Downey Arts Coalition

Posted by Dan Fox 
on Apr 16, 2013
 

by Lorine Parks

Roy Shabla, from the Downey Arts Coalition, told us about the first time ever Downey State of the Arts Show which Roy is curating on Sunday April 28.  Roy is a poet, teacher, and primarily an artist, specializing in abstract expressionist “pour” paintings (as different from “drip” paintings).

 
 Billed as a “democratic” art show, the event will accept one piece from any artist, poet, dancer, ceramicist, sculptor, worker in precious jewelry, who cares to exhibit.  Roy hopes to build community collaboration with “cross-mixing,” that is, poetry with the Symphony, art with dancers. 

  The event is being held from 11 am to 6 pm at the Moravian Church parking  lot at 10337 Old River School Road, just north of Rio Hondo Event Center and south of Florence, on the west side of Old River.   Everyone is requested to bring and donate a gently used art book, or picture book on dance or theatre or a poetry selection, as the arts group will sell these as silent auction items to raise money.  Event costs include printing posters and renting canopies and chairs.

 Admission is free, so come and meander through the state of the arts today in   Downey.  There are exhibits for children such as story-telling and chalk sidewalk painting.  Anyone who cares to volunteer as a guide to the exhibits will be welcomed.  Your attendance will make this an exciting afternoon.  As an added treat,   there will be gourmet food trucks to cater to your luncheon and snack desires.

  The Downey Arts Coalition, which also sponsors the Third Thursday Poetry Series at Rives Mansion, is separate from Downey Vibe at the Stay Gallery. Both are grass roots organizations responsible for the current Downey arts renaissance.