In this inaugural edition of Mutant Mondays, we examine Los Angeles's wildfire crisis and its deeper implications through Octavia Butler's prophetic lens. The post weaves together urgent public health guidance, mutual aid initiatives, and reflections on systemic failures, while highlighting Butler's eerily accurate predictions about climate crisis and social inequality. Features essential safety tips for LA residents and ways to support affected communities.
Read MoreLos Angeles
How to Help LA Wildfire Victims: Comprehensive List of Verified Fundraisers and Aid Programs /
As Los Angeles grapples with devastating fires that have displaced thousands, this curated guide provides immediate ways to help through verified fundraisers, mutual aid networks, and emergency support programs.
Read MoreI have been selected to be a part of LA County's PAiD Artist Council! /
Cover Image (top left to right): Adee Roberson, Noé Montes, Terrick Gutierrez, Brianna MacGillivray, Michelle Sui, Edgar Fabián Frías, Grace Ramirez Gaston, Emily Womack, Allie Ihm, Jazmín Urrea. Not pictured: Dominique Moody, Star Montana, and Pat Gomez.
I'm absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with you all. Drumroll, please... I've been selected as one of the inaugural members of the Public Artists in Development (PAiD) program's Artist Council! 🥳 Being part of this prestigious cohort feels like a dream come true, and I couldn't be more honored to join such a talented group of individuals.
Let me introduce you to my fellow council members: Adee Roberson, Dominique Moody, Jazmín Urrea, Michelle Sui, Noé Montes, Star Montana, and Terrick Gutierrez. Each of us comes from diverse artistic backgrounds, united by our passion for promoting the growth and empowerment of underrepresented artists in Los Angeles County. Throughout this blog post you’ll see photos from our wonderful kick-off event at Los Angeles State Historic Park!
The PAiD program is a beacon of hope for artists facing barriers to participation in Civic Art and the wider public art sphere. It's designed not only to address these obstacles but also to pioneer new practices that better cater to artists' needs. As part of the Artist Council, I'll be engaging in profound discussions with fellow artists, experts in various fields, and public art administrators. Together, we aim to craft recommendations that will enhance Civic Art practices and provide valuable resources to our Los Angeles arts community.
But that's not all! Each council member, including myself, will also embark on a journey to develop a temporary public art project. These projects will not only serve as a creative outlet but also allow us to delve deeper into the topics we discuss within the program.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for making this program possible. Their support is invaluable in fostering the growth and success of artists like myself. Additionally, a big shoutout to Dyson & Womack for their role in developing and managing the Artist Council. Your dedication to the arts is truly inspiring.
I can't wait to embark on this journey with my fellow council members and see where it takes us. Together, we'll be making waves in the art world and championing the voices of underrepresented artists.
Stay tuned for updates on my PAiD journey! And once again, thank you all for your unwavering support. Let's make some art! 🎨
Photos provided by LA County Arts.
Trans Hirstory In 99 Objects Book Release At The Hammer Museum /
Zackary Drucker, Edgar Fabián Frías, Raquel Gutiérrez, Amos Mac, David Evans Frantz, Christina Linden, Chris Vargas at The Hammer Museum for the release of MOTHA’s (Museum of Transgender Hirstory and Art) book Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects
Last night was truly a profound and unforgettable experience. Being invited to participate in the iconic event for the release of Chris E. Vargas' Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects book at the Hammer Museum was an immense honor. To be surrounded by such trailblazing trans luminaries like Zackary Drucker, Raquel Gutiérrez, Amos Mac, Uri McMillan, Christina Linden, and David Evans Frantz was incredibly powerful.
The entire evening had an almost sacred energy, as if the spirits of our trans ancestors were present, guiding and blessing us. Chris' vision with the Museum of Trans Hirstory & Art (MOTHA) as a "forever under construction" container to celebrate trans hirstory and existence is so profoundly needed. In a world that has tried to erase and deny our narratives for centuries, MOTHA unapologetically inserts trans magic into the spaces where it is most vital.
I felt immensely grateful to Chris, Christina, and David for their years of labor in crafting this phenomenal book that weaves together our vast, complex trans lineages and legacies. The care and intentionality they brought in organizing this event was palpable.
Edgar offering a collective three card tarot reading using Rachel Pollack’s The Shining Tribe Tarot at The Hammer Museum. Photo taken by Maria McKee.
Being invited to share a personal three card tarot reading using The Shining Tribe Tarot deck, which was also my contribution to the book, allowed me to open up in unexpectedly emotional ways. Drawing The Strength card for our collective present moment imbued the space with a sense of fortitude and resilience that I know we'll all need as we navigate the continued challenges ahead.
Photo by Christina Linden.
Witnessing the outpouring of love, support, and celebration for this work and our community left me in awe. I hope the recording of this historic gathering is released publicly soon so that the ripples of trans brilliance and affirmation can extend even further. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to have been a part of such a sacred night amongst my siblings and ancestors.
You can watch the full video of this event below: