Garden Beautification
Come join Denise and help bring some extra
color and aesthetic to our already lovely garden.
All are welcome to join in!
All posts tagged art
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Our 5th Anniversary Celebration
Join us on Saturday, December 8 to celebrate five years of A Million Drops and six months of our Learning Center.
Get a tour of the Learning Center and Edible Garden, learn about Real Good Stuff with Scottie, a weekly podcast hosted by us, visit our bazaar and shop for a Christmas gift handmade by our young clients – cookies, poetry, art, and much more, or just simply enjoy a snack, hang out with old friends and make new ones.
Family friendly. Easy parking.
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The A Million Drops Learning Center
June 9th was a BIG day for A Million Drops. We held our 6th Annual UTW Day. We had another successful Unsheltered Art Show. And both of these events happened at the Grand Opening of our very own A Million Drops Learning Center. What a day it was indeed.
The Learning Center
We’re very excited to share the news about our new Learning Center. It had been a goal for a very long time to have a place where homeless and at-risk young adults could come in off the street to read, learn and get the help they need to improve their life situation.
Our opening day was a tremendous success. We had a huge turnout of friends, people from the community as well as our board members and many of our peers in the non-profit and fundraising community that work to help improve the lives of homeless and at-risk youth and young adults.The Learning Center offers opportunities to study as well as teach, and gives those in the community a brick-and-mortar location where they can come donate their time, needed items or money to help improve the lives of others.
Unsheltered
Coupled with the opening of the Center was Unsheltered VII, our recurring art exhibit presenting works by homeless, young adults. In the past we featured drawings and paintings. This time around we decided to make it a “photographs only” show.
In realizing that not everyone is comfortable with paint, we thought everyone can take a photograph. This allowed for many more of our local homeless and at-risk young adults to take part.
We raised money and spirits. The art exhibit resulted in many pieces being sold, with a majority of the proceeds going directly to the artists. They were thrilled, of course.
Opening Day was also the day when we started to create our edible garden in the
back of the lot. Thanks to the California sun and frequent watering (taken care of by Craig, one of our young clients) the little vegetable plants and herbs have already grown in nicely.Self Defense Class
Directly behind our new Learning Center we have access to a banquet hall. That is were we held our very
first community Self Defense Class. Supported by the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council (HUNC) this event was open to all members of the local community, and it was a rousing success.It was especially fulfilling to see some of our more shy and introverted friends step outside of their comfort zone to take part in learning how to defend themselves. The class was taught by Jean Morrison, a veteran self-defense teacher and life coach. The event was so well received we have already scheduled our next class for July 14th.
Future Classes and Events
In addition to the Self Defense Class, we have a number of events and classes scheduled: Local artist Sophie
Pleshette started to teach a weekly Art Class with the goal to create pieces that our young people will paint on utility boxes along Hollywood Blvd. This project is supported by the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council (HUNC).We will also be holding a Career Planning Class where anyone can learn tips from writing a resumé to interview techniques.
Every month – in partnership with Wash on Western Laundry – we sponsor a Free Laundry Night where homeless people can do some of their laundry for free.
All of these and other events can be found on the Calendar Page of our website.
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Unsheltered VI A Big Success
Our sixth art show, Unsheltered VI, featuring works by homeless, at-risk youth and young adults, was a big success. Taking place at prestigious hair salon Ramos Carreon – owned by Emmy winning stylist Robert Ramon and Philip Carreon – , the event attracted a steady flow of visitors and we had a full house all night.
The show included 34 pieces as colorful and diverse as the ten young artists who created them: Altitude Abstrakt, Andrew Washington, Darrel DJ Morgan, Jess Barlass, Kris Williams, Leahcim Robinson, Marquze Killion, Morgan Movesaround, Neil Massey, Wolfgang Meesenburg.
Artists Leah, Andrew, Altitude Abstrakt and Neil (left to right)
Artists Andrew (left) and Marquze (right)
AMD founder Maike with set decorator Jean Simone who bought this piece by Marquze Killion
Richard Gibson (center), owner of Ted Gibson Frames, helped with framing some of the art
Two of our guests studying the show catalog
Salon Owner Philip Carreon (left) and salon manager Rowena Ajero
We were happy to see people connecting with old friends and making new ones.
The hors d’oeuvres, a donation by Robert Ramos’ husband, Alejandro Zavala
Our wonderful bartender Manuela made sure that the glasses were always full
DJ Cherish The Luv had come all the way from New York to support us, and her feel good music put a smile on people’s faces.It felt more like being at a party with friends than at a formal art show reception.
DJ Cherish The Luv enjoying the view
DJ Cherish The Luv’s view from the balcony
A Million Drops board members Ross Dodds, Preston Johnson, Denise Grisco, Maike Both and Don W. Neil
And most importantly: People loved the art! At the end of the day, 26 of pieces had been sold (UPDATE: the additional 8 pieces have sold since), and proceeds went 100% to the artists and towards art supplies.Thank you to everyone who supported us, first of all to Robert Ramos and Phillip Carreon who opened the door of their salon for us; to DJ Cherish The Luv for giving her time, love and talent making people feel happy and at home; to Johnny Cornwell for letting us use his sound system for free; and last but not least to the young, dedicated people who in spite of difficult circumstances, created beautiful art. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, and we are looking forward to Unsheltered VII.
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‘Unsheltered’ A Full Success
Frankie felt immediately drawn to this piece by Kris Williams.
Our opening reception for ‘Unsheltered’ – Art by Homeless, At-Risk Youth & Young Adults of Los Angeles on Saturday, February 4 was a full success!
A seemingly endless stream people came in to check out the 44 pieces that were up on the walls of Wash On Western (WOW), a brand new, very hip laundromat in the heart of Hollywood. Friends, family, co-workers, strangers, some who had followed our invite, others who just happened to walk by.
We had a full house, people loved the art and everybody enjoyed free tacos and lemonade, generously donated by WOW. And if that wasn’t enough, chiropractor Dr. Robert Zeravica set up a treatment table and offered free adjustments!
At the end of the day, 15 works by young homeless people had been sold and will be displayed in someone’s home soon. For now though, they are still up on the walls at WOW, so don’t worry if you couldn’t make it last Saturday. The show will continue throughout the month, and WOW is open 24/7. There are still 30 unsold pieces, beautiful, exciting works waiting for someone to fall in love with them. Prices start as low as $15.
Laura fell in love with Neil Massey’s ‘Life Is Strange’.
Claudia chose an original by Morgan Movesaround for her home.
Ren picked ‘Blue Smoke’ by Neil Massey for her collection.
Artist Andrew Washington was thrilled to sell this piece to Gus.
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‘Unsheltered’ – Art by Homeless, At-Risk Youth & Young Adults
1 wall, 12 artists, 44 pieces. Framed, cataloged and ready for the grand opening of ‘Unsheltered’ – Art by Homeless, At-Risk Youth & Young Adults of Los Angeles.
We couldn’t be more excited. For the fifth time in two years, we are proudly presenting “Unsheltered’, a vibrant diverse collection of art, allowing a glimpse into the lives of young artists, their struggles, hopes and dreams.
Please join us on Saturday, February 4 between Noon-4 pm for the opening reception at Wash On Western. You will get a chance to meet some of the young artists, and maybe make one of their pieces yours. 100% of the proceeds go to the artist.
Opening reception Saturday, February 4 Noon-4 pm at Wash On Western, 1548 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Prepping the art wall at Wash On Western
Every piece was carefully framed and cataloged
Clarence working on the exhibit descriptions
Art, art, art… as far as the eye can see
Artist Dondrell Lee dropping off his pieces
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‘Unsheltered’
Join us on February 4 between Noon and 4 pm for the opening reception of ‘Unsheltered’, a recurring art show organized by A Million Drops, featuring works by homeless, at-risk youth and young adults.The location for this event is Wash On Western, the laundromat where we offer our free laundry services to people in need.
When: Saturday, February 4 2017, Noon – 4 pm
Where: Wash On Western, 1548 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, California 90027
All art will be for sale, proceeds go directly to the artists.
Wash On Western will be offering free tacos and lemonade will be served, they are also doing a raffle with awesome prices, like kids’ bicycles and laundry cards.
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UTW Day 2016 Fundraiser
In just a few weeks, A Million Drops will hold its yearly fundraiser as part of the annual UTW Day. While other, simultaneous events around the globe may be geared towards other projects benefitting local communities, the L.A. event is focussed on homelessness, especially that of youth and young adults, and all money raised from raffle tickets and t-shirt sales will benefit A Million Drops.
The location – a parking lot in Hollywood where A Million Drops provides their services to the youth and young adults who live in shelters, friends’ couches, sidewalks or next to the 101 freeway – was generously provided by Omega Cinema Props, a local business servicing the film industry. AMD founder Maike has worked in movie production for a number of years, and friends in prop houses followed her call, donating tents, tables, chairs and much more for the event.
Join us on Saturday, June 11 between 2 to 8 pm, celebrating the good things that happen here in L.A. and around the globe, introducing positive projects + people making change!
DONATION DRIVE & FLEA MARKET We invite you to stop by and drop off in-kind donations: new or gently used back packs, sleeping bags, tents and new socks are highly appreciated and will go directly to someone in need. We will also gladly accept small household and decorative items, appliances, small furniture… in good, resalable condition – so we can include them in our flea market to help raise money for A Million Drops. Or you could just visit to browse the flea market for that special item you always wanted… 🙂MUSIC & ART: Enjoy music by Guam born, Oakland based hip hop poet Drew Imagination and by DJ Matt Cornwall while checking out Unsheltered, an art show featuring amazing works by local homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. All pieces will be for sale, the money will go directly to the homeless artists.FOOD & LEMONADE: Made with love and proudly provided by Tacos & Tamales and Misfit LightingNETWORKING: Meet like-minded people and find out about the positive things that are happening in our city. We’ve invited groups and individuals who do good in our local communities to represent themselves, including Laundry Love, American Street Kid, Give A Beat, Brian’s Orchard and more.RAFFLE: Lots of great prizes, tickets for a dollar.SIMULTANEOUS EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA, PHILIPPINES, BRAZIL, PERU, ICELAND, NETHERLANDS, OMAHA and LAS VEGAS.LIVE VIDEO CALLS: We are going to chat live with UTW Day event organizers around the globe to find out about the positive work they do in their own communities.ADMISSION: The event is free.PARKING: We will provide a limited amount of free parking. There also is street parking on Santa Monica Blvd., Van Ness and Wilton.To join the event, please visit us on Facebook. -
CHRISTMAS ART SALE
Our Christmas Art Sale Was A Full Success!
Lots of people came by, everyone had a great time and many went home with a new piece of art. Here some of the happy owners of a new, original piece of art…
Xochitl and Brian came all the way from Murrieta, and they went home with two new pieces
AMD founder Maike Both with Jaimie and Robert who purchased a piece by homeless artist Alexis
Ken bought these three pieces that were donated to us by L.A. artist Kymm Swank
A very happy camper: Nicole went home with an original, signed piece by famous photographer Glen Wexler
Robert bought this piece by homeless artist Andrew Washington
Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, artists, customers and AMD board members, and especially Lorna Donohoe and Nader Naderi, the owners of Wilde Wine Bar who invited us to have our art sale at their restaurant, we were able to raise $1,800 in just a few hours. This money will greatly help us help others, especially during the winter time, when even in L.A. the temperatures can go down to just above freezing at night.
It was a beautiful event all the way round, and we are looking forward to the next one!
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Christmas Gift Art Sale
For the last minute Christmas gift shopper… here is your one time opportunity to find a unique, one of a kind present at a very affordable price.
You will be able to choose from a wide variety of styles, from photography and pencil sketches to acrylics, framed and unframed, there will be something for every pocket.
The selection will include pieces created by homeless and at-risk youth, and works donated to us by artists from around the world in support of our cause.
All money raised in this event will benefit the young homeless population of Los Angeles.
