This past Wednesday, LAXART continued their Public Arts initiatives through its holding of a reception to show support for nationally renown American artist Edgar Arceneaux and his Watts House Project. A diverse and enthused crowd gathered inside the LAXART facility, as Arceneaux presented the latest developments with the project, and as well, the extension of an invitation for those in attendance to financially support the project’s endeavors.

Art enthusiasts packed the intimate and vibrant LAXART spot. The fundraising event provided a refreshing balance of socializing and information providing – in addition to complementary wine, fresh fruit, and croissants. As some drank (while I feasted on pineapple pieces), Arceneaux presented a historical journey into the Watts Towers, paying homage to the creative mastermind behind them, Simon Rodia.

He then proceeded to update those in attendance on the accomplishments and goals of the Watts House Project. The crowd evoked genuine concern as multiple individuals posed questions regarding the project, inquiring about Edgar’s comments on foreclosure’s effects on the residents of the neighborhood as well as the support level of the residents.

In a nutshell, the Watts House Project is an artist-driven urban revitalization project centered around the historic Watts Towers in Watts, California. The preeminent Edgar Arceneaux serves as the project director. His and other project members’ goals are shaped around surrounding the pristine Watts Towers with a neighborhood mirroring its artistic nature and aesthetic, a true testament to art in use as a tool for social justice and improvement. The ‘Emergency Fundraiser’ at LAXART was held so that the Watts House Project efforts can continue effectively.

The WHP is creating a social and physical infrastructure for creativity, particularly in its ability to bring multiple players together to form a collective effort towards the improvement of Watts and the Watts Towers. Architect Peter Zellner and his class at the USC School of Architecture highlight the list of support. Organizations such as LAXART, For Your Art, Hammer Museum, and Creative Capital imbue hope for the Watts House Project as well.

In a further effort to fundraise, Edgar Arceneaux offered a limited edition rendering entitled Simon Rodia’s Car, 2008, a graphite, chalk, dirt, and collaged photograph on paper, available for $1,000 at the reception. There is a story that Simon Rodia had a red car with a siren installed on it which he used to cut through traffic. When the police were coming to impound it he buried the car in his back yard. This was considered a myth until 1998 when, while excavating to build the amphitheater, the car was found. Edgar Arceneaux’s Simon Rodia’s Car, 2008 is an artistic expression in respect to this Simon Rodia tidbit.

The next step for the WHP is the renovation and façade improvement of the entire 107th street residential block facing the Watts Towers. Through continued support from individuals and organizations, and wonderful events such as the one held at LAXART this past Wednesday, the Watts House Project will continue to meet success. Simon Rodia, in answering a question about his motivation for creating the Watts Towers once said, “I had in mind to do something big and I did it”. Artist Edgar Arceneaux, with the Watts House Project, is standing on Rodia’s envisioning, improving its surroundings.

For more information on the Watts House Project, contact LAXART at (310) 559 – 0166.