The inaugural Westmont South LA Art Walk is a free event Saturday, July 27, from 1-5 p.m. hosted by the Community Coalition at 108th Street and South Denker Avenue next to Washington prep high school.
The art walk will consist of fine art and street contests; some 50 booths featuring the works of local artists such as painting, sculpture, jewelry and clothing; workshops on immigration and mass incarceration as well resource providers that offer information on services such legal advice for immigration, and expunging criminal records. Health screenings will also be offered.
Individuals of all ages and skill levels can submit their artwork for the contests, and the entries must explore the intersection between the broken U.S. immigration system and the nation’s prison system.
Fine artist can submit their work up until the day of the event, and street artist must be prepared go create their entries during a four-hour time period on July 27.
There is no cost to enter the contest, and the winners in both divisions will be selected on site.
The first- and second-place winners in the fine arts category will receive cash prizes of $750 and $250, respectively. The first-place finisher will also have his or her work displayed in a local art gallery.
The first- and second-place winners in the street arts category will receive monetary awards of $750 and $250, respectively. The first-place winner will also have his or her work used on a T-shirt created by the Squared Bear Clothing Co. and worn by the Hip Hop artists Miguel and Kendrick Lamar.
Interested artists can register to participate at cocosouthla.org/artwalk.
The Art Walk was developed as a way to create a safe space for community members to come together and bring their families to enjoy additional cultural activities.
In addition to mentioned activities, the organizers recently added a new element where street artists will have the opportunity to contribute to social justice for Trayvon Martin.
For more information on the art walk, call the Community Coalition at (323) 750-9087. For details on the art contest, contact Jesus Andrade at the main number and ask for extension 228.
OW Intern Leah Cloude contributed to this story.
