“Crenshaw Cowboy” Artist Kenneth “Lovell” Moore Gets His Own Show

Many Larchmont area commuters frequently travel south toward the 10 Freeway along Crenshaw Blvd.  And those who do are probably quite familiar with the fanciful sculptures – and signs with positive affirmational messages – Kenneth “Lovell” Moore has created from found objects for the past 10 years at the corner of Crenshaw and the westbound entrance ramp to the freeway.  Moore, a 61-year-old veteran and former handyman, who is also homeless, has lived at the corner for many years…and in addition to being well known to local commuters, he has also been profiled by the L.A. Weekly and radio station KCRW.

Back in September, however, city crews (it’s unclear whether they were from LAPD, the Department of Sanitation or another agency) came and cleared away Moore’s sculptures and other belongings, leaving the busy corner unusually bare, and Moore without his longtime place in the community.  For several weeks, people wondered what had happened to Moore, but he did eventually return to the corner, at least part time…and KCRW reported (in an update in the story link above) that he was also creating some new artwork at a local gallery in the West Adams area.  And this week, we learned that the gallery has now scheduled a one-night show of Moore’s works, to honor and help with financial assistance for the artist whose “commitment to being a positive contribution to the community never failed.”

The event will take place this Friday, October 13, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Re/Creation Cafe, 4502 W. Washington Blvd., 90016.  It’s free and open to the public, no RSVPs necessary, and donations will be accepted to help Moore transition off the street and out of homelessness.  (The gallery has also set up a GoFundMe page for people who would like to contribute but cannot make it to the show on Friday. 100% of all funds received will go directly to Moore.)  So while you may not see Moore on your daily commutes as often as you used to, this might be an even better chance to stop and find out what he and his work are all about.