Art of Motion Picture Costume Design and Acquiring Beauty: FIDM Museum, 919 S Grand Ave., 1st level, Los Angeles (213/623-5821 x3275) More than 125 costumes from 25 films from 2017 including all five Academy Award nominees for Best Costume Design. Thru July 7. Capturing the Catwalk, runway photography from the Michel Arnaud Archive. Features a selection of these photographs accompanied by some of the pictured garments and accessories. A wide variety of designers will be represented.
Art Past and Present: Wende Museum of the Cold War, 10808 Culver Bl., Culver City. (310/216-1600) www.wendemuseum.org. Promote, Tolerate, Ban: Art in Cold War Hungary, organized by the Getty Research Institute and Wende Museum of the Cold War, drawing on the two institutions complementary collections of art and archives from the period. On view May 20-Aug. 26. . A dynamic season of public events, many of them free of charge. Discussion series..renowned artists speak with the community about the connections between history and and current events.
Beach Eats: L.A. County Parking Lot #10, Marina del Rey (Admiralty Way across from the Marriott Hotel.) Free ride complimentary on-demand transportation offered daily noon-9 pm. Beach Eats is a weekly food truck event at Marina “Mothers” Beach on summer Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy live music from 6-8 p.m. while you picnic by the sea. Bring your own beach chair and enjoy the free show. May 17-Sept. 27.
Champions of Magic: Microsoft Theater, Downtown Los Angeles (888/929-7849) www.microsofttheater.com, www.AXS.com Five world-class illusionists, coming from London, England, make up this mind-bending theatrical production. Nov. 23 & 24.
Chiaroscuro Woodcut in Renaissance Italy: Los Angeles County Museum of Art www.LACMA.org (323/857-6000 ) The first major exhibition on the subject in the United States organized by LACMA in association with the National Gallery of Art, Washington, this groundbreaking show brings together some 100 rare and seldom-exhibited chiaroscuro woodcuts alongside related drawings, engravings and sculpture, selected from 19 museum collections.. Offering the most comprehensive study on the art of the chiaroscuro woodcut. June 3-Sept. 16.
Cinema Tuesdays: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda B., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org Free movies featured on the first two Tuesdays of each month, 1:30 p.m.
Culinary Events at the Gettys: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit The J. Paul Getty Museum is offering a number of culinary events in the coming months spotlighting the lush gardens and bountiful herbs at both locations. Tea by the Sea, at the Villa, ongoing Thursdays and Saturdays. Limited tickets.
Davis Hockney: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org This exhibition features recent portraits, a genre that has long been part of the artist’s career and provides insight into the artist’s life, his connection to the art world and the people who have recently crossed his path. The works were executed between 2013 and 2016 in the artist’s Hollywood Hills studio. The collection is considered to be a single body of work. April 15-July 29.
Exhibitions and Events at the Norton Simon Museum: Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Bl., Pasadena www.nortonsimon.org
Getty Villa Reinstallation: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit This reinstallation of the Getty Villa’s collection allows visitors to follow the historical development of Greek and Roman art from prehistory to the late Roman Empire. The new presentation is a chronological arrangement that follows the historical development of classical art from the Neolithic Period through the late Roman Empire. New displays showcase masterpieces of sculpture, vase painting, bronzework, jewelry, mosaic and glass, tracing the evolution of styles, iconography and technology throughout antiquity. A new gallery devoted to the Classical World in Context illuminates the many artistic connections with other cultures of the Mediterranean and Near East. (Pictured: The Getty Bronze)
Fiiman Tembe: Maroon Arts from Suriname: Fowler Museum, UCLA campus, (310/825-4361) www.fowler.ucla.edu The Maroon people hold a special place in the history of Africans and their descendants in the Americas. Their enslaved ancestors escaped the coastal plantations of the Dutch colony of Suriname and established free communities with whom the colonial authorities eventually negotiated formal peace treaties. The Maroons have long been renowned for their traditional art forms including architectural designs, vibrantly hued textiles, and intricately carved utilitarian objects. April 15-Aug. 26.
Free Program: Plato In America: Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit Plato in America: Edward Hop[per, Mark Rothko, Mike Kelley, May 19. How do philosophical ideas drive artistic expression. Art historian John C. Welchman traces the influence of Plato’s thinking on three emblematic American artists, May 19. Free but advanced ticket is required.
IRIS Nights Lecture Series: Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City (213/403-3000) www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org Attendees can hear first hand from photographers featured in the newest exhibition. Call for specifics.
Ernie & Bert, part of the Jim Henson Exhibition at the Skirball.
Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda B., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org Features more than 100 objects and 25 historic puppets including Kermit the Frog, Ernie and Bert, Grover and other popular favorites. The exhibition illuminates Henson’s unique contributions to the moving image. An unparalleled body of work that continues to delight and inspire people of all ages to create a kinder and gentler world. June 1-Sept. 2.
Independence Day Celebration: Santa Monica College Corsair Field JUNE 30. With music, and fireworks, special exhibits — bring a picnic.
Independence Day Holiday at the Palm Springs Tram: (888//515-TRAM) www.pstramway.com In celebration of Independence Day, the tram will open early on July 4…8:00 a.m.. Early Fridays — continue through Labor Day weekend with the first tram up at 8:00 a.m. and with the last tram up on Fridays and Saturdays with last tram car down at 10:30 p.m.
Jazz at LACMA: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org Free jazz concerts every Friday night at 6pm at the Grand Entrance.
King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Driver, Los Angeles (323/724 3623) www.californiasciencecenter.org To celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, the California Science Center presents the world premiere of this exhibit, the largest King Tut exhibition every toured. More than 150 authentic artifacts from the celebrated tomb — 60 of which have never traveled outside of Egypt until now. In a dramatic presentation, dazzling multimedia complements rare artifacts to take guests on an immersive journey of the pharaohs quest for immortality. Discover how the scientific analysis of King Tut’s 3,300 year old mummy has revealed new information about his health and lineage and how cutting edge technologies have played a role in discovering new tombs and analyzing existing ones in ways never before imagined.
Last Remaining Seats: (213/623-248) info@laconservancy.org/last-remaining-seats A summer series of classic films in historic theatres. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, State Theater, downtown L.A. June 2. Kiss of the Spider Woman, Million Dollar Theater, downtown L.A. , June 9. In The Heat of the Night, The Theatre at Ace Hotel, June 13. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Los Angeles Theatre, downtown L.A., June 16, matinee. Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Los Angeles Theatre, downtown L.A., June 16. Steamboat Bill, Jr., Orpheum Theatre, downtown L.A. June 20. The Joy Luck Club, San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel, June 23.
Leonard Bernstein at 100: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda B., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org A celebration of the life and work of the great American composer and conductor who dedicated his life to making classical music a vibrant part of American culture. The retrospective highlights Bernstein’s creative process and legacy as well as his contributions as an educator and engaged citizen who lent his voice to many social justice causes. Encompassing half a century of activity by the “Renaissance man of American music” (New York Times), the exhibition is the most comprehensive retrospective of Bernstein’s life and career ever staged in a museum setting. More than 150 objects — including photographs, papers, scores, correspondence, costumes, furniture and films as well as interactive displays, April 26-Sept. 2.
Special Event: Late Night with Leonard Bernstein: Pay tribute to the incredible Leonard Bernstein at this multimedia cabaret, inspired by the inimitable artist’s habit of creating masterworks and entertaining friends into all hours of the night. Affectionately host6ed by his daughter Jamie Bernstein, this Copland House production features video and audio excerpts, rare photographs and live performances by soprano Amy Burton and Pianists Michael Boriskin and John Musto. Hear enchanting renditions of Bernstein’s compositions and his favorite works by other famous musicians/friends. June 24. $35.00 General admission, $25.00 for Members and free to curator’s circle members.
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Meet and Greet Series: Skylight Studios, Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City (213/403-3000) www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org Multi-media venue located directly across from the Space for Photography offers a free lecture series with attendees given the opportunity to interact one on one with the featured guest speakers. Free. No reservations necessary.
Natural History Museum Events: 900 Exposition Bl., Los Angeles (213/763-DINO) www.nhm.org First Fridays — Walk on the Wild Side after hours features cocktails, KCRW DJ lounge, LA bands, tours and talks…a unique adventure. Live music and discussion series continues. www.nhm.org/firstfridays
Not an Ostrich: And Other Images from America’s Library: Annenberg Photo Space, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City (213/403-3000) www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org For the first time in its 218-year history, the Library of Congress is heading to the West Coast for the first major exhibition of photographs from its collection of over 114 million images. The result of Anne Tucker’s excavation of nearly 500 handpicked works from the world’s largest library. Opens April 21.
Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (800/487-3378) www.foapom.com This year’s theme, Under the Sun, features works of art from the early years of the 20th century when a new generation of impressionists and plein air painters set up their easels outdoors and reveled in the natural beauty to be found as far as the eye could see. This years show bringing theatrical magic to the stage with live music and light hearted storytelling. This year honors Laguna’s own and other artistic pioneers from around the world who left their studios in search of new inspiration. The Festival’s prestigious juried art show includes a wide variety of media such as paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood and furniture, ceramics, glass a d more, all by 140 of Orange County’s finest artists. July 7-Sept. 1.
Palm Springs Restaurant Week at the Tram: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs (888/515-TRAM) www.pstramway.com/dining/ Peaks Restaurant offers a three course $49 prix fixe menu, fine dining in an Alpine forest with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, June 1-17,
Paper Promises: Early American Photography: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405 (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit The exhibition features rare 19th century paper negatives and paper photographs from an era of American experimentation including portraits of some of the country’s most notable political and cultural figures as well as searing images from the Civil War. Feb. 27-May 27.
Public Gardens of Santa Barbara: Tour these spectacular gardens but check websites in advance. Casa del Herrero www.casadelherrero.com; Ganna Walska Lotusland www.lotusland.org; Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden www.santabarbaraca.gov/Parks/parks_passive_main.html; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden www.sbbg.org
Public Programs and Exhibitions at The Huntington: The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., www.huntington.org An assortment of fascinating topics and displays with talks and book signings, garden tips, music, film, lectures, exhibitions and tours.
Rembrandt and the Inspiration of India: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405 (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit Among the most surprising aspects of Rembrandt’s prodigious output are 23 surviving drawings closely based on portraits made by artists working in Mughal India. Rembrandt’s drawings are exhibited alongside the Mughal paints that inspired them to assess the impact of Indian art and culture on Rembrandt’s artistic interests and working process as a draftsman. March 13-June 24. On May 23, in the Museum Lecture Hall, the curator of Indian art at Jawaharlal Nehru University discusses his recent exhibition India and the World, which presented extraordinary masterpieces to place Indian history in a global context.
Rick Bartow: Things You Know But Cannot Explain: Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323/667-2000) www.theAutry.org Artist Rick Bartow’s work transcends the notions of Western and Native art, realism and abstraction and the traditional and contemporary. The first comprehensive exhibition on this important American artist and member of the Mad River Band Wiyot tribe this exhibition examines forty years of the artist’s work across a variety of media. May 12-Jan. 6, 2019.
The Wende Cold War Museum: 10808 Culver B., Culver City www.wendemuseum.org On view through August 26, Socialist Flower Power: Soviet Hippie Culture. The 1949 National Guard Armory Building has begun a second life as the headquarters for this newly opened museum preserving and displaying a vast collection of Soviet and East German artifacts to illuminate the complexities of our fraught Cold War past. The building housing the collection paradoxically designed to fight the enemy showcases the objects of the enemy. The philosophy of the newly opened museum is to allow people to think about different layers of history.
UCLA Public Arts Program: UCLA Westwood campus (310/825-2101) www.arts.ucla.edu/calendars and www.tickets.ucla.edu Programs include distinguished lectures by luminaries such as Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne and Phillipe Vergne, student exhibitions showing work from UCLA’s top ranked fine arts programs, student performances directed by renowned faculty and the rich offerings of the Fowler Museum, the Hammer Museum and the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. Many of the events are free and all are open to the public.
Ventura Music Festival: Various venues, July 12-22. (805/648-3146). www.venturamusicfestival.org The lineup includes American Gypsy Jazz, Diego Garcia, Pink Martini, Trio Celeste Akropolis Reed Quintet, Perla Batalla, Malashock Dance and more. The festival also will host “Tea & Trumpets” at the Ventura Pierpont Inn.
Your Ticket to Santa Barbara Car Free Experiences: www.SantaBarbaraCarFree.org The City’s award winning project with more than 100 community partners dedicated to making car free vacations care-free.