WATT THE DUCK?!

So maybe you noticed the huge hole accross the street from us at Bunny Gunner. Most peoples' reactions are, hey weren't there buildings there a week ago? or what are they going to build there. It is frustrating to answer the later question. It goes something like this, 260 something condos, but not for another 4 years because of the collapse of the housing market. Lately my answer has been, who knows, maybe they're going to sell it. Either way, we're stuck with an empty whole that for the time being, we are enjoying. Yes we like it, the "WATT hole" gives us a beautiful clear view of the train and the snow capped mountains. How nice it would be if they didn't build anything but instead made it a park. Wait, there might be some truth to that comment. The locals, including myself are pushing for some sort of sculpture garden. Even if it is temporary and is behind a fence. Here is my rendition of what would be really ideal:


Some of the other colonists have other ideas about the "WATT hole". This is a take from local correspondent A.S. Ashley. (Pomona Arts Colonists does not necessarily agree with or endorse the following ideas or oppinions). Knock 'em dead Ash...

WATT THE DUCK?!
by A.S. Ashley

The folks from WATT, the makers of the nice vacant lot pit-pond along 2nd Street in the heart of Pomona’s Arts Colony, are finally fashioning a wrought iron fence to go around the property.

Good news, right?

Maybe not, I heard that plywood panels are going to be attached to the fence. It is rumored the panels will be painted by artists, but I don’t know by who or of what. No one is telling anybody anything and the Arts Colony is being left in the lurch.

The problems posed by the panels are: having anything attached to the fence is subject to vandalism; the local police are against having anything block their view of the lot; and I doubt anyone in the Arts Colony is going to be pleased with the area fenced in with plywood, whether it be painted by artists or not. It will look "trashy" in no time.

I have spoken with Watt’s representative to the DPOA (Downtown Pomona Owners Association), as well as some of the financial backers of Watt’s project in Downtown Pomona, about a proposal for a sculpture garden.

Money seems to be their primary concern.

With the WATT/Artisan project on indefinite hold due to the real estate downward trend (after demolishing two blocks of buildings leaving the Arts Colony looking blighted), local businesses, galleries, and artist residents have come away feeling abandoned and betrayed.

The downtown community is not exactly sympathetic to Watt's professed financial woes, especially when one group of Pomona land owners, the Tessier family, has shown tremendous courage in recent months revitalizing downtown with such additions as the PHO Vi restaurant, the Brick Nightclub, renovation of the Opera Garage, the incoming Aladdin Jr. restaurant, and of course, the Granddaddy of them all, The Fox Theater.

At least the Tessier's can't be accused of not believing and investing in the future of downtown Pomona. In contrast, the Watt Co. is now being talked about among locals as cheap and dispassionate.


As far as the sculpture garden, we feel this proposal could fit the bill while waiting for any construction to begin. The garden could serve as a huge attraction for the downtown area, and restore some credibility to the Watt Co.

The city can provide the fill for the pit (the City Manager has already indicated this); the sculptures and security would be sponsored by David Armstrong and AMOCA in setting up the rotating venue, and we have the support of the local community and civic leaders.

We in the colony would like to help put Watt’s best (webbed) foot forward towards our downtown revitalization efforts.

The DPOA (Downtown Pomona Owners Association) is having their board meeting on the fourth Thursday of January, where WATT will give a presentation on the plan for the fence surrounding the vacant lot.

It will be open to the public, and we encourage all interested parties to be in attendance.

Meeting Date: Thursday, Jan 22, 2009
5:30 P.M.

Meeting Location: California Bank and Trust
255 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA 91766


Of course, I intend to voice my concerns about the vacant lot at the next City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

A. S. Ashley
PACA (Pomona Arts Colony Association) Chair

Snoop Doggy Dogg in the house in the Muda f-in House...

That’s right, Snoop Dogg along with Warren G, Suga Free, and Lady of Rage all rapped for us last night at the Glass House here in Pomona. It was so cool that these great artists played right in the heart of the Arts Colony. The show started off with a bang and continued to rock it all night, even Pomona PD was in the house enjoying the show and keeping point on the crowd.This didn't stop people blazin it up, I think the contact high got me in the gansta mood. The crowd was jumpin’ to many of the hits I’ve only heard on the radio. Snoop's performance was amazing, he had this gansta mic with "Snoop" spelled out in diamonds. He also invited Don the magic Juan who is a true live pimp all decked out like a leprechaun wearing a picture of himself. This night was also special because it was Susie’s son, Ian’s birthday present. He and his wife Cynthia were right up front and center and were able to take some great video of the performance.

“A great trip down memory lane of early 90’s hip hop, a gansta’s paradise. It would have been the entire death row crew if Dr. Dre was there.” said Ian Leiva. To my surprise, Ian knew to ask for the set list, and he got it. Here’s the proof.

-Juan

Bike Ride

Here is the new and final edit of Midnight Ridazz The Movie. Completed on March 01, 2007. There are currently two other versions out there. "The first one I completed is the 3 minute version for KCET which was edited in a few days". ...-Shawn Bannon
Our good friend Ed Giardina from "finishing school" asked if we would spread the word.....
CALLING ALL WANKSTAZ
Come ride with me on my birthday!
instazzzz or outstazzzzz???
People's Ride
12.26.08
Place: Meet at Rite Aid, Hollywood and Vermont
Time: 9:30pm
Ride: 10:00pm

IF YOU DRIVE THERE,
DO NOT PARK IN THE RITE AID LOT. THEY WILL TOW.
There is plenty of street parking.
The People's Ride was designed for those who cannot make it to LA Critical Mass or want to continue to ride when LACM is over.
It is similar to Critical Mass in scope and ideology, but with more organization. A route will be determined and disseminated to the riders. Again this is a slower ride, not for messenger racers or speed demons, though they are encouraged to ride with us and cork intersections. The ride usually ends near the start point, close to a Metro Station or bus lines.
We aim to have fun while reminding the LA car culture that there is another alternative. This is a non-confrontational ride through traffic. Educate rather than aggravate. Tell drivers that they are welcome to join us on a bicycle.
We will do no physical or economic harm.
The California Vehicle code gives bicyclists all the rights and privileges of a motor vehicle. We aim to exert our rights.

A night of coal and switches

Hey guys!
With Christmas being next week and all, the dA is having their CLOSING RECEPTION this SATURDAY!
It's going to be a crazy party with special musical guests!

Rhino Records & KSPC Presents
Lux Nova Umbra Est
KuKuNuKu
Moscow
We'll be rockin' the house! C'mon down!
A night of coal and switches

A Winter Solstice Celebration
Doors open at 7pm, Music starts at 9pm
The dA Center for the Arts
252-D South Main Street
Pomona, CA 91766-1630
Tel: 909.397.9716
Fax: 909.629.8697
www.dacenter.org
www.myspace.com/dacenterforarts

photos from last week
courtesy of Lee Tintary

New Year's Eve Party at Casablanca

Our friends from Casablanca Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Claremont
Who also own Aladdin Jr.( which I blogged about a week ago) http://pomonaartscolony.blogspot.com/2008/12/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner.html
are having a New Year's Eve Party and they asked us if we would spread the word.
This sounds like a great way to bring in the New Year!
The food here is EXCELLENT!
read about it in this article
http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_8326967

here's the deal....

4 COURSE DINNER
DESSERT
DJ ALL NIGHT
DANCING
HOOKAH ON PATIO
CHAMPAGNE TOAST
BELLY DANCER
AND LOTS OF FUN ALL NIGHT!
TICKET ON SALE NOW $75/PER PERSON
500 W. 1ST STREET
CLAREMONT, CA 91711

-Susie

December Artwalk review

December proved to be a big and exciting art walk finishing off the year with a bang, or should I say burn. I was able to do the artwalk early and see most of the shows without the crowd blocking the art. There were a few notable events and that made this a special artwalk. To start, there were to "Impromptu" shows in some of the empty retail spaces. One was by Cal Poly student Alex who put together a benefit show with lots of student work and local artists work. He was able to raise over $500 for autism and Asperger's syndrome. The other show was titled "This Shit is Real" and featured art inspired by the famous Basquiat. There were murals with collage painted on the wall and also a dj playing for the crowd.

Down the street next door to Joey's BBQ, a new gallery opened. "Selkouth" is the creation of photographer Nate from Orange County. To our amazement, he was able to fix up the space, get some art together and open for the artwalk in a few days. Welcome to the neighborhood. Also new, "Gallery 375" had a soft opening featuring work of local artist and gallery owner, Jim. Watch out for their grand opening next month. Jim's gallery is located at 375 W. 2nd St. across from the billiards hall.

Back to mid town, Galeria Rustica on Thomas hosted a show curated by artist Oscar Magallanes. The theme here was "Revolution" and include work by Oscar, LA artist Germs a few other artists and 3 paintings by myself. Hint: look for the tanks.

A few blocks away, AMOCA hosted a chili cook-off which featured chili served in ceramic bowls donated by artists. I didn't make it to this one but heard it was a great fundraiser and good chance to purchase some art.

SCA Gallery in the basement had the work of painters Anna Friesen and Bob Pece. In the back of the gallery was also a fundraiser silent auction and small work exhibit. This help raise money for SCA who is planning to move upstairs to street level in the near future.

The dA Center for the Arts had one of their biggest shows of the year. "Quema del Diablo" was an event not to be missed. The gallery was lit up in red and featured "Devil" theme artwork. At one point, the patrons took to the streets following a hearse and people in costume holding devil sculptures. They made their way around the block and came to the front of the dA to start the bonfire. Paper mache sculptures were burnt as well as the crowd throwing their old credit cards and photos into the fire. I was able to throw in a few of my old drawings that needed to disappear.

On the home front, Bunny Gunner was showing the work of two of our friends and great artists, Clifford Matlock and Michael Aschenbrenner. Michael created close to one hundred ceramic styles that were hung in groups set next to Cliff's oil paitings of tea pots and Christmas ornaments. After enjoying the company of the late artwalk crowd, we headed over to the new Glass House bar that is now officially open for business and ended the night with a toast.
-Juan

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

After two years of being empty FINALLY we are going to have a new restaurant on the corner of
Second and Main St. 296 W. Second St. and not just any restaurant, but one of our favorites, Aladdin Jr.!
Awesome food, they are a perfect fit for Arts Colony.
There is a nice patio for dining and hookas...right next door to us ;-)
and they will stay open till 2:00 am ;-)
This is the best news I've heard in long time!
Pretty soon we won't even have to leave our neighborhood because we will have everything we need right here.
check out their website http://www.aladdinjrrestaurant.com/index.html

They're moving in already!

-Susie

Karen Green Book Signing and Open Studio this Saturday@ Beautiful Crap in Claremont

Beautiful Crap and Spineless Books
invite you to an Open Studio and Book Signing for
here/gone: AN ABC FLIP BOOK FOR GROWN UPS,
an artist's book by Karen Green
published by Spineless Books
Eat. Drink. Stare. Meet the artist. And publisher.
Buy the book or the exclusive limited edition.
Support art. Push the ocean uphill.
Saturday, Dec.13 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Upstairs @ The Packing House
532 W. First Street #212
Claremont, Ca. 91711
Call 909.291.5685 for more information
Private viewing by appointment.
beautifulcrap.com/spinelessbooks.com

here/gone: AN ABC FLIP BOOK FOR GROWN UPS, by Karen Green is an invertible, constrained artist’s book comprising 52 mixed-media paintings. Zipping and unzipping the alphabet in a narrative of love and unlove, these phosphorescent compositions shed a dizzying, serenity-disrupting beauty. here/gone is a runner-up of the Fitzpatrick-O'Dinn Award for Best Book Length Work of Constrained English Literature (2004), as judged by Christian Bök, author of Eunoia.

"Karen's aesthetic observations are nothing less than infectious.
Her art has the ability to draw you into a world that only you thought was secret".
-A.S. Ashley