The Wilmington art hub Slanguage celebrates their 10-year anniversary since they launched the art group in 2002. Located on 640 North Avalon Boulevard the group was founded by couple Karla Diaz and Mario Ybarra, Jr. who together have created an art scene much needed in Wilmington, a neighborhood that lacks many art resources. Their members craft artwork, curate exhibitions, coordinate events throughout Los Angeles, and lead art-educational workshops for youth in the community.

Their Wilmington inspired art work portrays the influences in living in an industrial dominated neighborhood while also highlighting the hidden historical treasures like the famous “THE DON” hotel that once welcomed visitors entering Wilmington.

Slanguage bases their practice on a three-pronged approach to art-making to include education, community-building, and interactive exhibitions, according to their website.

This summer Slanguage continues to host a popular exhibition and various workshops at Made in L.A. 2012, organized by the Hammer Museum in collaboration with LAXART. The art group features a public billboard project, a new mural on LAXART’s facade, and an interactive installation documenting 10 years of the collective’s projects. Slanguage is also hosting public programs, events, and performances that give audiences access to its educational process of artistic creation.

The art group has received a lot of support from community members including District 15 Councilman Buscaino. In mid-July a group of Wilmington residents coordinated a trip to L.A. to vote and help Slanguage win the MOHN prize of $100,000 for their “Made in L.A. 2012” exhibition. The last day to vote was Sunday August 12, 2012.

For upcoming events see below for more details. (Information was taken from the Made in L.A./ LAXART website)

Congratulations Slanguage!

The second annual Slangfest is a daylong festival of art workshops, music, and performances. Art activity booths will host family workshops while a lineup of performances including break-dancing and live bands takes the stage. Food trucks will be present during the event. At noon, Scott Benzel and Mark Hagen will fit a wrecked car with a custom pyramidal bass cabinet and play a mix of Ghettotech, Booty bass, and early Detroit Techno as well as a live original composition through it. Incorporating both a dense mix of sound to create extreme vibrations and slow compositions using live musicians, Bass Elegy/Devil’s Night (for M.K.) is an elegy to one of our city’s most influential and pioneering artists, Mike Kelley.

(Supported by honorary mayor candidate, Gladys Padilla) 

WHEN: Saturday, July 21
TIME: 9:30 AM (Will return by 3 PM)