Nomad Gallery: A Space for Art and Community in Elysian Valley
The NELA River Collaborative project builds upon the growing momentum of efforts already underway to transform the Los Angeles River into a "riverfront district" and to create a focal point of community revitalization. For more information visit www.mylariver.org
Youth Voices student producers from ArtLAB High School interviewed Damon Robinson, artist and owner of Nomad Gallery, during their neighborhood explorations this past April. The space serves as a studio, an event and exhibition space, as well as home to his art/apparel linesPraise the Lowered and Black Van.
For many of the students it was the first time they had visited or even heard about the unique arts compound in their neighborhood. Through the interview and a tour they learned about Damon's artistic journey to Elysian Valley, and his desire to make Nomad a community space that they and their neighbors can call their own. Many of the students were eager to return to Nomad to take part in the print making classes offered, as well as the many events the gallery puts on.
The interview gave the students an opportunity to put their new video production skills into action as they worked to develop their own neighborhood stories. You can watch the video interview above.
During the studio visit, the students also utilized skills they earned in their photography workshop. Some students snapped photos as others worked on video production, and some simply captured images and objects that seemed interesting to them. Below are some of the photos taken by the students:
