LA Phil 100 x CicLAvia = fun, fun, fun

I wish I were a better writer so I could communicate what a fabulous event this is. Everything is free, everyone is welcome, there is something for everybody, whether you want to sit and watch (extra benches were provided), ride the whole thing, and so many other options.

We arrived early enough to see Gustav Dudamel conduct (trust me, he is there)

and dancers warming up in the street.

We were too early to get this first bandana, but were able to get
two of the next one, and then use one to trade for a third type.

from @how_bizzare_69
I appreciated the person who stood in line and then shared a picture of all of them online.

Don't worry, we still collected plenty of stuff!

My favorite part is not the collecting of stuff but the variety of everything - people, bicycle, sights.

from a Dutch artist
The only one we missed was the stationary bicycle.
This doesn't mention penny farthings (check), double-decker bicycles (check), 

and a bicycle pulling a grand piano.

We also saw a french horn quartet (also being pulled), gamelan (being played along the route), a marching band, and mariachi groups. Some dancers were on stages along the way and some danced along with the cyclists.

What a great way to fall in love with humanity and a city!

Part of the Club

When I was in Cleveland (oops - I forgot to blog about Cleveland - stay tuned) I made it to the amazing art museum but was not able to get ticket for the Yayoi Kusama exhibit that was there.

A friend told me about a free Kusama exhibit in Los Angeles at a museum I had never heard of. I ordered the tickets in August and September 28 seemed far off. One day melts into the next and the future was here! There was no way I was going to drive and even though public transportation is not quick, it was pleasant.

Because of timing of the buses from the metro stop it was just as fast to
walk the last stretch along Wilshire Blvd. Not exactly scenic, but still interesting.

Dates below and above.

As I got closer I saw banners for an Ai Weiwei exhibit that I thought I would enjoy, too.

Waiting to get in the Marciano Art Foundation I learned that it was the first day of the Life Cycle exhibit! My lucky day! Not only that, there was a tour and while they were talking about the Spouts and Sunflower Seeds I was able to go into the Black Box room to see the Life Cycle sculptures. 

The Sunflower Seeds are closest to the photographer, Spouts are
in the center of the picture, and Life Cycle is the farthest exhibit.

Not only was there the central sculpture (shown on the website), 

there were enormous pieces suspended from the ceiling and

a variety of sculptures on the wall that made curious shadows.

A line had formed by the time I was done reading about the exhibit and the different quotes and heading to the main room. I was so lucky to have seen it, not waited, and did not feel rushed.

I overheard someone asking a museum staff person about the other exhibits and she recommended seeing the Kusama exhibit so I headed there next.

I couldn't believe it was completely empty!
And now I have joined all my Cleveland friends, who have shared amazing pictures!

Normally visitors are limited to two minutes but since there were just a few of us we could take as long as we wanted. I don't know how long I was in there, but I wish I stayed only two minutes. Lucky for me, the wooziness wore off quickly.

In addition to the art I enjoyed the relic room, which has artifacts from the building's previous use, a Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. It was designed by Millard Sheets (remember his mural in the converted bank that is now a ceramics museum? And his gallery at the LA County Fair? He was a busy guy.) There is a lot of information from their site here.

I decided to walk back to the metro stop along Fifth St., which was completely residential.
Nice neighborhood!

I had fun poking around the Korean market to find something for lunch.

And then it was home again, home again, jiggety-jig. I am glad I went!

Looking In

Good thing about having a dog is a built in excuse for getting out and seeing what is happening. I was happy to stumble on an Independence Day celebration.

Unlike Iceland

I have already been back to the fair!

I rode by myself and donated school supplies to receive a complimentary ticket. Such a deal. It was fun to wander on my own for a couple hours before cycling home.

The power was on in the art gallery so I was able to see the rest of the exhibit.

I thought this looked like a fair.

One display had a Route 66 theme with something from each state.
This represents Texas.

This was part of California.

This stone structure was in the same area. One person suggested that it was leftover from an era when this area was undeveloped and it was along a hiking trail.

A friend hates the crowds but loves the flowers so I went into that area for the second time ever.
I am not sure what this shows but I liked it and sent her a picture.

I still didn't make it to the farm or forest area. I guess I'll have to go back.

Just Like Iceland

Loved everything I saw but there was so much I didn't see at the LA County Fair.

 

We cycled there and parked right by the art center.

Nice woven cover on the bench - art everywhere.

I had never been inside the grandstand, where they usually have a special display that cost money. This year the theme was esports and it was a lot like an arcade. They also had comfy chairs and fifteen-year-old magazines to enjoy looking through.

Of course we had to see the competitive table settings.
This was the winner, but it wasn't our favorite.

I also like the displays of weaving, quilting, pottery, and fusible beads(!).

I always enjoy the kids' collections, but A. cynically pointed out it is just stuff the parents bought. One lucky kid had a collection of Playbills from musicals! This display of Harry Potter fusible bead projects was met with approval.

We were given counters so we could vote.
"Would you rather... live by the shore of river or coast of an ocean? ...be in charge of the oceans or the skies? ...take a road trip on Route 66 or Pacific Coast Highway?"

I forgot to take pictures in the building selling the world's best pillows, the world's best peeler, the world's best sneaker cleaner, etc. I also forgot to take pictures of food - funnel cakes, fried onions, turkey legs, and grilled corn on the cob. I guess I'll have to go back!

Leftovers

From August

dog sitting for the year

Visit to the hobby shop

fireplace in the children's room in the Pasadena library

first day of work

unidentified object in the village