by Garth Meyer
A new show putting two artists’ work together in pairs opens April 5 at the Redondo Beach Historic Library, staged by organizers of CA 101, which held the “last” of the series this past fall at the library, the building soon to be run by a new private operator.
“When we found out it was going to have a new operator, I kind of figured it’s my last chance to do whatever I want in there,” said Nina Zak Laddon, president of Friends of Redondo Beach Arts.
The new exhibit, PAIR, is aided by $20,000 from the late Mayor Bill Brand’s discretionary funds that helped cover the costs of last year’s CA101.
“Because the city supported us, we could do PAIR without fundraising,” Laddon said.
CA101, begun in 2012, was open to submissions, while the new show is by Laddon’s invitation only, featuring multiple works of each of 16 artists, with accompanying essays. The show is 114 pieces total.
“The people visiting can really get acquainted with each artist and what they do,” Laddon said.
PAIR’s opening night features live music from Evren Adler and Emir Isilay, and a demonstration from Etch-a-Sketch portrait artist Christoph the Amazing Etch Man.
March 27 was the deadline for artists to submit work.
“Some of the most beautiful artworks were shown to me just (before the deadline),” Laddon said.
Pieces arrived Monday, April 1, with installation on Wednesday.
“The (exhibit) is kind of in honor of the mayor,” Laddon said, telling of how Brand came to every CA101 show, including much of the last one. “He would be there almost every day, sit on the blue couch on the main floor facing the ocean. I did not agree with him on a lot but we did find a common language with love for Redondo Beach and for the arts.”
Will there be more CA 101?
“I’m looking at new empty buildings in Redondo for a full exhibition,” Laddon said.
PAIR runs April 5-14, including an upstairs studio sale of original works for $25-$150. ER
