SUSTAINABLE ART - AFRICAN BEAD SCULPTURES DISPLAY BOLD ARTISTRY AT LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

(Los Angeles, California – January 14, 2010)  Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, announces a new exhibition, Art Saving Lives, on display at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT). 

Art Saving Lives is a celebration of color and style featuring elaborate beadwork sculptures, dolls, animals and wearable accessories. The exhibit is on display in four cases in Terminal 2 and in eight cases in Terminal 4 through May 7, 2010. The exhibit is free and on view for ticketed passengers. 

  Art Saving Lives is an exhibit organized by Art Aids Art, a Los Angeles non-profit organization, bringing together a collection of authentic figures and accessories displaying the talents and narrative stories of artists living and working in South Africa. 

Showcased in this exhibit are a variety of works made from reused, recycled and repurposed materials including glass beads, utility wire, found trinkets, juice boxes, discarded paper and product labels.  The exhibit features a diverse representation of seminal and contemporary styles demonstrating an intricate artistry of uncommon visual and educational impact.   

The detail, complexity and originality of each individually hand worked creation builds upon an ancient tradition of beadwork in South Africa.  While the beading styles draw on traditional forms, they often incorporate images from popular culture.  Each artwork is a distinct and personalized expression of the talents and stories of these South African artists working as individuals and as a collective to attain self-reliance amidst the challenges of a struggling economy and scarcity of health care resources.

Art Aids Artis a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles promoting education, health and sustainable development for South African township communities.  Art Aids Art builds awareness about South Africa through university and school programs, exhibits of contemporary artwork, collections of educational supplies and service learning trips to Cape Town.

The purpose of the Airport Arts Exhibition Program at LAX and ONT is to educate and entertain the traveling public, while emphasizing a cultural experience highlighting what makes the Los Angeles area memorable and interesting.  Exhibits may be historic, popular, artistic, or graphic design in nature and may arise from museums, fine art, archives, environment, or other fields. Exhibits are on display in Terminals 2 and 4 at ONT, and Terminals 1, 2, 3, and Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.  LAWA, a City of Los Angeles department, owns and operates LAX, ONT and Van Nuys General Aviation.