplified Awareness Meditation session, and a Rooted in Stillness guided meditation led by Rollo in time with the Winter Solstice. This is a ticketed event with sliding scale pricing (Sunday Sessions: $15, $25, $35 | Wellness Wednesday $15 to $45); Visit the Compound Events page for more information, scheduling and ticket information.
When The Veil Thins at Compound (Joshua White)
Art for All Workshops
Stop into Compound on the last Sunday of the month when notable and emerging artists lead hands-on and educational workshops geared for all ages including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
Tanya Bartels, Golden Garden Founder on Dec. 22
Join celebrated artist Aryana Minai, recognized for her paper-based sculptures and wallworks that reflect storied philosophies and histories of architecture, migration, and labor, who will lead a class using paper as the primary material for storytelling. Participants will be guided in stencil creation and an overview of integrating recycled materials into paper-based work for creative and imaginative creations. This is a free event, open to the public.