📍 Acres of Books of Building — Exhibition: Counter:image — Studio One Eleven launches “We Activate Our Cities” Initiative with “Counter:image” Exhibition at iconic Acres of Books Building in DTLB. “Counter:image” invites you to explore diverse perspectives through the lens of multidisciplinary contemporary artist. This exploration aims to showcase the power of artistic expression to reframe, redefine, and counter the images shaping our understanding of the world. Locations and information about the components of the exhibits can be found below or on the Studio One Eleven website here.
About “We Activate Our Cities
“We Activate Our Cities” is a grassroots call to action, urging individuals to participate in revitalizing urban cores by bringing art culture and design back into these spaces. The silkscreen activity and giveaway serve as a hands-on and tangible way for people to engage with the artistic process while contributing to the broader mission of activating cities through art. See below for featured artists and activities!
FEATURED ACTIVITY: “We Activate our Cities” silkscreen activity and giveaway
Studio One Eleven Artist-in-Residence Mario Ybarra Jr. and Slanguage Studio: @mario_ybarra_jr @slanguagestudio Slanguage Studio, founded by Mario Ybarra and Karla Diaz in 2002, operates as an artist collective with a mission that encompasses education, community-building, and interactive exhibitions. Their approach suggests a commitment to not only creating art but also fostering learning, strengthening community ties, and engaging audiences through interactive displays.
FEATURED WORK: Fragile Brutalism
Seria Project – Dasha Podoltseva and Elena Orap:
@seria_number The graphic designer and architect duo’s project is a devoted exploration of brutalist mass housing in Ukraine. “SERIA__” aims to raise awareness of Ukraine’s architectural heritage, particularly the neglected ‘panelki,’ while considering the impact of the ongoing war on these structures. (presented by @art.territory.ua)
FEATURED WORK: City Noir: Fragmented Realities
Monica Nouwens: @monicanouwens Nouwens’ poetic exploration of Los Angeles captures the city’s multifaceted identity, transcending traditional documentation. The series delves into sharp contrasts between high-end consumerism, vibrant youth culture, and the harsh realities of homelessness, using a cinematic aesthetic reminiscent of old Hollywood noir.
FEATURED WORK: THE PINK DONUT BOX: Tracing Stories of Cambodian and Vietnamese Refugees
Phung Huynh: @phungxhuynh Huynh’s drawings on pink donut boxes and paintings unpack the complexities of immigration, displacement, and cultural assimilation within Southeast Asian communities. The artist challenges beauty standards and explores the complexities of assimilation and cultural negotiation among Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees through her unique artistry.
FEATURED ARTIST: Chakravartin Sokhomsan
Chakravartin Sokhomsan: @chakra.sok @modernapsaraco Raised by Khmer refugee parents in Long Beach, CA, Chakravartin Sokhomsan, an activist, artist, and educator, found his artistic passion within the local Cambodian community. With over a decade of Khmer Classical Dance training under Prumsodun Ok, Charya Burt, and Reaksmey “Mea” Lath, Chakra is currently pursuing a BA in Dance at Dickinson College. Chakra, a cis-male dancer, challenges norms by entering the female-dominated world of Cambodian Ballet, aiming to reshape perceptions within this classical style. Simultaneously, he connects Cambodian Ballet and Modern dance, crafting a narrative that reflects his diasporic identity. Collaborating with the Modern Apsara Company during his undergrad, Chakra contributes to bridging the modern world with the sacred art of Cambodian classical dance, preserving traditions and showcasing them in diverse communities.
FEATURED WORK: Empty Space Chronicles
Adam Leeman: @billsteamboat Adam’s art delves into the ethereal realm of “empty space” within atoms—the very essence of human existence. Inviting contemplation of the unexplained, especially the marvel of consciousness beyond full scientific understanding, his work is inspired by the Space + Light Movement. Utilizing site-specific installations with a focus on color and immateriality through film, light, and sculpture, Adam orchestrates an exploration of unseen wonders. Encouraging a thoughtful pause, his creative endeavors prompt viewers to reflect on the everyday interplay of light, weaving mood and magic into our surroundings.
East Village Arts District Walking Tour
The second Saturday of each month before the
Long Beach Art Walk, join us to explore the East Village Arts District. This docent-led tour will dive into the neighborhood’s unique history and changing architectural styles of the early 20th century, including Victorian cottages from as early as 1905, “own-your-own” residential apartment buildings that catered to luxury resort living, and Modern additions in the post-World War II years. You will learn about the Royal Hotel, Lafayette Complex, Broadlind Hotel, Cooper Arms, Artaban, and more!
Dance Performances will be held at 6 and 8 PM
Chakravartin Sokhomsan: @chakra.sok @modernapsaraco — Raised by Khmer refugee parents in Long Beach, CA, Chakravartin Sokhomsan, an activist, artist, and educator, found his artistic passion within the local Cambodian community. With over a decade of Khmer Classical Dance training under Prumsodun Ok, Charya Burt, and Reaksmey “Mea” Lath, Chakra is currently pursuing a BA in Dance at Dickinson College. Chakra, a cis-male dancer, challenges norms by entering the female-dominated world of Cambodian Ballet, aiming to reshape perceptions within this classical style. Simultaneously, he connects Cambodian Ballet and Modern dance, crafting a narrative that reflects his diasporic identity. Collaborating with the Modern Apsara Company during his undergrad, Chakra contributes to bridging the modern world with the sacred art of Cambodian classical dance, preserving traditions and showcasing them in diverse communities.
📍 Long Beach Museum of Art DTLB — Exhibition: Tidawhitney Lek: Living Spaces — Embark on a captivating journey through Long Beach Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Living Spaces” by esteemed artist Tidawhitney Lek, a Long Beach native. This inaugural solo museum showcase transcends boundaries, intertwining family, culture, and history in a powerful narrative.
📍 Hellada Gallery — Exhibition: Mark Morale & Steve Stein — Hellada Gallery will host a reception from Noon to 9 PM for their two resident artists, Mark Morale and Steve Stein, whose works will be displayed during the Art Walk. Mr. Morale focuses on tactile art, creating vibrant, textured paintings exploring aquatic life’s beauty. Mr. Stein works through various mediums, including photography, computer-generated designs, ceramics, and colored pencils.
📍 Artist Village at Mosaic — Artists, vendors, music & more!
