PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Here in the San Fernando Valley we always seem to know when it is June, since we historically experience “June Gloom” every year. However, The Museum of The San Fernando Valley is not going to be sitting in those gloomy clouds because we are about to be “Busting out all over.”

The Public Art Initiative, PAI, has a wonderful “Wine, Art and Cheese” fundraising event planned for Friday, June 19th and Artist Meet & Greet for Saturday, June 20th. Come see your local artists works of art and their interpretation of historic Northridge. The event is free, but we are hoping attendees will consider supporting valley-based artists by purchasing some of the artwork.

Also, on Friday June 19th, we will be offering an exclusive opportunity to view a portion of The Michael Jackson Mural that was created 20 years ago by the master muralist, Kent Twitchell. In addition, some special momentos of the Michael Jackson collection will be on display. This exhibit will have an admission fee. Some very special guests will be attending. Stay tuned for more.

At the end of June we will be building out a Mid Century Modern exhibit of furniture, lamps, plans, house models and much more. This exhibit will actually open in July and a gala opening night will include some of our current outstanding Los Angeles architects, children of past great architects and other special speakers involved in the Mid Century Movement from years past.

The Museum is creating special exhibits and events to highlight the great history of the San Fernando Valley. From the entertainment business and the fantastic architecture of the Mid Century, we will continue to promote important areas of the culture of the valley.

Please join us this summer at Your Museum.
Scott Sterling
President
The Museum of The San Fernando Valley
[email protected]

OFF THE BEATEN PATH – BY BRONWYN RALPH

The Museum is pleased to have Bronwyn Ralph, author, docent and lecturer for the book, “OFF THE BEATEN PATH,” as a monthly contributor to the newsletter. The book outlines over 40 historic and fun places to tour throughout the San Fernando Valley.

One of the reasons I love the San Fernando Valley is there are so many hidden gems to find. For instance,The Old Trappers Lodge located at Pierce College in the Alvin Cleveland Park.

Originally the Lodge was a hotel and tourist site built in 1941 by John Ehn. I remember my parents taking my sister, brother and me there to view the humorous tombstones in the 1970’s. Mr. Ehn used his family and friends as models for his artwork.

Many years have passed and the Lodge has ceased to exist. But what remains are the statues and “Boot Hill,” which were relocated to its current site at Pierce College in the 1980’s. Thus, preserving this 20th Century Folk Art.

6/11/15
VOLUNTEERS: INFORMATION SESSIONS

Learn what is takes to become a volunteer Museum Associate. Help with various committee projects including historic walking tours, marketing, fundraising and special events. LEARN MORE

6/13/15 VAN NUYS HISTORY TOUR

Learn about the origin of the Daily News and the company which was a nationwide maker of silent movie theatre organs. Enjoy historic monuments, plus much more! RSVP

6/19/15
FUNDRAISER

Enjoy an evening with wine, art, cheese and music. See the group art exhibit – “Talent in The Valley” – featuring various styles and mediums. Watercolor, oils, fine sculpture, mixed media and re-purposed décor. All art sales benefit the Museum. RSVP

6/20/15 PACOIMA
MURAL TOUR

Come hear the history, see 10 great murals, meet the muralists and enjoy a 1.5 mile walk along Van Nuys Blvd in Pacoima. After the tour, enjoy a complimentary agua fresca at Myke’s Cafe with your meal purchase. RSVP

6/20/15
MEET & GREET

Spend a Saturday afternoon with a Public Art Initiative artist at the Museum and find out more about the artwork on display. Learn the inspiration, process and creation – straight from the artist that created the art! RSVP

SURVEY

Your Feedback is important to us! Please take a minute to complete this survey and help us develop new programming.

PROGRAM UPDATES

PUBLIC ART INITIATIVE (PAI)

Thank you Northridge South Neighborhood Council for supporting the “Road to Change” mural by Maryley Camacho, with a $2,000 grant. The grant will enable the committee to get started on the mural. If you are also interested in sponsoring the mural, please contact Roger Dolin at [email protected].

HORSES ACROSS
THE VALLEY (HATV)

The HATV public art program offers the opportunity for Neighborhood Councils (NC), Resident Associations, Chambers of Commerce, individuals and companies to participate in placing decorated horses throughout the valley. The Neighborhood Councils are offered a special program, a one-time sponsorship and ownership of each horse. For more information about HATV program, please contact Jackie Langa, Program Manager at [email protected].

NARRATING LIVES:
ORAL HISTORY

Currently in the Gerald Fecht Library, at The Museum, visitors are able to view interviews from various San Fernando Valley residents including some that have lived in the valley for over 90 years. Visit soon and enjoy their stories.

For more information on future programming, how to apply to be interviewed, to join the committee and/or to support overall program, please contact Lee Davis ,Program Chair at (818) 347-9665 or [email protected].

CURRENT EXHIBITS

The First Family of Movie Makeup: The Westmore Collection
On View Now through July 2015

The cosmetic products on display at the Museum were sold at the House of Westmore store on 6638 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, and in select stores nationwide. The store opened to the public on April 13, 1935 with great fanfare.

Celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich, Carole Lombard, Clara Bow and Charles Laughton were in attendance at this event, rivaling other “red carpet” affairs of the time.

Museum of the San Fernando Valley June Newsletter