Leaving Tracks: August 2018

Thursday, August 30, 2018

April 2014

My jam-packed Los Angeles getaway continued with a visit to The Last Book Store. Every book under the sun is cleverly organized and displayed - definitely worth a stop, some photos and a purchase.

The Last Book Store

April 2014

My whirlwind Los Angeles visit with Becky included a visit to the Watts Towers - a monumental

architectural sculpture by Simon Rodia. I learned about Rodia and his work through my Art Study Club, so it was thrilling to see his most influential work in person. Mixed media work is fascinating to me! This 55-year old installation attracts over 40,000 people every year.

Watts Towers of Simon Rodia

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Gone But Not Forgotten

April 2014

Who would have guessed that visiting a cemetery could be so interesting? Becky took me to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery located in Los Angeles near Paramount Studios. Founded in 1899, the cemetery hosts many community events and has become the final resting place for many prominent people from the entertainment industry.

Hooray for Hollywood

April 2014

My Art Study Club assignment for the year was to present the life and artwork of Gilbert "Magu" Lujan - an influential Chicano sculptor, muralist and painter. Arguably his most famous commission was designing the Hollywood & Vine Metro Rail Station with a series of wall tiles and platform sculptural benches. He chose the theme song, "Hooray for Hollywood" as the signature tune for the station. Fabulous.