LA LIFE: Oscar Costumes, Annie Leibovitz, Birding, Visionaries
The hills are a vibrant green here in LA and I hope all you Tomatoes had a simply Ma-a-hvelous Valentine’s Day. It’s Oscar Season and you can get up close and personal with the crème dele crème of Oscar costumes. “The Early Years” of Annie Leibovitz, is on display in Los Angeles starting tomorrow. Feel like a lovely sojourn into nature? Well, The LA Audubon Society has three great birding events and walks this weekend. And a big “Shout Out” to KTLA for their series of films “Black History Visionaries.” Enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer this week Tomatoes.
Till April 12. Art of Motion Picture Costume Design
Oh, boy oh boy an LA Tradition is back. This year’s “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition” at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising features over 100 costumes from 2018 films including the five Academy Award Nominees. I can’t wait to go! And, Tomatoes, this incredible exhibition is…FREE! Wow!
I would pay top dollar to see this display because it is so awesome and never disappoints. Quite a gift that it is free. As in the previous 26 years, FIDM has outdone itself again. The Academy Award nominee’s ensembles for Best Costume Design on display are “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” created by Mary Zophres, “Black Panther” created by Ruth Carter, “The Favourite” created by Sandy Powell, “Mary Poppins Returns” by created by Sandy Powell and “Mary Queen of Scots” created by Alexandra Byrne. This is a great opportunity to see breathtaking artistry and craftsmanship by the best in movie costume design. Don’t miss it Tomatoes!
Costume design is an integral part of bringing a character to life and making the film memorable and magical. This annual exhibition is the only one of its kind in the world. And FIDM Museum & Galleries has one of the nation’s finest costume collections of more than 15,000 objects, dating from the 18th century to the present. So, there is always lots more to enjoy at FIDM Tomatoes.
Feb 16 & 17. Bird Walks
I love it when birds and people meet on common ground. So, I love the Los Angeles Audubon Society for facilitating those meet-ups. You can join a lovely stroll on a guided Audubon Walk tomorrow or Sunday at three different locations. A delightful way to get a few steps recorded on your Fitbit, Tomatoes.
And say hello to the Birdies for me. First up is “The Bird Walk and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area” or “Birding at Sepulveda Basin” Wildlife Area tomorrow February 16 or “Bird Walk at Ballona Wetlands Sunday February 17. The mission of Los Angeles Audubon Society is to promote the study and protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats throughout the diverse landscapes of the Los Angeles area, and to stimulate popular interest in and access to nature for all Los Angeles communities. They provide an easy peasy way to enjoy nature and learn a few things so look in to the LA Audubon Society Events, Tomatoes.
February 16 – April 14. Annie Leibovitz, The Early Years
It’s a first Tomatoes. The very first comprehensive public exhibition in Los Angeles dedicated to the early years of the iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz. Annie’s amazing spellbinding work has been at the forefront of America’s cultural landscape for almost 50 years. Finally we have it Tomatoes. “Annie Leibovitz, The Early Years, 1970-1983” belongs here.
We can thank the Hauser Wirth Gallery for hosting the retrospective that brings to life early years of her career with over 4,000 photographs starting with her work for Rolling Stone. Arranged chronologically and thematically, the exhibition guides us through Leibovitz’s development as a young talent capturing the dramatic cultural and political shifts of the time, while merging portraiture, photojournalism, humanity and wit. It chronicles defining moments in history and her personal heroes with portraiture subjects Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, among others.
Hauser & Wirth Gallery senior director Stacen Berg says, “You realize that’s the work you have to put in to become a great artist. It demonstrates the obsession of a young photographer, a young artist who is developing her eye and unique style. She is taking in everything.”
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is one of eight locations worldwide of Hauser & Wirth, the international gallery devoted to contemporary art and modern masters.
LA Black Visionaries
We are so lucky, Tomatoes, that the visionaries highlighted and honored in the KTLA film series, “Black History Visionaries”, reside in our beautiful city. These men and women make the whole world a better place. Bravo to them and to KTLA. Check it out Tomatoes!
You will be very glad you did. This years’ talented, creative and visionary African American Honorees come from different backgrounds and were stars in their choice of professions. The sacrifice, courage and compassion they exhibit in their endeavors to do good inspire us all to serve our communities with dedication and grace. Thank you and Bravo; KTLA, Jeffrey Osborne, Yolanda Holder, Dr. Wanda Austin, Smokey Robinson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Stu Lantz, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kevin McDowel, Brehanna Daniels, Dondre Whitfield, Charles Dickerson III, Troy Mullins, Dr. Vernon Williams, Angela Means, Marilyn Booker, Christina Francis, Gerald Freeny and Lorna Little
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
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