Lots of variety this weekend, from a big cultural festival and parade to art, movies and a maker fair.
First, though, for the early risers and bargain hunters, there’s a big estate sale , running Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 10-3, at 413 N. McCadden Pl. It’s a nearly-50-year collection of items that includes major name brand sterling silver, crystal and glassware, china and serving ware, decorative items such as mirrors and paintings, furniture (armoires, secretary, desk, buffet, etc.), bedroom furniture, a perfume bottle collection, Asian items (including Cloisonné), vintage table linens, kitchenware, bakers’ racks, garden items (including plants), patio furniture…and more. See the link above for photos and more information.
Also starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday (and running until 6 p.m.), the Petersen Museum is holding a big Cosplay Day in conjunction with its current exhibit, “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Cosplay is short for “costume play,” in which fans dress up as their favorite characters from movies, books or video games. The event will include an in-exhibit pop-up gallery, cosplay academy, and panel discussion about the science and design behind science fiction and fantasy vehicles. All costume skill levels are welcome at the event, and visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress up and partake in the festivities. See the event link above for details and the full schedule. It’s all free with museum admisson.
Moving into Saturday afternoon, the John C. Fremont Library, 6121 Melrose Ave., will host its twice-monthly French conversation class from 1-2:30 p.m. It’s led by Paris native Samba Magassa, and speakers at all levels are invited to attend and join in and brush up their skils at the friendly get-together.
Meanwhile, starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., join artist Kazuhiko Hachiya for “Making it Real, Flying out of Japanese Animation.” Hachiya will talk about his efforts to recreate an imaginary aircraft from the Japanese comic/animated film “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” created by Hayao Miyazaki. According to the JFLA, “Miyazaki drafted the Mehve as a “non-flying airplane,” but in 2003, Hachiya, who was obsessed with the fictional aircraft, “began creating a real airplane that utilizes micro-jet engine. After years of trial and error, his airplane finally had a successful maiden flight in 2013.” Admission is free, though reservations are required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lecture-make-it-real-flying-out-of-miyazaki-animation-tickets-65451389869 Light refreshments will be provided.
After the lecture, head down the street to LACMA, where Oskar Cartaya and the Riccanection will play from 5-7 p.m. in Hancock Park, as part of the museum’s Latin Sounds series. The conert will feature Indigenous works as well as the latest sounds from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and Los Angeles. Bandleader, bass player, and producer Oskar Cartaya has worked with Spyro Gyra, Herb Albert, Jennifer Lopez, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, and Tito Puente. His latest project, “The Ricannection,” bridges his Puerto Rican heritage with musical influences from around the world. The concert is free and open to all.
Also at 5 p.m. Saturday on the Miracle Mile, TAG (the Artists’ Gallery), 5458 Wilshire Blvd., will hold a reception for the 2019 California Open, a national juried exhibition celebrating contemporary art. The exhibition features 108 pieces selected from more than 1,400 submissions. See the link above for the full list of artists and photos of their works.
Just an hour later, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, head back to the Japan Foundation for a screening of the Kyoto Animation film “Liz and the Blue Bird,” from the Sound! Euphnoium series. In the film, protagonist Kumiko Oumae, in her second year of high school, mentors the incoming members of the Kitauji High School concert band as they aim for gold at the National Championship. Kyoto Animation was the target of a horrific arson fire earlier this year, and donations to support the group will be accepted at the screening. Admission is free and no reservations are required.
For a very different kind of film experience, Cinespia, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., will screen director John Singleton’s “Boyz n the Hood,” starting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday (doors open at 6:45). The event, with special guests Questlove and DJ Pooh, will pay tribute to the late director and his debut film, an iconic portrayal of Los Angeles starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and Regina King. See the link above for tickets.
Moving into Sunday, you can join City Council Member Paul Koretz for the unveiling of a new sign commemorating the recent naming of the Beverly Fairfax Historic District (roughly bounded by Beverly, Fairfax, Melrose and Gardner St.) to the National Register of Historic Places. It happens at 10 a.m. at 340 N. Sierra Bonita. The historic designation was the result of area owners, residents, neighbors and friends who sent emails, gathered signatures, attended hearings and otherwise demonstrated overwhelming support for the nomination.
A bit later, back at LACMA between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., you can drop in for an Andell Family Sundays event – The Art of Korean Writing. Calligraphy has long been considered one of the highest art forms in Korea, and during this workshop you can visit the current exhibition, “Beyond Line: The Art of Korean Writing,” learn about calligraphy’s fascinating history (including work by kings, queens, painters, monks, aand more), and then join in an artist-led workshop to make handmade books for your writings. It’s all free and open to the public, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
Continuing the art theme on Sunday, the California African American Museuem, in Exposition Park, will be hosting its 2019 Makers Fest, from 1-4 p.m. Kids, teens and families can let their creativity flow at a variety of maker stations led by local artists, including Suzanne Edwards-Acton, who will share paper-folding techniques to make geometric ornaments; Teresa Tolliver, who will present a doll-making workshop; and Rosalind McGary, who will make small relief prints with participants. Attendees can also take home their creative treasures. No prior art experience is necessary, and art materials will be provided. Please RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/makers-fest-tickets-62069761327, if you’d like to attend.
Starting just half an hour later, at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, there’s a third art-making opportunity as the Craft Contemporary hosts Printmaking: Envelopes and Stationery with Art Division. Inspired by the museum’s current exhibition, “On the Inside,” participants will work with teaching artists from Art Division and learn a variety of printmaking techniques to create their very own stationery…which can then be used to write letters to the museum’s currently incarcerated LGBTQ+ pen pal network. Admission is free for members, $10 for adults and $7 for children. Please RSVP to r[email protected] if you’d like to attend.
And finally on Sunday, it’s almost not a summer weekend without some sort of big festival, and this is Nisei Week in Little Tokyo, which culminates with the celebration’s 79th annual Grand Parade starting at 4 p.m. This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshal Akemi Miyake, community leader, long-time volunteer and Parade Marshal…and the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, official partner of the Japanese American Community Basketball Night. For more information, and the parade route, see the links above.
Have a great weekend!
