San Pedro Today Articles

A drab utility box becomes a canvas. A storm drain transforms into a work of art. A new mural appears on a once bare wall. If you haven’t already noticed, San Pedro’s public spaces have become a bit more colorful.

She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” — acapella, mind you — and blew us all away with the power of her beautiful voice. Since then, when I was the executive director of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, I have had the pleasure of producing her at several concerts to rave reviews.

This month, San Pedro Today teamed with the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District to provide a self-guided tour of a few select murals in and around Downtown San Pedro.

How married artists Joselyn & Don manage to balance their creative life with work and family.

A staged reading of Sir Patrick Stewart’s adaptation of the Dickens classic will be presented at the Warner Grand Theatre on Dec. 22. These words ushered in the greatest adventure of my life — meeting my soulmate, life partner, and future husband, Fred C. Allen. Little did I know that 29 years ago, seeing Patrick Stewart say these words in the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, from his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol, would fundamentally change my entire life and lead me to San Pedro.

After an extensive search, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District is excited to announce a mural award of $13,750 to the Revival Murals team of Alonsa Guevara and James Razko. The 72×15 foot mural on the side of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s Building G at Berth 73 will depict the history of the shipping industry and the history of the building’s historic use as a purse seiners shop.

On any given day, hundreds of artists create work in San Pedro in every medium — young, old, known, and unknown — and Angels Gate Cultural Center has been a haven for the arts and creativity for over 50 years.

This month, I’m highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual celebration (Sept. 15 to Oct.15) of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities, by featuring two married artists, Ray Vasquez and Cora Ramirez-Vasquez. Their presence in the San Pedro community epitomizes how they have influenced and contributed to the Arts District by featuring Hispanic artists in Gallery Azul and through their own work.

Arts administrators hold a special place in my heart. As a fellow executive director, I can relate to their daily triumphs and tragedies. Occasionally, I’ll be profiling the unsung heroes who make things happen behind the scenes because they are the glue keeping their nonprofits going. This month, I spoke to Carla Rojo, the Encore Theatre Group Executive Director.

Michael Davis epitomizes the Robert Frost quote: “Any work of art must first of all tell a story.” Recently, I sat down with Davis amidst his show at the Palos Verdes Art Center to discuss his work and influences.