Today at 11am artist James Rojas is building an interactive model of Leimert Park inside Eso Won Books as part of Folk Art Everywhere, a project of the Craft and Folk Art Museum.  Stop by to say hello, or visit in the coming weeks to alter the model according to your vision of this neighborhood. (4331 Degnan Blvd. LA 90008). 

Everyone is welcome to participate, particularly local residents. We want to see how you imagine your neighborhood. What should everyone know about? Where's your favorite place to get a bite to eat?  To hear music? What could be made better?

Who is James Rojas and how does this work?

James Rojas is an artist, urban planner, and community activist. He uses art as a method to involve the public in urban planning and community visioning. He is the founder of  PLACE IT!  a design-based urban planning initiative that uses model-building workshops and on-site interactive models to help engage the public in the planning and design process. Participants are able to translate conceptual planning ideas into physical forms, and learn about the value of planning and design in shaping how we live. These types of interactive models can be catalysts for actual change to our physical and social environments.

To participate, all you have to do is show up at Eso Won Books (Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm) and move the pieces of the model around to your liking. There will also be extra pieces so you can add to the model. Additionally, a special workshop will be led by James Rojas in the coming weeks where you can build your own individual model and then share with the group what you made. To stay tuned for details, check back here, or join us on Facebook.

What is Folk Art Everywhere?

Folk Art Everywhere promotes the unique cultural and artistic landscape of Los Angeles by bringing art into unexpected spaces and celebrating all folk. Look for us in restaurants, markets, community centers, coffee shops, bookstores and other places where people naturally gather. Since April 2010, we have been showing art at Eso Won Books and Adassa's Island Cafe.