Art Happenings This Week

Check out Closet Cases artist Sean Bradshaw's film So Whaddya Think? - a hilarious short about Shelley Pinkel, a slacker girl with big ideas - at the LA Shorts Fest. So Whaddya Think? is written and voiced by Happy friend and supporter Debi Bradshaw and animated by Sean. It's short and sweet and funny! It can be seen this Thursday, July 23 at 5:30pm as part of the LA Shorts Fest at Laemmle's Sunset 5:



http://lashortsfest.com/film_program_details.asp?programnumber=3

On Saturday July 25 from 5:30-9:30pm, Closet Cases artist Corina Gamma will be featured in the group show Project Home at SOPA Studios in South Pasadana. This exhibition is in conjunction with South Pasadena's Project Home Art Walk. For more info:

http://www.sopastudios.com/

Also on Saturday July 25 from 6:00pm - midnight, Happy friend and supporter Andie Villafañe curated Latent Night, which showcases the art of Charlie Cho. It's the closing reception for this show and there will be an artist talk at 7:30pm. Get on the Redline to Union Station and walk over to Freedom Gallery at 618 E. 1st St. (just off Alameda).

Hope you can get out and support your local arts organizations and artists!!!

Meet the Artist: Leia Jervert

Artwork (or artist) that changed your life and why?

Visiting the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, TX and seeing Donald Judd’s "100 untitled works in mill aluminum" installed in person was revelatory. As you walk through the former army barrack, flanked by floor to ceiling glass windows, the aluminum boxes reflect the landscape outside and seemingly disappear and reappear before your eyes.

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?

I honestly seem to recommit myself to becoming an artist everyday in the studio.

What do you like about making art in Los Angeles?

Not to be cliché, but I do love the light in Southern California. The urban landscape of manicured lawns and deftly created fictions in concrete is very inspiring.

What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles?

Having had to discourage viewers from labeling my work as East Coast. (Can one develop an aesthetic growing up in New Jersey?).

Favorite book, film and food?

My favorite book is Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. My favorite film is In the Mood for Love by Kar Wai Wong. I am always satisfied by a bowl of homemade pasta and marinara sauce.

Favorite current web site?

Wow. I am so 2000. I still go to Craigslist for everything.

Best art advice?

Make magic.

Leia made magic at Happy! Check out her thought provoking and interactive installation, "Cut Back", on view until August 30.

Hey? Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came out for Jim Gentry and Leia Jervert on Friday. Jim's canvas stitchings commanded Happy's main space and Leia's hedge sprouted, morphed and captivated viewers in Happy's closet. Pictures from the packed opening will be posted soon. In the meantime, fans of Leia's can catch more of her unique work at Deborah Martin Gallery, this Thursday:

209 W. 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.deborahmartingallery.com

July 9 - August 8
Artist Reception July 9 7-9pm