LA Life: Special Delivery, Style, Sonnet, Tastes, Events & More
“Special Delivery”, from LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke, is our dazzling cover photo of the gorgeous sculpture that greets visitors at the Autry is greeting us here, today. The crème dele crème of LA Fashion Stylists, our very own Felicia Arlin, returns with her special brand of LA Style Stories. It’s National Poetry Month and Lady P, our LA Life Poetess, is rejoicing and making me laugh out loud…again. Molly Cheek, our LA Life Tasting Tomato, has delish pizza on her mind and now it is on my mind. Tons to do too and it’s Earth Month, Tomatoes!
Special Delivery: Cover Photo and Story
I just so happen to be highlighting an event at the Autry, as you’ll see below, so the timing of LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s majestic photo of the sculpture “Special Delivery”, by Douglas Van Howd, at the Autry is perfect timing. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talents.
The history of southern California, all of California, encompasses the lives and stories of a wide and disparate swath of peoples from over 100 indigenous bands and tribes, Mexicans, the conquering Spanish, Russian and British traders, other European colonists, and the many seekers of gold, land, and Manifest Destiny. As a state, its identity is imbued with rich elements of both its Hispanic and Native cultures, as well as the free-wheeling and rowdy characteristics of the “wild, wild west.” One of the best places in Los Angeles to explore that rich history is the Autry Museum of the American West, established by iconic “singing cowboy,” Gene Autry, with a mission to “bring together the stories of all peoples of the American West, connecting the past with the present to inspire our shared future.” Featuring vivid art, detailed costumes, and colorful narrative installations, its themed areas — Religion and Ritual, Land and Landscape, Migration and Movement — are always compelling and memorable, often including political statements that don’t shy away from the controversial chapters of California’s history. Of course, cowboy art is everywhere, and is no better represented than by the gorgeous sculpture greeting visitors at the entrance: Douglas Van Howd’s “Special Delivery” depicting “the memorable Pony Express ride carrying news of President Abraham Lincoln’s election.”
LA Style Stories
LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin has a modern take on the 1880’s Bella Baxter Style in LA Style Story…yep you guessed it…Bella Baxter Style. I adore the color combo and the lines of this look. And who would have thought you could wear track pants with a suit blazer? Well, Felicia, of course, and it looks fab on her in “Tracking”. Looks so stylish and comfortable at the same time. Remember I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. And she is the most amazingly insightful guide for helping you to find the right and most flattering style for you. Just sayin’, Tomatoes. READ ON.
Sonnets from Suburbia
LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope, aka Penny Peyser, is hoping thou art enjoying National Poetry Month and is contemplating a change. And guess who has a brand spanking new book out? Penny Peyser (Lady P) and she has outdone herself with “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride that you will adore, Tomatoes. Remember if you haven’t already, don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s first brilliant book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake” to add to your collection. And you can always find out more about Lady Penelope on her website Tomatoes. READ ON.
Tastes of LA
Our illustrious LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek, has found another gem in a unique neighborhood and she regals us with mouthwatering descriptions of Pizza. Pizza…my number 1 cherished food. Be still my heart. It seems, Tomatoes, that Quarter Sheets in Echo Park is “hands-down best pizza in the city.” GET THE DETAILS.
Through April 14. Sample Sale!
The Trina Turk / Mr. Turk Sample Sale is taking place in Alhambra this weekend for fashion and Trina Turk lovin’ Tomatoes! It’s a doozy with 60-80% off the original retail price! The selection of items with deep discounts will run the gamut with some sample prices starting at $20. Happy Shopping!
Through June 15. The Autry: Reclaiming El Camino &Visions of Freedom
There is always a ton going on at The Autry Museum of the American West and right now is no different. Reclaiming El Camino is a powerful educational initiative in Los Angeles and Students Visual Arts Exhibition: Visions of Freedom has been presented by the Autry since 2016. Both presentations promise to be enlightening experiences.
Reclaiming El Camino is designed to shed light on the vibrant life of Native communities and the region’s rich history of activism. The eye-opening exhibition reframes the El Camino Real, presenting it not just as a historical route but as an ancient, well-traveled trade path used by Native peoples long before the arrival of the Franciscan Missions in Baja and Alta California. The juried Student Visual Arts Exhibition: Visions of Freedom shows 100+ middle and high school students’ artwork that explores the definition of freedom, what does it mean to be free and can freedom lost be won in the American West. How wonderful!
April 12- April 20. The Paley Fest LA
Get ready TV Lovers! The Paley Fest LA 2024 is back and better than ever. The nation’s premier TV Festival, produced by The Paley Center for the Media, has a marvelous lineup at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with the brightest and biggest stars in television. Enjoy the presentations and being a fan, Tomatoes.
PaleyFest proceeds support their mission to serve as a nonprofit cultural and educational resource in television, radio, and new media. Named for William S. Paley, founder of CBS and The Paley Center for Media, the nonprofit Paley Center helps preserve the greatest moments in media history.
BLOOM!
The amazing South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes just opened their new breathtaking exhibit Bloom!. 21,000 bulbs were planted by the garden team and now you can awaken your senses with all those blooms from Mother Nature showing off their beauty, Ladies.
Bloom! is a marvelous way to celebrate our spring season. The self-guided sensory journey will begin in the courtyard with a stunning display and guests will then be guided to 5 areas in the Garden that are newly planted, which ultimately lead to the Amphitheater Lawn where the 21,000 bulbs were planted. This unique display of flora will help guests become fully present and take in all of nature’s wonder. You won’t find this unique exhibit anywhere else.
Through May 12. Celebrate! Quilts on the Wall
Celebrate! Quilts on the Wall at the Pasadena Museum of History shines a light on creativity and festivity showcasing an outstanding and diverse collection of 46 fine art quilts by members of the Southern California group of textile artists, Quilts on the Wall. These pieces emphasize design over functionality and are meant to be displayed as art rather than used on beds. I totally get that!
I kid you not, I have several quilts hanging on my walls. They are irreplaceable and very precious to me. They were made by my Grandmother in her quilting circle at her church. She started my favorite one at the age of 80 and finished when she was 84. That quilt was made of material cut from both of our old dresses. It hangs as a centerpiece in my Livingroom because it is art and the artistry, patience, and dedication behind it is to be admired and celebrated, Gals.
The individual works showcased in Celebrate! were chosen to illustrate that we all have something to celebrate, be it big or small, significant to others or only to us. Be it a special day, event, person, holiday, triumph, performance, accomplishment, or adventure. So celebrate and mosey on over to the Pasadena Museum of History and feast your eyes on Celebrate!
April 20. Rosé Bowl Festival
OMG!!!! It’s going to be a Rosé lovers paradise! The third annual Rosé Bowl will be gracing the lawn of the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium field with unlimited pours of carefully curated rosés. I LOVE that pink attire is encouraged. Delight your taste buds with Rosé at the Rosé Bowl at the Rose Bowl!
The Rosé Bowl is a wine festival featuring a selection of over 40 rosés that will also include curated restaurants and vendors serving some of the most delicious eats. This wine festival is the perfect spot for you, your friends and family to unwind, sip and enjoy America’s Stadium.
April 20-21. Festival of Books
Tomatoes can enter the wonderful world of stories with the world’s best storytellers at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books hosted by the University of Southern CA. It’s all about celebrating literary culture and the Los Angeles Times’ passion for story. Even the kiddos and grand kiddos will love it. Inspiration soars at The Festival of Books, Tomatoes.
For 44 years The LA Times Festival of Books has gathered writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and emerging storytellers and is considered the largest event of its kind in the United States. Yep, books are the name of the game with lectures, signings, and performances as well as art installations and culinary demos with a star-studded lineup of authors. The variety and quality of talent present is legendary. Admission is free for all ages, but you need to make reservations for the individual events with your fav writers and celebs.
April 20 & 21. FoLAR Earth Day Events
FoLAR (Friends of the Los Angeles River) is hosting two Earth Day events to honor and celebrate our magnificent planet! From hands-on restoration and guided nature walks, to unique learning and art activities, music, and an eco-friendly marketplace – FoLAR’s Earth Day 2024 events have something for everyone.
Both events will feature opportunities to learn more about the local ecosystems that keep our communities thriving. The Earth Day Habitat Restore and Renew event at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve on Saturday April 20th and the first-ever Earth Day Extravaganza event at the Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park on Sunday April 21st are free and open to the community. Space is limited so register now to reserve your spots, Ladies.
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.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
