From Technology-Infused Exhibits to Historical Retrospectives, Get a Dose of Culture This Spring

GOING ON NOW

Common Ground

Through January 2025, Skirball Cultural Center, skirball.org

An exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Adam Silverman aimed at celebrating American pluralism while fostering human connection. The ceramicist collected clay, water and wood ash from all 50 states and the five inhabited U.S. territories. From that, he created plates, bowls, cups and 56 ceremonial pots.

100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World

Through April 21, Natural History Museum, nhm.org

Step into a dazzling array of magnificent gemstones from around the world. With more than two dozen gems on display, the centerpiece of the exhibit is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world: the Jonker I Diamond, discovered in 1934, weighing 125 carats.

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FEBRUARY

Masters of the American West

February 10 to March 24, Autry Museum of the American West, autry.org

With over 60 artists, this exhibition and sale displays paintings, mixed media and sculptures by nationally recognized artists in one of the nonprofit museum’s biggest annual fundraisers. Proceeds from purchases contribute to the Autry, a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to telling the diverse stories of the American West.

“Without Airs” by Lilian Martinez. Image courtesy of Frieze LA.

Frieze LA

February 29 to March 3, Santa Monica Airport, frieze.com

The fifth edition of SoCal’s most prestigious art fair, Frieze LA brings together a carefully curated group of over 95 exhibitors from 21 countries. The much-celebrated Focus section of the fair will explore the idea of ecology to highlight a diverse selection of newer U.S. galleries and emerging artists.

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MARCH

Symbiosis: The Art of Mutualism

March 9–16, Resin, indivisiblearts.org

This collaborative exhibit featuring all South Bay artists celebrates unity and working together to create community.

One of the Good Ones

March 13 to April 7, Pasadena Playhouse, pasadenaplayhouse.org

A funny, heartfelt story from Gloria Calderón Kellett. When the “perfect” Latina daughter brings her boyfriend home to meet the parents, her family’s biases and preconceptions are on full display. As tensions run high, everyone must navigate the ins and outs of family dynamics and the boundaries of acceptance.

Esa-Pekka Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony

March 22, LA Phil, laphil.com

This performance features John Adams’ “Naive and Sentimental Music”—a piece originally dedicated to and premiered by Esa-Pekka Salonen, the L.A. Violinist Lisa Batiashvili joins Salonen, performing Sibelius’ dramatic “Violin Concerto in D Minor.”

Rita McBride: Particulates

Opens March 26, The Hammer, hammer.ucla.edu

Composed of high-intensity laser beams, water molecules and dust particles in the air, this installation prompts reconsideration of fundamental elements of sculpture such as mass, scale, verticality and surface. Stretching across the former commercial space at the corner of the office tower that houses the museum, Particulates is a rotated, hyperbolic parabola structure that is both optical and ephemeral.

Fat Ham

March 27 to April 28, Geffen Playhouse, geffenplayhouse.org

This Pulitzer Prize–winning take on Hamlet, direct from Broadway, makes its West Coast debut. It tells the story of a queer Black man who encounters a dilemma when the ghost of his dead father shows up at his family’s barbecue wedding reception demanding his murder be avenged.

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APRIL

“Crouching Woman” by Camille Claudel. Photo by Marco Illuminati.

Camille Claudel

April 2 to July 21, The Getty, getty.edu

Camille Claudel was among the most daring and visionary artists of the late 19th century. Although she is remembered today for her passionate relationship with artist Auguste Rodin and her 30-year stay at a psychiatric institution, her art remains little known outside of France. This exhibition seeks to reevaluate Claudel’s work and affirm her legacy.

Ed Ruscha / Now Then

April 7 to October 6, LACMA, lacma.org

Ed Ruscha has consistently held up a mirror to American society by transforming some of its defining attributes—from popular entertainment to the ever-changing urban landscape—into the subject of his art. This exhibition includes his early works and installations and his photographic documentation of the streets of L.A. beginning in 1965.

Funny Girl

April 2–28, Ahmanson Theatre, centertheatregroup.com

A Broadway revival that tells the comedic story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but she ultimately became one of the most beloved performers in history.

State of the Art

State of the Art

April 20, Resin, indivisiblearts.org

The annual fundraiser in support of Indivisible Arts in Hermosa Beach brings together artists and their supporters for an evening of creativity, performance and revelry.

A Chorus Line

April 26–May 5, Norris Theatre, palosverdesperformingarts.com

This hit show examines one day in the lives of 17 dancers, all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. Based on real Broadway dancers’ stories, as told to fellow dancer and choreographer Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line is funny, heartbreaking and refreshingly honest.

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MAY

BeachLife Festival. Photo by J.P. Cordero.

BeachLife Festival

May 3–5, Redondo Beach, beachlifefestival.com

Sting, Incubus and My Morning Jacket headline this year’s weekend-long music celebration on the beach. Devo, ZZ Top, Seal and other favorites will also make appearances.

Distinguished Speaker Series: Thomas Friedman

May 8, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, speakersla.com

Thomas Friedman is one of America’s most visionary thinkers. This three-time Pulitzer Prize winner is one of the world’s preeminent commentators on international affairs. When events in this nation and abroad seem too menacing to comprehend, the American public looks to him for the straight talk and reliable information we need.

Dance Me

May 10–11, The Wallis, thewallis.org

A performance by artists from Ballet Jazz Montreal, Dance Me is inspired by the work of songwriter Leonard Cohen (who was from Montreal and who, during his lifetime, approved this production). The show combines scenic, visual, musical, dramaturgical and choreographic writing to pay tribute to Montreal’s greatest ambassador.