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.

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