The City of Santa Monica Airport and Cultural Affairs Divisions, and participating tenants, invite residents this Saturday from 12-5 pm to take part in the 7th Annual Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk.
Attendees are encouraged to explore open studios, watch artful demonstrations, try their hand at an art workshop, and enjoy live jazz vocals and food trucks in a unique, creative atmosphere.
One of LA County’s oldest operating airfields, Santa Monica Airport has a rich background as the former home of the Douglas Aircraft Company and the birthplace of the DC-3.
The airport has developed over time into an arts incubator, and is home to a number of creative venues housed in converted airplane hangars.
More than 60 local artists and performers will have their private studios and works on view.
Painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media will be represented and many artists will be selling work from their studios as well as offering refreshments.
Arena 1 Gallery presents the exhibit “DECADE OF DISSENT, DEMOCRACY IN ACTION, 1965-1975” featuring original protest posters that reveal the persuasive power of art to inspire ideals of democracy.
Visually striking and often confrontational, the works call attention to critical social movements that were shaped by principals, rights, and individual liberties expressed by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Decade of Dissent is organized by the Center for the Political Graphics, the largest repository of Post-World War II historical posters in the nation.
Santa Monica College Art Mentor Program will feature works from a select group of SMC Art Department Students that were invited to participate in this unique learning program, and Santa Monica College Ceramic Arts presents throwing as well as Raku firing demonstrations throughout the day.
The Ruskin Group Theatre performs highlights of its popular monthly offering L.A. Café Plays and offers theater and art workshops for children.
Other hands on activities for all ages include a community mural designed by airport artist Laraine Mestman, a terrarium workshop using recycled bottles and jars, and a communal ceramic project with Santa Monica College Ceramic Arts.
The ArtWalk Stamp Hunt invites attendees to explore the ArtWalk and airport by finding and getting stamped at each of the five locations.
Everyone who collects all five stamps gets a prize at the Info Booth.
The Leftover Cuties will be performing their irresistible combination of sultry vocals, pop-perfect songwriting, and old-school musicianship throughout the day. Local restaurants Typhoon and Spitfire Grill will be serving up delicious meals along with some ArtWalk specials.
Dogtown Dogs Food Truck will serve up a new twist on an American classic and the Sweet E’s truck will offer a variety of cupcakes, cookies and other assorted treats for dessert.
The Museum of Flying will be open and features displays and interpretive exhibits on the history of flight and the development and growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Southern California.
The Museum focuses on the Douglas Aircraft Company and the history of the Santa Monica Airport. The Museum of Flying Mural Artist Mike Machet will be on hand discussing his new mural entitled “Fly Douglas.”
Russell Akerman from the City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment will teach a workshop on The Art of Sustainable Gardening at the Airport’s Demonstration Garden.
Attendees will learn design tips for turning yards into a lush, vibrant oasis and will explore different garden themes that incorporate sustainable features.
Tips will also be given on how to install permeable paving, drip irrigation, climate appropriate plant material and more. Attendees can talk to the experts on greening up their next garden.
Event Details
— Where: Santa Monica Airport, along Airport Avenue, between Bundy Drive and 23rd Street
— When: Saturday, March 16, 12-5 pm
— Cost: Free admission, parking and bike valet
— Parking: Santa Monica College’s Bundy campus; enter from Bundy/Centinela
— Website: www.smgov.net/airportartwalk
