Beyond Baroque's 50th Anniversary "Bohemian Bacchanal," celebrated the legendary literary center’s half century mark, and featured an auction of work by some of LA’s most iconic artists.
The auction kicked off the festivities with more than 60 works from some of the world’s most notable artists, including Ed Ruscha, John Baldessari, Gronk, Robbie Conal, Catherine Ruane, Barbara Kerwin, Bob Branaman, Gloriane Harris, and Francisco Toledo. Items included rare books, poems and artifacts from Beyond Baroque's unique literary archive, as well as items donated by the Venice business community.
The catalog published online contains information on what remains available from the auction.
Works were donated by the artists, Andy Schwarz, Board President of Beyond Baroque, and ViCA. For inquires about specific works available, call Juri Koll at 310-957-7037.
Staged in the Venice Arts Plaza adjacent to Beyond Baroque’s landmark building, the catered dinner presented a historic lineup of L.A.’s leading artists, performers, poets and authors, highlighted by presentations honoring actor/poet Viggo Mortensen, a long-time supporter of the non-profit organization, and award-winning poet Will Alexander. The evening also paid tribute to Beyond Baroque founder, George Drury Smith.
Among the performers who graced the stage were John Doe and Exene Cervenka (who first met at Beyond Baroque and formed the iconic LA band X); John Densmore, founding member of The Doors; legendary jazz trumpeter Bobby Bradford; Chris D (Divine Horsemen; Flesh Eaters); Julie Christensen (Divine Horsemen; Leonard Cohen); and poet Kamau Daáood, among others.
The landmark arts complex surrounding the former Venice City Hall (now occupied by Beyond Baroque) includes unique sustainable landscaping curated by Kiss The Ground and Safe Place for Youth, the Poet’s Garden and artwork in the Mike Kelley Gallery, and a unique collection of poetry and literature for sale in the bookstore.
For tickets and information:
http://beyondbaroque.org/gala
310-822-3006
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