Our core committee is working constantly on several projects.  
 
     We are restoring the Ocean Front Walk Bench Tiles.  These were special large community themed ceramic art pieces which were incorporated into Ocean Front Walk Benches.  Several of the benches have crumbled and need to be replaced.
 
We are publishing a Ocean Front Walk Bench Tiles Book.  You'll see it in the stores soon.  
 

 The City Planning Commission (CPC) heard many artists, teachers, activists, etc. explain once again what should be included or disregarded in the proposed ordinance.  Read the longer story here:  http://notesonlooking.com/2012/10/la-is-getting-its-murals-back/

QUOTES:  Venice is precious and I chose the poets - for what will hopefully be only a first round of permanent boardwalk poems - to reflect the area's history, depth, and promise. Culture can be protected in Los Angeles, and the poets are our voice, our sustenance. Their poems, if properly preserved, can remind the world not only why Venice is important but how meaningfully democracy has been, and can be, protected there.  Fred Dewey, Curator, Former Director, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
 
 As Philomene Long wrote, Venice is a “holy ground, stained with the blood of poets.”  From the Beats to the Doors to the punks, poetry has been central to the rhythm of Venice.  We celebrate it by keeping it alive in the heart of our community – at the beach, with the tides, the sunsets, the children, and the sounds and sensations of our city.  – Mike Bonin, Lover of Venice and advocate for public art who championed the project while working for then Councilmember Ruth Galanter current Chief of Staff, Office of Councilman Bill Rosendahl
 

STATEMENT FROM VENICE BEACH POET'S MONUMENT CURATOR FRED DEWEY: I am sorry I couldn't be here with you for this great beginning put on by the Arts Council. It's deeply encouraging that you all are here.

The restoration of the walls is vital. Who else but the poets could put the spirit of freedom into words, expressing the heart and soul of Venice? They must be preserved.

So I send you a warm hello and encouragement, from chilly, free Berlin, where the air and light are still not as beautiful or warm, the poetry never as much part of the soul and ground, holy ground - as beloved Philomene put it - as in my raucous and real home, Venice.  And as to that, I recently discovered, to my surprise, that Philomene's fellow Irishman, in Berlin so many years ago, actually said: "ich bin ein Venetian-er!"

So.... SAVE that holy ground, SAVE the poems, and SAVE Venice!

     On May 31st, the Venice Arts Council presented music, art and poetry at BOARDRIDERS, benefiting the restoration of the Venice Beach Poet's Monument.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to the extended community of artists and interested persons who made this possible.  Exene Cervenka of the L.A. punk rock band X, Michelle Shocked, Peter Case, Linda Albertano, Wanda Coleman, Ellyn Maybe Band, Philomene Long’s poetry read by Pegarty Long, Francisco Letelier, Mike Bonin, Sherman Pearl, Rick Noguchi and Bob Flanagan’s poetry read by Gloria Vando.
     Venice's poet/performance artist Linda Albertano kicked off the show with her poetry and then picked up the kora backed by African drummers to get things rolling. Ellyn Maybe rocked the house with her poetry backed by Robbie Fitzsimmons, David Ralicke, Tommy C. Jordan, Harlan Steinberger, Jon Ossman, and Danny Moynahan. Wanda Coleman's powerful poetry pierced right through your bones. Muralist and poet Francisco Letelier provided the beautiful stage back drop and an outstanding performance backed by members of The Ellyn Maybe Band, and horn section played from the audience. Exene had the audience in stitches with her political commentary and ended her set with a favorite "This Land is Your Land". Michelle Shocked performed a New Orleans tune joined by The Ellyn Maybe Band's horn section while members of the audience got out of their seats to dance.

Photo credit: Edizen Stowell, Venice Paparazzi

Venice Arts Council raised over $6,000 at the Venice Beach Poet's Monument Fundraiser at BOARDRIDERS, Venice, May 31st.

Front row L to R:  Filmmaker and sister to Venice Poet Laurette Philomene, Pegarty Long, poet Ellyn Maybe, poet and Senior Program Officer, James Irvine Foundation Rick Noguchi, rocker Exene Cervenka, Venice Arts Council Co-Founder and Endangered Art Fund Chair, Suzanne Thompson, poet and Pres. Beyond Baroque Sherman Pearl, Rosendahl's Chief of Staff Mike Bonin, poet Wanda Coleman, Back row L to R: VNC Pres. Linda Lucks, poet and muralist Francisco Letelier, Councilman Bill Rosendahl, poet and performance artist Linda Albertano, and BOARDRIDERS store manager Johnny Christopher Nelson. Not pictured Michelle Shocked and Peter Case.