New Art Exhibit at Barnsdall Art Park - "Size Really Does Matter"

Barnsdall Art Park is a well known place in Los Angeles that sometimes goes unnoticed by locals and tourists alike, in favor of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, two local iconic area structures. However, Barnsdall Park is, in size, similar to New York’s Central Park, and is home to the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. 

According to the art gallery’s Facebook page , “we are actually located in East Hollywood, not Los Feliz. Los Feliz only wishes.” Either way, the art gallery, owned by the City of Los Angeles, is a free admission treasure for people who enjoy viewing art.

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery’s latest exhibition comes with a provocative title: “Size Really Does Matter.” Don’t let it fool you—it’s not about a certain male body part. Instead, Size Really Does Matter is a monumental exhibition of various large-scale artworks on view now thru January 5, 2014. For those of you who have the inclination to view contemporary, abstract art, you’ll either really like what you’ll see or else find yourself shaking your head saying, “This is art?” That’s probably part of the fun!

The gallery recently reconfigured its space, which is located on Hollywood Boulevard and within Barnsdall Park. Size Really Does Matter showcases a variety of art installations inspired by the public artwork seen around Greater Los Angeles. Take a peek at some of the art, and you may recognize odes to the Watts Towers or the mural on Olvera Street.

If you like seeing new and interesting paintings, sculptures and video installations by mostly local artists, visit the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and see for yourself that Size Really Does Matter.

October is a Great Time to Visit the Old Zoo in Griffith Park

Thousands of people visit Los Angeles’ Griffith Park to see the view from atop the mountain at the world-famous Griffith Observatory. While that’s a tourist magnet, Griffith Park also has something locals and tourists should see: The Old Zoo.

It’s not every day you get to see—and walk through—an abandoned zoo. It’s a small zoo full of empty cages and caves covered in graffiti, and many people like to bring their cameras and take pictures.

To find The Old Zoo, start off at the Carousel parking lots. Walk toward the grassy field and hills, where you’ll see a path. It’s an easy 15-minute walk up the path to the zoo.

The first things you’ll see upon entering the zoo area are large stone enclosures featured in the bear battle scenes of the movie Anchorman. Then, you can peek inside and look for a narrow, crumbling staircase behind a door. See where it leads, if you dare. Visitors have described wandering around the abandoned zoo as both cool and creepy. You can sneak through holes in fences to explore dim, dirty cages and caves.

It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes or boots to explore the ruins, rather than flip-flops. Also, don’t wear fancy clothes because there’s a chance you’ll get some dirt on whatever you’re wearing.

The Old Zoo has some picnic tables in front of the stone enclosures, and an adjacent field is home to Shakespeare in the Park, taking place at dusk during the summer months.

While the area is often visited by people, be on the lookout for snakes and/or coyotes if you visit The Old Zoo—it is, after all, surrounded by nature and wildlife.

The soft and sweet heart of Los Feliz

Did you notice the volunteers that were cleaning the Hoover Steps in June? They worked on a public garden as well.

In July, the Council Day of Service was to work on the planters in front of King Middle School. The Friends of King brought the snacks and food and EnrichLA brought tools and plants. Now, the middle-schoolers will be greeted with planters filled with beautiful flowers and greenery.

The Los Feliz Neighborhood Council (LFNC) has begun getting volunteers together once a month to make Los Feliz a better.

On the third Saturday of every month, volunteers gather at that month’s work site to improve Los Feliz. There are already cleanups scheduled for the entire year and every month will be different, so there’s no way to get bored. The next Council Service Day will August 17th.  Anyone who would like to volunteer can email communications@losfeliznc.org. Check out the website at www.losfeliznc.org.

I have to tell that this is one the reasons I love Los Feliz. The community works together to make this neighborhood better and better every day.

Photos are from the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council website. Thanks for all you do.