IGM Art Gallery Documentary Co-Chairs visit WATTS, an exhibition at The Loft at Liz’s

I Build the Tower, a  film Screening moderated by director Edward Landler,  was attended by George Szabo, Christopher Toussaint, USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery (IGM AG) Documentary Committee Chairs and Lynn Crandall, Gallery Director.

CLICK on the photos to open a slide show with captions.                      Photos by Lynn Crandall

The exhibition, WATTS, curated by Stan Sanders, features the art of  DALE BROCKMAN DAVIS, CHARLES DICKSON, DAVID HAMMONS, MICHAEL MASSENBURG, JOHN OUTTERBRIDGE, NOAH PURIFOY, JOHN RIDDLE JR., TIMOTHY WASHINGTON, and CYNTHIA JANET WHITE.

Following the screening, Ed Landler moderated a discussion among community leaders, Rosie Lee Hooks, Michael Massenburg and Charles Dickson who regaled the audience with stories of how the Towers themselves, the Watts Towers Arts Center and the community that reveres them have stood the test of time to sustain their integrity despite numerous natural and social threats.  From an earthquake, through a riot, through political efforts to take them down or attenuate their mission by insinuating skate boards ramps, the Towers, the Center and the community continue to stand tall and maintain the legacy of spinning straw into gold, of re-purposing resources and people that others have cast away.

The evening was of particular interest to the USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery Documentary Committee because of the community history and solidarity the art, the  film and the community spirit purveyed.   The lively discussion generated on the importance of mindfull citizen leaders and creative citizen innovators to the health and sustainability of their community was inspiring.

CLICK to see Trailer of I Build the Tower Directed by Edward Landler