Tel: (818) 347-9665 PST

TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org




Saturday, November 13, 2021

The Museum SFV -Public Art Initiative - December 2nd -Holiday Art Auction and gathering - please join us

The Museum SFV and its Public Art Initiative program invites San Fernando Valley residents and guests to a special art, holiday and fundraising event at its new home on the grounds of the historic Rancho Cordillera del Norte.

Please join us on Thursday, December 2nd from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm to experience it all!

It's a FREE event with FREE parking, but we would like you to come with a checkbook to purchase art and custom designed chairs from valley-based artists. Also, there will be terrific gift baskets to be raffled off and other art items for sale.

Snacks, beverages and a guest DJ will keep the event festive!

This will be your first opportunity to visit YOUR Museum of the San Fernando Valley before we officially open on December 3rd.  You will have a sneak peak at some of the outdoor exhibits and art sculptures that will turn The Museum SFV and The Rancho into a cultural destination!

Free parking will be through main Rancho entrance at 9015 Wilbur, enter through white gates and you will be directed to the southern parking areas.  ADA parking available with permit.

You may also park across the street in the southern portion of office building located at 18860 Nordhoff St. and then walk (CAREFULLY) across the street to the main Rancho entrance.

RSVP to:  

Cheri Norum or Richard Cryer  

Tel: 818-347-9665 

email: TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com and PAITMSFV@gmail.com 

It will an incredible, fun, creative and festive event -please bring a friend.

Please also consider becoming a Museum SFV member or donor.

Thank you.

Please note: 

Proof of Vaccination

Anyone entering The Museum SFV must show proof of vaccination.

The majority of the event will be held outdoors with plenty of room for social separation.

Before patrons can access the indoor portion of the business, upon the first interaction with staff, a covered location is required to check the patrons proof of full vaccination. For those patrons who appear to be 18 years of age or older, the business must cross check the proof of vaccination status with photo identification. Patrons attending large outdoor events have the option of providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before entry.

One of the following options will demonstrate proof of vaccination:

    vaccination card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or similar documentation issued by another foreign governmental agency, such as the World Health Organization
    photocopy of a vaccination card or a photograph stored on a phone or electronic device
    personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by the State of California, or similar documentation issued by another state, local, or foreign governmental jurisdiction, or by a private company
    documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider

Proof of a Negative COVID-19 Test
(Only For Medical /Religious Exemptions or Large Outdoor Events)

A printed document, email, or text message displayed on a phone from a test provider or laboratory that shows results of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Antigen COVID-19 test that was conducted within 72 hours before entry. The printed document, email, or text message must include the person’s name, type of test performed, date of the test, and negative test result.

EXEMPTIONS

A patron may be exempt from demonstrating proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering an indoor portion of a covered location if they are entitled to reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition, restriction, or a sincerely held religious belief. To be eligible for an exemption due to a medical condition or restriction, or a sincerely held religious belief, a patron must provide the covered location with a verbal self-attestation to qualify for the exemption.

If the covered location determines that the patron has met the exemption requirements, the patron should be directed to use an outdoor area. If an outdoor area is not available, the patron may be permitted to use an indoor area by providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before entry and photo identification. Examples of a negative COVID-19 test result can be found in the L.A. County Visual Guidance Form for Negative COVID-19 Tests.

Additional Exemptions

    Brief use of indoor restrooms, brief pick up or drop off of food and other services, or performing necessary repairs
   
 



Tuesday, October 5, 2021

OKTOBER FESTIVAL Sunday, October 10th - Free Community Event; 12-6 pm; FREE; Northridge at The Rancho

Please enjoy and support the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce as it hosts this year:


What will be happening at the October Festival?

Outdoor Food and Brew Festival 

Date:         Sunday, October 10, 2021


Enjoy good times in the outdoors, listen to music, and a fun-filled atmosphere.Located at the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce on the grounds of Rancho Cordillera del Norte.

Location: 9015 Wilbur Avenue, Northridge, 91324

(just south of Nordhoff, west side of street; enter through white main gate)

Time:       12:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Enjoy this outdoor event on the 100-year-old tree-covered, historic Rancho Cordillera del Norte grounds.  Enjoy the sounds of local bands and dance to their music.  Eat some food from local restaurants.  Drink some beers from local breweries.   This festival provides entertainment and brings people together for common enjoyment!


General Parking is FREE!

VIP parking:  $20   (limited parking spaces available)

VIP parking is for one parking space with one entrance and exit only and is non-transferable. The Driver will check in at the VIP area located directly in front of the NVRCC Chamber office and will be presented a prepaid parking voucher.  

Please check-in prior to off-loading and exiting the vehicle. The vehicle must stay in assigned space throughout the duration of guest’s stay and may not be moved to an alternative location.  Exiting the parking space at any time will be considered a termination of VIP parking and may not be refunded, transferred or prorated.


VIP parking is for ONE vehicle only.  
VIP parking is NON-REFUNDABLE.  

VIP seating for 6 people:  $200   (limited tables available)

Reserve a table with 6 seats for you, your family and friends to enjoy good food, drinks, and music at the Oktober Festival.  Seating will be near the Cantina.  Your VIP seating will be for up to 6 guests.  Check in at the VIP area located directly in front of the NVRCC Chamber office and you will be presented with your table assignment. 


VIP seating is NON-REFUNDABLE.  

Front Row VIP seating for 10 people:  $400   (limited tables available)

Reserve a table with 10 seats for you, your family and friends in the front row to enjoy the good food, drinks, and music at the Oktober Festival.  Seating will be near the Cantina area.  Your VIP seating will be in the front row and for up to 10 guests.  Check in at the VIP area located directly in front of the NVRCC Chamber office and you will be presented with your table assignment.  


VIP seating is NON-REFUNDABLE.  

For more information, please contact Nancy at nancy@nvrcc.org.

Learn more about event and chamber at www.NVRCC.org.

Bring out family and friends and enjoy your day at this fun, community event!

Thank you.

 


October 23, 2021 - The 16th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar is back - Join us at USC and virtually

Please join YOUR Museum of the San Fernando Valley and other historic organizations at...

The 16th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar is back!


THE STORIES OF L.A. ALL DAY. ALL IN ONE PLACE.

Date:            Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time:           10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location:     Doheny Memorial Library
                     USC University Park Campus


Cost:             FREE EVENT (one of the best in the City of Los Angeles each year!)

Transit:        Take the Metro to the Expo line and stop at the USC station -                            walk right up to the library and enjoy strolling on the grounds of USC.

The 2021 Los Angeles Archives Bazaar will be a hybrid event that will be held both virtually and in-person. 

The day will include virtual programs with local authors, community leaders, and (of course) archivists; onsite presentations by Basement Tapes Day and Home Movie Day; and more than 40 exhibitors from all over Southern California that represent archive collections from local communities, academia, and cultural heritage organizations.

The Museum SFV plans to have a table at the event and participate in the virtual event.

This event is for all history lovers and anyone that wants to learn more about all of the terrific organizations throughout Los Angeles and southern CA that promote history and culture in the City of the Angels.


Congrats to Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for opening Sept. 30, 2021

From The Museum SFV family, a hearty congratulations to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for opening in the historic museum row and on the grounds of the May Company property at northeast corner of Fairfax and Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.


Here is some overview information and a link for timed tickets:

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a museum in Los Angeles, California constructed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is devoted to the history, science, and cultural impact of the film industry. 

With millions of artifacts and access to celebrity, this museum will become known throughout the world and will excite people who appreciate the history of film and entertainment.

Address: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Hours:
Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Phone: (323) 930-3000
Opened: September 30, 2021
Architects: Renzo Piano, Kulapat Yantrasast
Owner: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Director: Bill Kramer (since 2019)
Public transit access: Wilshire & Fairfax (2023)
Collection size: over 13 million objects

Tickets:
Timed admission tickets to the Academy Museum are now on sale. Advance reservations must be made online. 

A ticket will be required to visit the Academy Museum’s exhibitions: Stories of Cinema, Hayao Miyazaki, The Path to Cinema: Highlights from the Richard Balzer Collection, Backdrop: An Invisible Art, and The Pixar Toy Story 3D Zoetrope. The Oscars® Experience requires a special ticket, as do programs and screenings. 

The Museum offers a Academy Museum Store and Fanny’s restaurant and cafĂ©.

Reserve Tickets HERE




Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Sat. Sept. 18 2021 -PAI - The Museum SFV Fall Family Fun Festival - FREE 11:00am-4:00 - bring the family

The Public Art Initiative (PAI) of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is pleased to present our annual Fall Family Fun Festival.

This year it will be held on:

Date:    Saturday, September 18, 2021

Time:   11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost:    FREE admission      (artwork and food will be for sale)

Location:  At The Museum SFV and PAI's new home at 18904 Nordhoff St. Northridge.

On the historic Rancho Cordillera del Norte grounds (SW corner of Wilbur Ave. & Nordhoff St.)

Parking:  To be across the street at The Museum's previous home at 18860 Nordhoff St.

Please park on the south side parking lot. Volunteers will be available to direct traffic.


Visit Valley-based artist booths - buy some art and begin or expand your collection.

Event will have a food truck (12:00 - 200 pm).

Special arts and craft project for youth ($10.00 material fee) as well as another FREE arts and crafts section for children (all day). Registration on site okay too.  Limited number of participants based on time to create and dry artwork - really fun project to take home


Raffle prizes for all!

If you are an artist, contact us today for an Artist Registration packet:

Contact: The PAI or The Museum SFV at 818-347-9665

Email:    The PAI and The Museum SFV at:   TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

Artist fees for participating and special art project may be paid in advance by clicking HERE.

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Please spread the word and bring your family and friends to this fun event! 

 

View and purchase wonderful art at this event.

Thank you.

Richard Cryer, PAI Co-Chair

Michael Stevens, The Museum SFV

 

Monday, August 16, 2021

Aug. 28 - Speaker event - Virtual-Zoom -The San Fernando Valley Gold Stars -Men and Women in WWII - please join us

The Museum of the San Fernando as part of its History of Speaker Series is pleased to present:

The San Fernando Valley Gold Stars
Interesting Facts about the Men and Women Who Served in World War II

Date:     Saturday, August 28, 2021
Time:     Noon - 2:00 pm PDT
Cost:     FREE for veterans
              Non-veterans - suggested $10/person

Zoom call (link to be sent 24 hours before event)

Speaker:
Ed Barkett resident of SFV since 1967. Cleveland H.S. 1975. Veteran U.S. Army 1976 to 1978. L.A. Pierce College, BYU, and CSUN (BA History, 1985). Retired educator. Currently, president of the Canoga Owensmouth Historical Society.

Please RSVP today

To make a $10 donation for this event and support Museum SFV programming, please click HERE.

RSVP:     1-818-347-9665, email at TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com 

Please consider inviting a family member, colleague or friend. 

Zoom link will be sent to all registered attendees within 24 hours of presentation. If you are having trouble with online RSVP, please call us or email your name and number.

Also, please visit  www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Blog: museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

To make a $10 donation for this event and support Museum SFV programming, please click HERE.

Please consider becoming a member or donor today.

The Museum SFV thanks you for your support. 


 

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Sat August 21st Historic Walking Tour of Van Nuys - 10:00 am-12:00 pm - please join us

The Museum SFV is pleased to return to our monthly historic walking tours.  

 Please join us on 

Saturday, August 21st

10:00 am - Noon in Van Nuys

$10 suggested donation

RSVP HERE  (pay in advance or at the tour)

Docent is John Hendry, Secretary of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council.

 

Learn about the origin of the Daily News and the company which was a nationwide maker of silent movie theatre organs. Who were Hobart Johnstone Whitley, Wayne E. Bechtelheimer and Whitley Van Nuys Huffaker? Relive "Wednesday Nights on Van Nuys Boulevard." We will have historic photographs and stories to share as we wander this surprisingly historic San Fernando Valley treasure. Tour highlights include:
•    Van Nuys Bungalow         
•    Women’s Club
•    Old Van Nuys Library (1927)     
•    United Methodist Church
•    Municipal Building Façade    
•    Old Fire Station #39 (1919)  
•    Van Nuys Post Office
•    Van Nuys Fire Station
•    Abeles Map             
•    Fernando Statue, Crystal Plunge
•    Bob’s Big Boy, Busch Gardens     
•    Lankershim, Van Nuys, Whitsett, Whitley

The development entity known as The Syndicate began the process in 1910, but William Paul Whitsett saw it through to the end. Originally a barley field, Van Nuys became a prosperous center of City Government, agriculture and industry. Come explore what remains to be appreciated: original 1911 buildings hidden beneath modern facades, first churches, a civic center with many special revelations, one of the main hubs of social and official activity, the Women's Club building, Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monuments #201, #202, and #911, and National Register of Historic Places Monument #2509.


Please RSVP today and pay in advance with:   EVENTBRITE

Search under: Van Nuys Historic Walking Tour 

Cost:        $10 per person donation

(Okay to walk-up and pay too - just tell us that you are attending and how many in your party)

Parking:    Street & metered parking in area 

RSVP:     1-818-347-9665, email at TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

Please consider inviting a family member, colleague or friend.

Attendees will meet at 9:50 am under the "Bridge/Archway" of the Braude Constituent Center, 6262 Van Nuys

Also, please visit  www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Blog: museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com


Please RSVP and pay in advance with:   EVENTBRITE

Search under: Van Nuys Historic Walking Tour  (Okay to walk-up and pay too)

Sunday, April 11, 2021

4-24-21 2:00 pm-4:00 pm - Free virtual - Artist Speaker Series Volly Aronson - The PAI and The Museum SFV - please join us

The Public Art Initiative, a program from The Museum of the San Fernando Valley invites you to meet the April Artist Speaker Series guest, featuring, Volly Aronson.


When: Saturday, April 24, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT

Cost: Free*

(*suggested donation to support the Public Art Initiative of The Museum SFV - $10
Pay on our website, PayPal, Zelle)

RSVP:  CLICK HERE

Volly Aronson is a San Fernando Valley based artist.  She was born in East Berlin, Germany, grew up in West Los Angeles, attended Hamilton High school and W.L.A. City College.

She defines herself with the question “what did I accomplish today”.  

She enjoyed several careers before painting including 25 years as an administrative assistant at several schools including Birmingham HS and to district superintendents with LAUSD. 

After retiring, she took an art class offered at Joann’s Fabrics Store and was thrilled to discover she had a talent for painting. She has received several artistic achievement awards and her work has been featured at the SFV Arts and Cultural Center, and the Los Angeles City Hall Bridge Gallery. 

She has shown and sold her art are at Pasadena Art Walk, Reseda Rising Art Walk and at Creative Exhibition Artist Showcase events. She loves painting and attempts to do so everyday, often doing 2 paintings at a time just for the fun of it. Please join us for this special event... and bring a friend along too.  

View additional artwork on Instagram @art.by.volly.

NOTE:  Zoom link will be provided via email 1-2 days before scheduled event.

PLEASE tell a family member, colleague or friend about event and have then register, attend and enjoy this event.

For any other event information, please contact Cheri Derohanian or Richard Cryer at TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com.

RSVP:  CLICK HERE


Please also visit our website at www.TheMuseumSFV.org.

Thank you.



Monday, February 22, 2021

3-13-21 from 2:00-4:00 pm Artist Speaker Series, Anne K. Bowman; Free Zoom presentation

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and its Public Art Initiative is pleased to offer an other special event as part of its ongoing Artist Speaker Series with artist Anne K. Bowman.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Free event
; (suggested donation of $10/person via PayPal; Square; Eventbrite link)

RSVP HERE

DONATE HERE

Zoom presentation (Zoom link will be sent after registration and just before the event)

Anne Bowman was born in Brooklyn, NY in July, 1941 as Anne Kass and lived there until June, 1959, at which time her family moved to North Hollywood, CA. She continued her education at UCLA as a physical education major, earning a BS, an MS and a teaching credential. She also met her first husband and began teaching in Sept, 1964 as Anne Newman at Carson HS. She eventually had a son. Gregory, in 1967 and a daughter, Stefani, in 1969 and moved to Woodland Hills in 1970. She then began a 26 year teaching career at Taft Hs, teaching exercise classes, dance production, health education and was class sponsor four times. She left Taft and her first husband in 1996. She remarried in 1997 and became Anne Bowman, and continued to teach at Monroe HS until 2004, when she retired from teaching. 

She had always wanted to paint but had never taken an art class so, at that point, she started taking classes and has been painting ever since. She has presented here before and has also held her own Artist's Showcases in her spacious backyard. She has done that three times and looks forward to this year's show as our lives slowly return to their new normal, whatever that may be!  Through it all, she has been selling her art and making things happen.
 

Upon registration, you will be sent the ZOOM Link.

Please join us for this special event. No charge, but a suggested $10 donation to The Museum and Public Art Initiative to support valley-based artists and art programming would be greatly appreciated.


Please invite a friend and enjoy this presentation. There will be an opportunity to purchase Anne's art too.

Thank you.

www.brushstrokesbyanne.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Monday, February 15, 2021

Patt Morrison, of the Los Angeles Times, recently wrote a terrific article on the San Fernando Valley and mentioned The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, Valley Relics and Kevin Roderick, author of the important book and must read: The San Fernando Valley: America’s Suburb.


Please click on the link HERE to enjoy the article.

Please send her a note thanking her for the article or to send another comment:

patt.morrison@latimes.com

Patt Morrison is a longtime Los Angeles Times writer, columnist and podcaster who has a share of two Pulitzer Prizes. Her broadcasting work has won six Emmys and 12 Golden Mike awards. Both of her nonfiction books have been bestsellers: “Rio LA,” her book about the Los Angeles River, and “Don’t Stop the Presses! Truth, Justice and the American Newspaper.” She the first woman in nearly 25 years to be honored with the L.A. Press Club’s lifetime achievement award. Pink’s, the legendary Hollywood hot dog stand, named its veggie dog after her.


Thanks,

Michael Stevens
President
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Hyman (Hy) Cohen, known to many as "Coach Cohen" passed away on February 4th, 2021, after reaching his 90th birthday days earlier. He died of complications due to Covid-19 at Eisenhower Memorial Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. 


He was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1931, the son of Joseph & Bessie Cohen, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His colorful beginnings were in the baseball sandlots of Brooklyn. NY Yankees scout Paul Krichell showed up at the Polo grounds all-star sandlot game to watch 17 yr old, 6' 5" right hander Hymie Cohen strike out four batters in two innings. He told Hymie "You're going to be the next Hank Greenberg" and signed him for a $750 bonus plus $175/mth. Hy would also tell the story about his father sitting next to Babe Ruth during that game, and not knowing who he was. 

After two years with the Yankees in the minors, Hy signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1951. Playing AAA ball in Des Moines, Hy won a record 10 straight wins, going 16-6 with a 1.88 ERA. In 1952, Hy was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, assigned to play baseball for the Army where he became teammates with Don Newcombe, Sparky Anderson and Maury Wills to name a few. Hy went 32-6 while playing for the Army. In 1954, Hy returned to the Cubs, making his major league debut the following year. Being one of 400 players in the big leagues, Hy pitched in 7 games for the Cubs. While he struck out Willie Mays twice in one game, Hy would laugh of the time he broke Stan Musial's hitting slump. Ultimately his 7.94 ERA sent him to the PCL Los Angeles Angels. 

Two months and eight dates after arriving in LA, Hy married Terry Davis, the love of his life. At their wedding were Hy's teammates of the PCL Angels, Chuck Connors, aka "the Rifleman", Steve Bilko and Gene Mauch to name a few. 

In 1956, Hy went 5-0 and then to the surprise of his teammates was traded to Memphis. In Memphis, Hy won 15 games leading the league with an ERA of 2.72. Waiting to get called back up to the big leagues, Jack Kent Cook, looking for a Jewish star for his Toronto team, bought his contract. Shortly thereafter, Hy called it quits on pro ball, but his many stories endured. 

He became a physical education teacher and baseball coach at Birmingham High School, winning two City championship baseball titles in 1966 & 1969. He continued coaching baseball, football and tennis into the 1980's. 

He was inducted into the SoCal Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Hy was also honored as an outstanding educator in ceremonies at Dodger stadium. 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Terry; son & daughter in-law, Jeff & Cheryl, daughter Jill and grandkids Aaron, Sarah & Rachel. The family held a private funeral at Mt.Sinai memorial in Simi Valley.

Friday, February 12, 2021

2-27-21 from 2:00-4:00 pm Black History Month presentation; History of Americans in the San Fernando Valley; Free Zoom presentation

To celebrate 2021 Black History Month, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley’s Speaker Series in conjunction with the Pacoima Historical Society is proud to present:

African Americans in the San Fernando Valley

As early as the 1920s, African Americans began coming to the San Fernando Valley. Although there were only a few, the 30s saw the numbers rise. By the 1950s, the Joe Louis Homes were built that attracted thousands from Los Angeles and the south to migrate to the Valley. Redlining and racial covenants prevented Blacks from living in most Valley areas. Still, this community built a rarely told oasis whose story we will share. 
 
From the early beginnings in North Hollywood to Pacoima, the history is intriguing. Pacoima produced Heisman Trophy winners, Grammy award winners, and first Black Congresswoman from San Fernando High. This history is worth learning.  Crystal Jackson will make this presentation.
 

WHAT:  The Museum SFV History of Speaker Series

WHEN:  Saturday, February 27, 2021

TIME:   2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

COST:  FREE;   (suggested $10 donation to support The Museum SFV & Pacoima Historical Society)


DONATE if you can by clicking here - DONATE.

Crystal Jackson, board member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and Founder and President of the Pacoima Historical Society, and filmmaker of the 2018 Pan African Film Festival Best Feature Documentary nominee “Pacoima Stories: Land of Dreams”, and author of "The Entrance: Pacoima's Story". Learn about the Pacoima you never knew and its 1500 year history will present.

Crystal was born in Pacoima in the ‘60’s. Her family had moved to the San Fernando Valley in the 1930’s, first North Hollywood, then Pacoima. Crystal graduated Granada Hills High School but
went to San Fernando High her last semester to stay close to her Pacoima friends. She majored in Journalism at Cal State Northridge, but it wasn’t until Crystal moved to the Bay area to begin her Pacoima film that she realized the richness of her town’s history.

Upon registration, guests will be sent the Zoom link.
 




Please spread the word for this special presentation and event.

Thank you.
 
 







Saturday, January 30, 2021

Join Us - Sat. February 13th - 3:00-5:00 pm; Free virtual The Museum and PAI Artist Speaker Series - Artist Darrell Mitchell, II


The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and its Public Art Initiative is pleased to offer an other special event as part of its ongoing Artist Speaker Series and in conjunction with Black History Month, artist Darrell Mitchell, II.

Saturday, February 13, 2021

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Free event; (suggested donation of $10/person)

Zoom presentation

Darrell Mitchell, II is a published author, poet and artist. Since 1999, he has written and performed as a Spoken Word Artist known as D-Mitch the Poet and has also produced three spoken word albums, written and published 20 Books, and created over 150 paintings and hosted numerous painting workshops. The artist currently has performance videos that have gone viral and are currently viewed numerous times a throughout the day on national and international channels and websites.

The author’s story has been described as inspirational, powerful and enlightening. Most importantly he represents a family-friendly brand, which address everyday aspects of life and offers a different perspective. Through his work author has moved generations, influenced ideas, and empowered readers and listeners to enjoy life and achieve their dreams.

Darrell Mitchell endeavors to encourage a generation to think better, write better and live better in life. As an organization we promote thinking on a creative level and assist with various aspects of performing arts through fundraising events, showcases and community outreach programs. His goal is to inspire, empower and enlighten the world through art and literature.

The Artist/Writers brand represents products that readers can easily relate to. The current catalog has built a solid foundation among readers and music enthusiast, who currently read and listens to inspirational, empowering and enlightening material. The art and spoken word poetry collection creates a connection with the reader. This collection also enlightens the reader and provides them with understanding. Each published piece is embedded with a message that challenges the reader to make a connection between ideas and concepts. More importantly, the series of artwork and poems give a testimony and explains how you can achieve your dreams by believing in them.

The Museum's Artist Speaker Series has been promoting valley artists for almost a decade. In its new home, and upon opening up again, The Museum SFV has plans for ongoing speaker series, artist workshops, youth art programming and outdoor murals and sculptures.

Upon registration, you will be sent the ZOOM Link.

Please join us for this special event. No charge, but a suggested $10 donation to The Museum and Public Art Initiative to support valley-based artists and art programming would be greatly appreciated.



Friday, January 8, 2021

Former Councilmember Tom LaBonge passes away at age 67 - Mr. Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley lost a friend in Tom LaBonge.  At the founding of The Museum, after Greig Smith, Councilmember CD12 at the time, Tom LaBonge, CD4, was the next cheerleader for our growing museum.

He seemed to truly enjoy attending cultural events, especially the annual Campo de Cahuenga annual re-enactment in mid-January.

 

(this is a special photo because it has Councilmembers, Tom LaBonge and Paul Krekorian, Deuk Perrin and Guy Weddington McCreary - 2014 event)

Tom was terrific in exciting an audience and having them engage and enjoy a given event.

He was one of the first city council members to make a donation to The Museum.  After he was termed out of office, we had a couple of phone conversations where he said he was rummaging through all of his stuff and would have some items for us. A few months later, I was in my car, received a call, did not recognize the number but decided to answer it anyway, "hello, this is Michael."  "Hey, Mike! Tom Labonge here, I have some items and want to drop these off today at The Museum."  I replied, "sure, we would appreciate it."  We met later that day and he dropped some items that we still retain today.

He was a 39-year veteran of City Hall. He was known for enjoying the history of Los Angeles. He was an avid photographer and hand out calendars featuring his photographs of the city each year.

LaBonge, who served on the City Council from 2001 to 2015, passed away on Thursday. He was 67. Brigid, his wife of 41 years, said she had been unable to wake him up after he had been resting on the couch. No cause of death was given.

“He was such an irrepressible cheerleader for Los Angeles — a walking encyclopedia of all the amazing things and spots and neighborhoods and institutions in L.A.,” said Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents the city’s coastal neighborhoods. “He was the Huell Howser of L.A. politics, a spirit that was always optimistic and in love with the city.”

To read more on Tom LaBonge by By David Zahniser, Dakota Smith of the Los Angeles Times, please click HERE.

Michel Stevens