A NOVEL DEFENSE: FACE MASKS AS ART

LOS ANGELES BASED ARTISTS CREATE ONE-OF-A-KIND
COVID-19 STYLE FACE MASKS

“A NOVEL DEFENSE: FACE MASKS AS ART”
ON DISPLAY AT THE SLOW DOWN GALLERY IN HIGHLAND PARK
MAY 4 – JUNE 30

The Slowdown Gallery
200 N. Avenue 64 in Highland Park, 90042

Artists: Abel Alejandre, Katrina Alexy, Linda Johnstone Allen, Michael Arata, Val Echavarria, Stephanie L Gerard, Samantha Harrison, Heather Hoggan, Kristen Johannesen, Billy Kheel, Mia Kheel, Patricia Liverman, Timothy Nolan, Michelle Ohm, Jaime Scholnick, Kacy Treadway, Julie Williams

(HIGHLAND PARK, CA) — Local artists from the Eastside of Los Angeles have created one-of-a-kind medical style face masks showcasing their exceptional talent and clever wit. “A Novel Defense: Face Masks as Art,” will be displayed exclusively at The Slow Down Gallery in Highland Park, May 1– June 30. This unique drive and walk-by show provides a welcome diversion during the COVID-19 pandemic, while benefiting artists, the Arroyo Arts Collective and HelpMakeMasks.org

The Slow Down Gallery in conjunction with Random Custom Framing and the Arroyo Arts Collective invited artists of all disciplines to create medical style face masks in an effort to create a shared experience for the community and provide artists with a creative outlet. Masks are an essential part of our daily routine, and the artists were encouraged to transform the face coverings into works of art. The results are imaginative and inspiring.

Douglas Johnston and Kate Burroughs are the husband and wife team behind the Eastside establishment.

“I wanted to do something that would lift spirits and help artists during this crisis,” said Burroughs. “I was sewing a mask for myself and wondered if I asked artists to make masks, what would they create? A group show would allow artists to express themselves in a different way and a charitable component would help those in need.”

The Gallery consists of a 12’ x 12’ storefront window of Random Custom Framing located at 200 N. Avenue 64 in Highland Park, 90042. In creating the idea of a one wall art gallery, viewable only as you are driving or walking by, the hope is that people Slow Down and take a look at what’s in the window.

In addition to going by The Slow Down Gallery, the masks can be seen here and are now available for purchase: http://www.randomframing.com/gallery/ and on Instagram @TheSlowDownGallery

For additional information, please contact The Slow Down Gallery at (323-550-8000 random64@earthlink.net )

About Arroyo Arts Collective:
Since 1989, the mission of the Arroyo Arts Collective has been to develop and present creative, mostly free, events that educate and expand the audience for culture while creating an awareness of the creative vitality that exists in northeast Los Angeles. By encouraging neighborhood involvement in the arts and presenting innovative art-driven activities and exhibitions, the goal of the Collective is to address the cultural needs of the area, link the creative community with the neighborhood at large, and make art available to the underserved audience of northeast Los Angeles.

About Random Custom Framing:
Random is a small, design oriented shop with over twenty-five years of experience working with artists, galleries and collectors. Open by appointment only, customers get a one-on-one personal experience. They pay attention to detail, employ the latest framing techniques, and use the finest, museum-quality materials to not only enhance design but to protect and preserve artwork.