LA Art Show returns for its 31st edition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 7–11, 2026.

 
 LA Art Show returns for its 31st edition of Los Angeles' largest and longest-running art fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall from January 7–11, 2026.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA December 24 2025
By Karen Ostlund


LA Art Show, LA’s largest and longest-established art fair, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center’s West Hall on January 7 to 11, 2026, marking its 31st year. It's under the direction of producer and director Kassandra Voyagis who said, "We are thrilled to once again in 2026, unite galleries, artists and enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in the city’s rich cultural legacy."
                                                                        

Sylvester Stallone "Male Pattern Badness" 1991, oil on canvas, (Provident Fine Art)

The LA Art Show 2026 will be dominated by a celebrity presences, represented within the exhibits themselves, featuring an exciting combination of art, music and film. Highlights include Provident Fine Art's LA Art Show debut with a special solo presentation of work by Sylvester Stallone, offering audiences a rare look at the celebrated actor's long-standing and deeply personal painting practice.

Stallone has been painting as a vital form of expression since his adolescence, and as a prolific screenwriter, he often turned to art to assist, in the development of his iconic screen-characters.
The fair's music-to-art narrative, John Martin Gallery will present new works by Paul Simonon, the legendary bassist of The Clash, whose visual art channels  represent the same raw energy that shaped the band's iconic legacy.  Pontone Gallery (London) will showcase Chris Rivers, former drummer for Heaven's Basement, now a fast-rising contemporary artist known for vivid, surreal oil paintings inspired by astronomy and mythology and embraced by top collectors and A-list fans.
                                                               

Artist Chris Rivers (drummer for Heaven's Basement) "Winter" (Pontone Gallery)

LA Art Show’s non-commercial platform DIVERSEartLA, curated by Marisa Caichiolo, returns to explore the evolving landscape of contemporary art through the lens of biennials and museums.
 The educational platform will highlight vital platforms for artistic innovation, dialogue, and engagement. Caichiolo will  oversee the curation of the Latin American Pavilion, bringing the flavor of emerging artists from other regions of the American Continent.

                                                                         

John Martin Gallery will present new works by Paul Simonon (The Clash)

With over 100 exhibitors, LA Art Show 2026 will feature continued collaborations with
international and local galleries including LICHT FELD Gallery (Switzerland); Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery (U.K), Coral Contemporary Gallery (Miami), K+Y Contemporary Art (Paris), Arcadia Contemporary (New York) and Fabrik Projects (Los Angeles). Rehs Galleries, a New York-based gallery, with its historic and contemporary art will return, having participated in the LA Art Show since  1994. 

Other galleries  showing at LA Art Show 2026 for the first time, include Dublin-based Oliver Sears Gallery. Gefen Gallery (San Francisco), Steidel Contemporary (Lake Worth) and Corridor Contemporary (Tel Aviv). This year will also continue its strong South Korean representation with over 10 galleries participating.
                                                                         

Actress Sasha Pieterse joins the LA Art Show as host for its Opening Night Premiere Party on behalf of the American Heart Association.

For the third consecutive year, the show will support the American Heart Association's Life is Why™ campaign, with 15% of the purchase price from every ticket benefiting the organization, with a maximum donation commitment of $45,000. The campaign encourages individuals to celebrate and protect their reasons for living healthier, longer lives. Opening night host Sasha Pieterse is an award-winning actress, whose work spans from film to TV,  best known for her breakout role as Alison DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars.

"I'm deeply honored to host the 2026 LA Art Show Opening Night Premiere Party in support of the American Heart Association and their life-saving work," said actress Sasha Pieterse. "Heart disease has had a profound impact on my family. I've lost loved ones to heart disease and heart attacks, which makes this cause incredibly close to my heart. Living with PCOS has also heightened my awareness of cardiovascular risk, reinforcing how vital education, research, and early intervention truly are. To be able to gather in celebration of art, creativity, and global voices while also raising critical funds for such an important organization is both meaningful and deeply inspiring.”

Tickets from Jan.7 to Jan.11 2026 at www.laartshow.com with the American Heart Association serving as the charity beneficiary, receiving 15% of proceeds from every ticket sold for their Life is Why ™ campaign.

Recap of L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants of 2025 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Recap of L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants of 2025 at the Hollywood Palladium.
WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA December 13 2025
By Karen Ostlund.  #LATimes101Best @LATimesEvents @LATimesFood
                                                           

Scallop Tostada with no-pales and cho-gochujang sauce by PERILLALA.com

The Los Angeles Times unveiled its annual 101 Best Restaurants guide, presented by OpenTable and Square, at the Hollywood Palladium on the evening of Dec. 9 2025. The event featured food and drinks from over 30 of the city’s top restaurants and bars, with acclaimed chefs Gilbert Cetina, Nancy Silverton and Alisa Vannah, Dave Beran, Kwang Uh, and Mario Llamas.
Guests enjoyed unlimited sips and bites, while The Times Food team revealed this year’s 101 honorees on stage.
                                                                          

MercadoLaPaloma.com was chosen as the No. 1 on the list located at 3655 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. Mercado La Paloma is a vibrant food hall, known for its diverse Latin American and international food vendors, including the Michelin-recognized Holbox. Also offering a variety of cuisines like Mexican (Yucatecan, Oaxacan), Ethiopian and Thai.

101 Best Restaurants guide 2025 from Southern California’s top dining establishments, featured a live countdown of The Times’ annual restaurants guide at the Hollywood Palladium.
The premium print-edition of 101 Best Restaurants is mailed to LA Times Sunday subscribers on Dec. 14 2025. Copies can also be purchased via LA Times online store. For more information, visit latimes.com/food and latimes.com/101
                                                                   

BBQ Beef brisket slider and banana cream parfait with vanilla wafer by DULAN’S ON CRENSHAW. DulanSoulFood.com

The event was created in 2013 by the late, Pulitzer Prize-winning restaurant critic Jonathan Gold.
 The 101 Best Restaurants has become a hallmark of The Times Food section and quintessential guide to the places that shows the Southern California food culture.
Continuing Gold’s legacy, LA Times James Beard Award-winning restaurant Critic Bill Addison and LA Times Food Columnist Jenn Harris are curating this year’s list, based on the region’s restaurants that have sustained excellence in cooking and the dining experience. The guide will also spotlight the city’s best places to drink and introduce the newest addition to the Hall of Fame, a standing list of restaurants that have become part of the fabric of Los Angeles.
                                                                      

Petrossian Caviar chicken-slider with creme fraiche and honey mustard by SOMERVILLESLAUSON.COM

Participating restaurants and bars for the 101 celebration included :Baroo, Chi Spacca, Daisy Margarita Bar, Dulan's on Crenshaw, Dunsmoor, Fat + Flour, Holbox, Komal, Macheen, Mario's Butcher Shop, Morihiro, Perilla LA, République, Restaurant Ki, Seline, Sonoratown, Tokyo Noir and Two Hommés.
                                                                     

CHUCHITO by KOMAL located inside Mercado La Paloma. Pork or seasonal vegetables with corn masa, roasted tomato sauce, pickled cabbage, pumpkin seeds, creme and cilantro.

The evening featured a special presentation of the Gold Award by Food General Manager Laurie Ochoa, which honored culinary excellence, given to restaurant BestiaLA.com located at 2121 7th Place, Los Angeles.Bestia is a popular, trendy Italian restaurant in Los Angeles' Arts District known for its rustic-chic atmosphere, industrial-chic decor, and high-quality, inventive Italian-Californian cuisine.
                                                                   

TOM YUM TOFU with spicy lemon grass soup, tomato and mushrooms by JITLADALA.com

Winners of the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants list for 2025 included notable establishments sas Mercado La Paloma, KATO, BAROO, DUNSMOOR, HAYATO, PROVIDENCE, MORIHIRO, ANTICO NUOVO, ANAJAK THAI, N/NAKA, Restaurant KI, AZIZAM, and SELENE.

                                                               

Car-sponsor, displayed on the outdoor patio. The MINI Countryman S ALL4, is a sporty, all-wheel-drive version of MINI's compact crossover SUV with a turbocharged engine. MINIDTLA.com

                                                                    

Best of drinks, TOKYONOIRBAR.com cocktails.

This annual guide highlights exceptional dining spots across Los Angeles, showcasing a diverse range of culinary experiences. The list is curated by restaurant critics and aims to reflect the vibrant food scene in the city of Los Angeles.
Here are other facts how the best restaurants are chosen:

• Food Quality: The taste, freshness, and presentation of the food and chefs knowledge.

• Service Quality: Friendly, attentive, and efficient service enhances the dining experience.

• Atmosphere: The ambiance, decor, and overall vibe contribute to customer satisfaction.

• Price: Value for money; customers often seek a balance between cost and quality.

• Location: Accessibility and visibility can significantly influence a restaurant's appeal.

• Reputation: Reviews and recommendations from others can sway decisions.

• Menu Variety: A diverse menu can attract a wider range of customers.

• Health and Safety Standards: Cleanliness and adherence to health regulations are increasingly important to diners.

CHARLES DICKENS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” RETURNS TO FPCH HOLLYWOOD FOR 11 PERFORMANCES.

CHARLES DICKENS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
 RETURNS TO FPCH HOLLYWOOD FOR 11 PERFORMANCES.
 
DIRECTED BY JESSE CORTI & CHOREOGRAPHED BY THEATRE & FILM CHOREOGRAPHER JULIETTA CORTI.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA

Story by Karen Ostlund (December 6, 2025)
                                                                

The longest running Christmas production returns to Hollywood after 79 years.
A Christmas Carol will run from Dec 5, 2025, thru December 20, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, 1760 N. Gower in Hollywood. This annual show sells out each year to a delighted audiences and it has the production value of a Broadway Show!
A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who hates Christmas. He is visited by the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley, and 3 spirits (Past, Present, and Yet to Come) The 3 spirits show him visions of his life, revealing the error of his selfish ways and leading him to a joyful redemption where he embraces generosity, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas.
                                                                      

 First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood is the oldest church in Hollywood and the first Mega Church in North America. The main stage of this campus turns 101 years with special effects, that makes it a first-class theater experience, for the entire family.
For the 5th year Jesse Corti will direct this show. He is one of the starring voices in Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and was one of the stars on Broadway of “Les Misérables”.

There are many familiar tv, film & theater faces in the production. The show stars Tim Farmer as Scrooge, Tiny Tim is played by HBO series Animals star Brandon Duvon and Bob Cratchit is played by London-stage star Dan Hazel.

For the 4th year choreographer Julietta Corti will choreograph the show. She starred in the Broadway cast of CATS, and also choreographed productions as Annie, Hairspray and Fiddler on the Roof.
                                                                              

What the stars are saying about this production:
 
"Director Jesse Corti's "A Christmas Carol" is simply the best staged version of this classic that I've ever seen.  Dickens' story and characters jump off the page and come to life in this heartwarming, magical production.  Bring the family to this must-see Christmas tradition."
said Nick Vallelonga - Two-time Academy Award Winner for GREEN BOOK.
 
"I have seen A Christmas Carol numerous times in life and this is the best Scrooge I have ever seen."
- said Joe Mantegna
 
There will be 11 performances in total for the show. It will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Dec 5th thru Dec 20th 2025. More information and tickets at https://www.achristmascarolhollywood.com/
SHOWTIMES: Friday & Saturday evening performances: 7:30pm
                           Saturday Matinee: 2:30pm
                           Sunday Matinee only: 2:30pm
 
FREE PARKING and an invite to the Fezziwig Christmas Party after every performance.
 
 

The LA Auto Show 2025 returned with debuts from gas-powered favorites to latest EVs.

 WestHollywoodToday.blogspot LOS ANGELES (November 21, 2025)

Photos by Karen Ostlund.

The Los Angeles Auto Show 2025 returned with debuts from gas-powered favorites to latest EVs.

This year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, from November 21–30 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, features more than 50 vehicles to drive or ride, to compare models, power-trains, and performance types, all in one place.

The show has more than one million square feet of exhibit space, featuring hundreds of new cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs from the world’s top automakers.
                                                                        

Porsche Downtown LA is participating in the 2025 LA Auto Show with a showcase in the West Atrium featuring vehicles like the 2026 911 GTS Hybrid, Macan Electric, and Panamera E-Hybrid.

Photo shows the Porsche 911 Spirit 70, which is a limited-edition sports car that celebrates the 1970s and early 1980s. It's the third of four Heritage Design models, each representing a decade from 1950–1980. Only 1500 cars are made.The Pasha pattern interior covers the seat centers, door panels, glove compartment, and reversible luggage mat.

                                       

Two Main Halls spotlight: Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, Lucid, Maserati, Volvo, Genesis, Chevrolet, Subaru, Dodge, RAM, Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Lincoln and Rivian, plus a special overlanding exhibit presented by OVR.
The Atrium spaces feature brand showcases by Porsche DTLA, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Fox Factory and Hyundai N & N Line
Outdoor plazas are transformed into immersive hands-on activations including the Scout Experience and test drives from Rivian, Toyota, Kia, Dodge, Fiat, Subaru, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Volvo, plus on weekends only Cadillac, Lucid and Faraday Future.

From rugged off-roaders and cutting-edge EVs to luxury sedans and high-performance vehicles, the test drive lineup reflects the full spectrum of today’s automotive landscape. Test drives are included with admission and remain one of the most popular features of the show.
                                                                        

The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro has all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking differential for enhanced traction. It is designed for adventurous excursions and comes with features like a "Ground View Monitor" to see the terrain ahead, with help of cameras beneath the vehicle, along with pitch, roll and steering angle. Telluride X-Pro model has a hybrid power-train, which offers up to 329 horsepower.
.

“There’s nothing like feeling a new vehicle come alive beneath you for the first time,” said Terri Toennies, president of the Los Angeles Auto Show. “At LA Auto Show, visitors don’t just see the newest vehicles, they get to drive them, compare, and discover what makes one the right choice for them.”

OUTDOOR TEST DRIVES 2025

Clean Power Alliance EV and Hybrid Test Track: Sponsored by the CPA EV SmartCharge Program. This one-mile loop outside South Hall will showcase over 20 electrified models across multiple brands. The following brands will offer test drives:

Cadillac: Escalade IQ, LYRIQ, OPTIQ and VISTIQ.
Chevrolet: Blazer EV, Bolt EV 10th anniversary, Equinox EV and Silverado EV.
Faraday Future: FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, FX Super One
Lucid: Air and Gravity Touring.
Nissan: First-ever consumer test drive opportunity with all-new Leaf.
Volkswagen: Atlas, ID Buzz and Tiguan.
Volvo: Celebrating its 70th anniversary in the U.S., the legendary Swedish brand will celebrate with test drivers of its XC90, XC60 and EX30.
Gilbert Lindsay Plaza Street Drives: Navigating Downtown LA street routes. Guests can choose from over 30 gas, EV and hybrid models including the first-ever public test drive opportunity with the Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe.
                                                                       

Hyundai CRATER Concept stands for the all-electric XRT concept vehicle, not for sale yet.
The Hyundai Crater is a compact, off-road electric concept SUV that shows a future design for Hyundai's  XRT models. Steel-like exterior with rugged, angular bodywork, pixel lighting and with 33-inch tires. Key interior includes detachable side cameras that function as flashlights.

                                                                             

The Lucid Gravity, the new all-wheel-drive electric SUV has a three-row seating and up to 120 cubit as cargo space. It's the Lucid's second vehicle that offers a blend of SUV, with high-performance of a sports-car.

The following brands will offer test-drives:

Alfa Romeo: Giulia and Tonale PHEV.
Chrysler: Pacifica PHEV.
Dodge: Durango SRT and Hornet.
Fiat: 500e
Jeep: Gladiator, Grand Cherokee L, Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe.
Kia: EV9 GT Line, EV6 GT Line and EV6 GT.
RAM: RAM 1500 and RAM 2500
Rivian: R1-S and R1-T.
Subaru: Ascent Onyx Touring, Crosstrek Sport, Forester Touring, Forester Sport Hybrid, Impreza RS, Outback, Solterra Touring and WRX tS.
Toyota: bZ, Grand Highlander, RAV4 Hybrid, Prius PHEV and Tacoma TRD Pro

                                                                       

The 2026 EV Jeep Recon is an upcoming, all-electric SUV that is designed with a style inspired by the Wrangler. It is built on the Stellantis STLA Large platform and features a dual-motor  all-wheel-drive system under-body protection. It has a removable one-touch power-top for open-air driving. The All-Electric 2026 EV Jeep Recon is designed with removable doors, removable rear-quarter glass and a removable swing gate glass.

INDOOR TEST RIDES AND ADVENTURE 2025

Popular indoor test-ride experiences are featured at the Convention Center’s main halls. The inside South Hall, “Camp Jeep” features Wrangler 4xe, Wrangler, Gladiator and Grand Cherokee L  climbs and offroad style obstacles.

Also, in the South Hall, Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ lineup is showcased for attendees to feel the speed and comfort of the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 5 Limited, as well as the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy models.

In West Hall, attendees can strap into Ford’s Bronco Built Wild ride experience, showcasing Bronco Badlands capabilities as they navigate an  indoor course, climb Bronco Mountain and traverse over challenging landscapes.
                                                                    

Volkswagen revived this year, the 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus named "Azul" which is a blue and white classic VW van, that gained attention for surviving the 2025 Palisades Fire in Malibu.

Tickets and more information at

laautoshow.com/tickets  

Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA.

The Hollywood Museum’s new exhibit “Hollywood Goes To War” - A tribute to World War 2 Costumes in films.

The Hollywood Museum’s new exhibit “Hollywood Goes To War” - A tribute to World War 2 Costumes in films.

 The Bob & Delores Hope Foundation / Bob Hope Legacy

is the proud sponsor of this exhibit.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot. CA  Nov.7 2025

By Karen Ostlund

                                                          

Bob Hope World War 2 Costume.

 “HOLLYWOOD GOES TO WAR” is paying tribute to Hollywood’s costumes in films during the World War 2, opening November 7, 2025 -  in advance to Veterans Day, November 11.

                                                                       

Audie Murphy's costume in TO HELL AND BACK.

Hollywood Museum‘s newest exhibition, “Hollywood Goes to War” pays tribute to Hollywood films – The entertainment’s influence during WWII in films and stories depicting World War II battles and "homefront" stories - including musicals and comedies, designed to boost the morale of families and soldiers stateside, and to the troops stationed overseas.
                                                                      

Oppenheimer Costumes.

Donelle Dadigan, founder and president of The Hollywood Museum said “The Hollywood Museum‘s newest exhibition “Hollywood Goes to War” features stars and entertainers from Hollywood’s  Golden Era, who starred in the popular and tearjerking movies of the 40s, who used their fame to help sell war bonds, along with many well-known actors. They appeared regularly at the Hollywood Canteen to entertain the service men, and performed in USO shows stateside, and all around the world –  in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

"This exhibit creates memories from of one of the most patriotic times in our country’s history.”
                                                                          

The Winds of War Costumes.

“Hollywood Goes to War” includes costumes, props and personal items from films and the stars estates, as well as historic pieces on loan from Tyler Perry Studios (Costumes from the film The Six Triple Eight that stars Ebony Obsidian & Gregg Sulkin), from Universal Pictures film Oppenheimer (Cate Blanchette’s costume), and costumes and personal items from Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, The Andrew Sisters, John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, John Garfield, Charlie Chaplin, Betty Hutton, Cary Grant, Anne Sheridan, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper, Jack Benny, Audie Murphy, Marlene Dietrich, Veronica  Lake, Bette Midler, Anne Sheridan, Claude Raines, Jack Benny, Geraldine Fitzgerald,  Ali McGraw, Polly Bergan, Rags Ragland, Larry Parks, Bette Garrett, Eve Aarden, Alice Faye, Jose` Iturbi,  Francis Langford, Martha Raye Ingrid Bergman, Conrad Veidt, Hector Elezondro, Hattie McDaniel, Janice Paige, Rose Marie, Esther Williams, Johnny Grant, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Hugh O’Brien.   
                                                                       

Among invited guests joining Donelle Dadigan included: Erin Murphy (Bewitched), Rex Smith(Music, Broadway and Film star),Kym Karath (The Sound of Music), Charles Fox (Emmy, Grammy award winning composer), Lee Purcell (JL Ranch/Valley Girl), Kathy Garver (Family Affair), Geoffrey Mark (Best-selling author), Meredith Thomas (Merry Gentlemen/Make or Bake Christmas), Grace Field (Broadway star, Jessie from Texas), Kathy Kolla (Arrested Development/VegHeads),Nancy Harding (Crown Prince of Christmas/Cheaper By the Dozen),Tyrone Dubose (R&B Historian/Unsung), Sassy Mohen(Award winning Director/Producer/ How to Hack Birth Control), Dani Ke’lly (Samba Queen/ Former Brazlilan Ambassador to China), Alice Amter(Big Bang Theory),  Jeannie Russell (Dennis The Menace), Danny Arroyo (Wild West Chronicles/Never Let Me Go), Avrielle Corti ( Wild Robot/ Fast and Furious series/Netflix/ A Christmas Carol), Melissa Neice Smith (Bold & Beautiful/Studio City), Darby Hinton (Danile Boone), Rico E. Anderson (Countdown/The Greatest), Eve Richards ( A Line of Fire/ Straight Shot), Lee Newman (Grandson of Jimmy McHugh & Eddie Cantor) and Nick Vallelonga (Two Time Academy Award & Golden Globe Award winner for "The Green Book”.  

The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation/Bob Hope Legacy are proud to be a sponsor of “Hollywood Goes to War” at the Hollywood Museum. Throughout World War II, Bob’s radio shows were performed and aired from military bases and installations throughout the United States and theaters of war in Europe and the South Pacific. His first trip into the combat area was in 1943 when he and his small USO troupe – which included Frances Langford, Tony Romano and Jack Pepper – visited U.S. military facilities in England, Africa, Sicily and Ireland. In later years his itinerary included the South Pacific. Bob is also the subject of current WWII documentary, “Miles, Morales and Memories.”

MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com at 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028

Asian Hall of Fame Unveiled Induction 2025 at Biltmore hotel Los Angeles.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot CA  November 3rd 2025.
Photos by Karen Ostlund
                                                                   

 (Left) Ed Roth, music director with chairwoman Melinda Rogers and Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Rock & Roll.

Asian Hall of Fame Unveiled Iconic Induction 2025, and featured an after-dinner concert by
"Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" Danny Seraphine & CTA at Biltmore hotel Los Angeles.

                                                                            

(Center) Presenter Frank Buckley with Sam Liu and son of Roman Gabriel Jr. LA Rams.

LOS ANGELES, Saturday, November 1 2025 was the date at The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles to memorialize Asian Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees.
The 21st Induction Ceremony was presented by Official Hotel Sponsor Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Official Media Partner KTLA and Official Designer TAO.
Proceeds of the event supported Asian Hall of Fame’s initiatives, to increase public recognition of Asian legacy, fund scholarships for women, and expand their mission to Honolulu, Silicon Valley, and New York for next year.                                         

Casino games at pre-reception, with Miss Asia Nicole Ho.

                                                                             

Fiona Ma and Cindy Huang.

Presenters of Master of Ceremonies were Frank Buckley, Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ Group, Chairwoman Melinda Rogers, Chairman Charlie Zhang (Inductee 2023), Julia S. Gouw (Inductee 2023), Cheryl Burke (Inductee 2020), Andrew Moy of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, Keith Hamasaki, Yi Zhang, and Adrian Dev.
                                                                   

A2O May - New Artist Award.

Asian Hall of Fame’s performers included Yoshiki (Inductee 2025), Hiro Yamamoto (Inductee 2023), Maki Mae, Ed Roth, Asian Hall of Fame’s Aukai Cain Dragon Crew, A2O May, Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, and Compton Kidz Club.
 https://www.youtube.com/live/f3kJBeTbtvw
 
                                                                      

Andy Henry and Valorie Wiggins.

 CLASS OF 2025
Cindy Y. Huang, Founder, Green Rock Investment Fund
Dr. Soyeon YI, First Korean Astronaut
Honorable Fiona Ma, CPA, 34th Treasurer of California
Il Yeon Kwon, Founder, H Mart
Kwek Leng Beng Family, Hong Leong Group
Michelle Kwan, Olympic Medalist & Former U.S. Ambassador to Belize
Rika and Manu Shah, Raj Shah, Rup Shah, Founders, MSI
Roman Gabriel Jr., Legendary NFL Quarterback
Soo Man LEE, Visionary Producer
William Wang, Founder, Vizio
Yao Ming, Basketball Hall of Famer
Yoshiki, Cultural Icon
                                                                

 Il Yeon Kwon, Soyeon Yi and Soo Man Lee.

NATIONAL MERIT PRIZES
A2O May, New Artist Award
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, Julia S. Gouw Asian Women In Entertainment Prize
Nicole Ho, Cultural Ambassador
Dr. Stephen Pu, Arts Educator Prize

ASIAN HALL OF FAME
was established in 2004, and is is a global ambassador of Asian and Indigenous legacy.
www.asianhalloffame.org

MONUMENTS is the new exhibit presented at The Geffen MOCA and The Brick.

 
MONUMENTS is the new exhibit presented at The Geffen Contemporary MOCA and The Brick.
On view Oct 23, 2025 – May 3, 2026.

WestHollywoodToday.blogspot October 24 2025
Photos by Karen Ostlund.
                                                                    

The statue of Matthew Fontaine Maury in MOCA’s “Monuments.

MONUMENTS marks the recent wave of monument removals as a historic moment. The exhibit reflects on the histories and legacies of post-civil war of America.
The contemporary artworks are borrowed and newly created for the occasion, removed from their original outdoor public context. The monuments in this exhibit are shown in their varying states of transformation, from untouched to heavily vandalized.

Co-curated by Hamza Walker, Director of The Brick; Bennett Simpson, Senior Curator at MOCA; and Kara Walker, artist; with Hannah Burstein, curatorial associate at The Brick; and Paula Kroll, assistant curator at MOCA.

                                                                         

The opening press conference featured MOCA's director Ann Goldstein, co-curators Hamza Walker and Bennett Simpson, and artists including Torkwase Dyson, Karon Davis, and Glenn Ligon.

  Following the racially motivated mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC (2015) and the deadly 'Unite the Right' rally organized by white nationalists in Charlottesville, VA (2017), alongside Bree Newsome’s powerful removal of the Confederate flag at the South Carolina Statehouse (2015), the United States witnessed the decommissioning of nearly 200 monuments.
                                                            

Hank Willis Thomas’ installation “A Suspension of Hostilities” at MOCA’s “Monuments”  a 1969 Dodge Charger from the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard,”

MONUMENTS features newly commissioned artworks by contemporary artists Bethany Collins, Karon Davis, Abigail DeVille, Stan Douglas, Kevin Jerome Everson, Kahlil Robert Irving, Monument Lab, Walter Price, Cauleen Smith, Davóne Tines and Julie Dash, and Kara Walker. Additional artworks by Leonardo Drew, Torkwase Dyson, Nona Faustine, Jon Henry, Hugh Mangum, Martin Puryear, Andres Serrano, and Hank Willis Thomas, are borrowed from private collectors and institutions.
                                                                            

Karon Davis’ sculpture “Descendant” shows the artist’s son holding a small Confederate horse by its tail.

The exhibition presents decommissioned monuments borrowed from the City of Baltimore, Maryland; the City of Montgomery, Alabama; Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, Charlottesville, Virginia; the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond; the Valentine, Richmond, Virginia; and The Daniels Family Charitable Foundation, Raleigh, North Carolina. The exhibition highlights the gaps and omissions in popular narratives of American history.  
MOCA.ORG at 152 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Admission to MONUMENTS is free on the first Friday of every month, with extended opening hours from 11am until 8pm. Advance reservations are recommended. 

Admission to MONUMENTS and other special exhibitions at The Geffen Contemporary is $18 for adults; $10 for students with I.D. and seniors (+65); and free for children under 12 and jurors with I.D.