Shana Nys Dambrot
It’s a time when we all at least for a moment believe in bewitchment, when dimensions slip their boundaries, life and death aren’t so far apart, and fabulous costumes rule the days and nights. It’s also the last blush of summer, and all manner of visual and performing artists celebrate with arts in the park, along the river, and up and down the Avenue. Plus adventures with big cats, queer history, awkward sex, and pioneering poets. And for more specifically trick or treat type situations, check our big Ghoul Guide to this year’s Halloweeniest.
Afsoon: The Forest of Bewitchment, 2023. Acrylic on printed canvas, 90 x 170 cm (Courtesy of Advocartsy)
Thursday, October 19
Afsoon: Searching For Myself In The Forest of Bewitchment at Advocartsy. Afsoon has always been fascinated by the idea of talismans and amulets and collects examples from around the world, but the majority of her collection is from Iran. In this body of work, the intricate pieces tell stories full of hope, wishes, fear and anticipation, honoring the heroism of women throughout history and folklore. The universality of Afsoon’s artistic storytelling brings her oeuvre of original works together as one breathing entity, a theatrical collection of allegories that speak to each other as much as they do their audience. 434 N. La Cienega; West Hollywood; Opening reception: Thursday, October 19, 6-9pm; On view through November 18; free; advocartsy.com.
Jen Stark, 4 x 4 x 4, 2021. Powder coated aluminum, chrome plated aluminum spacers, aluminum threaded rods, stainless steel, magnets, 48 x 48 x 48 inches (Courtesy of the artist)
Shaping Gravity: Abstract Art Beyond the Picture Plane at Forest Lawn Museum. Seven contemporary artists bring abstract art into new dimensions for a mesmerizing and interactive exhibition that challenges notions of what abstraction can be. Jen Stark, Molly Larkey, Shane Guffogg, Michelle Jane Lee, Christine Nguyen, Rema Ghuloum, and Sara Ippolito are all connected by their ties to Southern California and bring unique aesthetic and philosophical approaches to abstraction. Shaping Gravity includes sculpture, painting, augmented reality, and interactive video projection with artworks ranging from vibrant and kaleidoscopic to serene and meditative. 1712 S. Glendale Ave, Glendale; Opening reception: Thursday, October 19, 5-7pm; On view through March 10; free; forestlawn.com.
Nat Geo Live
Nat Geo Live: Wild Cats Revealed at the Broad Stage. With landscapes spanning the towering Himalaya, arid plains, and dense jungles, India is home to an unmatched diversity of wild cats. While many of the big cats are well known and thoroughly documented, photographer and filmmaker Sandesh Kadur is on a mission to highlight the country’s lesser known felines in order to protect their future. Discover the tiny, grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat, the fishing cat that jumps into water to catch its prey, and the ancient, elusive clouded leopard. Here, kitty kitty. Nice kitty. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Thursday, October 19, 7:30pm; $55; broadstage.org.
LACE: Installation view of The Archival Impulse: 40 Years at LACE (2018-20). (Photo by Chris Wormald)
The Living Queer Archive at LACE. An incubator for artistic experimentation in L.A. since its founding in 1978, within the organization’s history is a living archive, curated by artist, writer, and scholar Matias Viegener, which highlights moments of queer cultural production within its exhibition and programming. Gathering artists, curators, and creatives who have contributed to this archive, panelists will share their connections to LACE and converse about the present and future of queer art in Los Angeles. This program is part of the ongoing schedule of events around the ONE Archives’ CIRCA Festival. Advocate and Gochis Galleries, LA LGBT Center, 1125 N McCadden Pl., Hollywood; Thursday, October 19, 7-9pm; free; welcometolace.org.
Awkward Sex & The City
Friday, October 20
Awkward Sex & The City at The Yard Theater. Awkward Sex is exactly what it sounds like: comedians reliving intimate tales about their sex lives and breaking barriers about sex and dating. The show pairs sexual inclusion with humor and sheds light on the awkward universal experience we all know and love. Awkward Sex is about taking taboo subjects and creating a safe space for people to feel seen and heard. From cocaine infused one night stands to IBS flare ups during cunnilingus, you and your friends will be hanging on the performers’ every word and excited to go out and have a sexual misadventure of your own. 4319 Melrose Ave., E. Hollywood; Friday-Saturday, October 20-21; $15-$20; awkwardsexandthecity.com.
Roxane Gay
Vroman’s presents Roxane Gay. Roxane Gay continues to tackle big issues embroiling society—from state-sponsored violence and mass shootings, to women’s rights post-Dobbs, online disinformation, and the limits of empathy—alongside more intimate matters in her role as the New York Times “Work Friend” columnist. Opinions is a collection of Gay’s spiciest and most prescient nonfiction pieces from the past ten years, covering a wide range of topics—politics, feminism, the culture wars, civil rights—with a new introduction in which she reflects on the past decade in America. This sharp, thought-provoking anthology forms the basis of tonight’s discussion. Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 7pm; $10 / $36 includes the book; vromansbookstore.com.
Fin: Thunderstorm Blessings (Gabba Gallery)
Saturday, October 21
Wishlist 11 at Gabba Gallery. Featuring over 75 artists from around the world, this highly anticipated annual group exhibition showcases affordable art in a variety of mediums and styles—and changes throughout the evening as purchases are taken off the wall to be brought home right away and something new is hung in its place. Wishlist has always aimed to make original art accessible to a wider audience—the same mission the gallery has held since their establishment in 2012. And as this edition of Wishlist marks the venue’s final event in their iconic painted up location, it will also be more of a party than ever. 3125 Beverly Blvd., E. Hollywood; Opening night: Saturday, October 21, 6-10pm; On view through November 11; free; gabbagallery.com.
The Barber of Seville (Photo by Todd Rosenberg, Courtesy of Lyric Opera of Chicago)
The Barber of Seville at LA Opera. The dashing Count Almaviva is ready to sweep Rosina off her feet and make her his countess—but not if her greedy guardian Doctor Bartolo has anything to say about it. Enter Figaro: barber, valet and the man with a plan to wreak joyful havoc and let true love bloom. Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard returns to star as Rosina along with baritone Joshua Hopkins as the street-smart matchmaker Figaro. Rossini’s beloved score is conducted by Louis Lohraseb in a new-to-Los Angeles production by Tony- and Emmy-winning director and choreographer Rob Ashford. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Performances October 21 – November 12; $24-$349; laopera.org.
Grand Ave Arts: All Access
Grand Avenue Arts: All Access. Some 14 of LA’s most iconic institutions offer multiple activities, including the opportunity to conduct a chamber orchestra, or try on dance shoes at Colburn School; celebrate Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park; enjoy live recitals performed by the LA Opera at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion; take a selfie and transform it into a Warhol at The Broad; make your own violin with LA Phil; decorate sugar skulls at Central Library; tour new and classical architecture and gardens, eat at all the amazing spots along the block, and much more. It’s an open house at one of the city’s most activated arts neighborhoods—and taking the Metro is not only convenient, but thanks to its gorgeous new public art installations, an integral part of the day. Grand Ave. between 1st and 5th, downtown; Saturday, October 21, 11am-4pm; free; grandavearts.org.
Procession
Procession at the LA River. An artistic retracing of the LA River’s history through the communion and movement of people as they walk three previous courses of the river. The processions converge at the Los Angeles Historic State Park kicking off a free public festival engaging with the ground beneath our feet. Organized by artists Debra Scacco and Joel Garcia and with performances curated by Great Leap’s FandangObon, storytelling, art workshops, as well as the Defining Line AR exhibition (a collab with artist Nancy Baker Cahill), this free event centers on a day of family-friendly art workshops, performances, and opportunities to learn about critical social and environmental issues from communities who have been adversely affected by the diversion of the river and its resources. Walking performances of 300 participants will be guided by local cultural bearers. LA State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., downtown; Saturday, October 21, 11am-6pm; Walking performances meet at three locations at 9am and converge on the park for the start of the day; free; procession.la.
Lynn Letterman at Beverly Hills Art Show
Beverly Hills Art Show at Beverly Gardens Park. Four garden blocks in the center of the city will be brimming with over 230 artists from throughout California and from 12 other states, as well as Ukraine, Thailand, and England. This free show features art by artists from around the world who showcase their work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing and printmaking. All of the fine arts and crafts are original, ranging from the traditional to the very contemporary, and are represented by the artists themselves. Plus a Wine and Beer Garden with live music, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, gourmet food trucks, and community presentations. Rain or shine. 9439 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; Saturday-Sunday, October 21-22, 10am-5pm; free; beverlyhills.org.
Beyond Baroque (Photo courtesy of John Densmore)
Beyond Baroque’s Beyond Gala. Since 1968, Beyond Baroque has nurtured generations of poets, writers, and artists. Support that ongoing legacy, and honor some of the people whose talent and generosity have helped build Beyond Baroque and the wider poetry community over decades—beloved figures like poets and writers Amy Gerstler, Lynne Thompson, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, Hiram Sims, Amanda Gorman, Jim Krusoe, and artists Bob Branaman and Ed Ruscha. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, a rare-books pop-up store, and more. Playa Studios, 11260 Playa Ct., Culver City; Saturday, October 21, 5:30pm; $200; beyondbaroque.org.
Ruth Weisberg: The Blessing, 2008 (Courtesy of Jack Rutberg Fine Arts)
Sunday, October 22
Ruth Weisberg: Touchstones at Jack Rutberg Fine Arts. Weisberg’s paintings, drawings and original prints reveal her decades-long reflections on personal history and the convergence of cultural experience and art history. Memory is a dominant point of origin and departure in these paintings, drawings and original prints, as through veils of washes and tones, Weisberg brings times past into contemporary context. The exhibition includes Waterborne (1973), often cited as one of the most iconic images of the women’s movement; the major painting The Blessing which was the centerpiece of her show at the Norton Simon Museum in 2008, as well as her most recent 2023 works, inspired by the 1945 classic British film Brief Encounters. 600 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena; Opening reception: Sunday, October 22, 3-6pm; On view through January 27; free; jackrutbergfinearts.com.
Realm Company: The Phoenix (Photo by Chris Mortenson)
The Realm Company: The Phoenix at Westside Ballet Theater. The Phoenix, a family-friendly ballet, draws inspiration from big-screen fantasy, with elements of blockbusters like Harry Potter and independent cinema like Pan’s Labyrinth combining seamlessly. This melding of styles, along with breathtaking performances, has resulted in a unique spectacle. Expressed through dance and music are the themes of love, coming of age, mysticism and rebirth. In devising the ballet, Chasen Greenwood collaborated with a number of other accomplished artists, dancers, performers, and musicians. 1709 Stewart St., Santa Monica; Sundays, October 22 & 29, 6-9pm; $40-$200; therealmscompany.com.
Wheel of Existence (Courtesy Rubin Museum of Art)
Wednesday, October 25
Bardo Songs: Meditation & Illumination on the Tibetan Book of the Dead at the Fowler Museum. This special concert is a guided, meditative journey inspired by the teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The quintessential text provides insight and direct instructions on how to navigate the intermediary state between life and death. Internationally acclaimed Tibetan singer/songwriter Tenzin Choegyal will be joined by award-winning composer Simone Giuliani on piano and actor, musician, and dancer Tsering Dorjee Bawa, performing the rare Black Hat masked ritual dance. The concert is narrated by Christiana Polites, director of Tibetan Medicine & Buddhist Center Pure Land Farms, with visuals produced by media artist and director of the UCLA Art|Sci Center, Victoria Vesna. 308 Charles E. Young Dr., Westwood; Wednesday, October 25, 7-9pm; free; fowler.ucla.edu.
Matt Wedel: Potted Plant, 2017, gouache on paper 30 x 22 1 2 in. (Courtesy LA Louver)
Matt Wedel, Terry Allen, and RED at LA Louver. Pictures in the Garden is an exhibition of gouache paintings by acclaimed sculptor Matt Wedel. In this presentation two distinct bodies of work reveal formal and thematic dimensions of Wedel’s oeuvre involving time and space, metaphor and material, meaning and mythology. Iconic and beloved multiplatform artist Terry Allen revisits his landmark Juarez drawings and prints from the past and present. A group show of 15 artists culled from the gallery’s expanded roster examine the many vectors of the world’s favorite color. 45 N. Venice Blvd., Venice; Opening receptions: Wednesday, October 25, 6-8pm; On view through January 6; free; lalouver.com.
Terry Allen: Juarez, 1976, mixed media on paper, 17 x 17 in (Courtesy of LA Louver)
Dion Johnson: Red Rhythm, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 72 in, 2023 (Courtesy of LA Louver)
Hero: Return to Saturn (Gabba Gallery)
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