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Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination
now open through August 2.
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Exhibitions
Through August 01, 2026
Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination
This group exhibition features artists turn to craft to divine memory, enact ritual, and seek knowledge of the future.
Through May 30, 2026
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began
Work by students and alumn of Sequoyah’s high school Visual Art Program
K-12 Exhibition Field Trips Booking Now
Every student makes an artwork related to the exhibition's themes that they can take home.
Revisit Our Past Exhibitions
Revisit over 10 years Armory exhibitions with Alison Saar, Sarah Kathryn Arledge, Harry Dodge, Carmen Argote, Faith Wilding, Cauleen Smith, Jim Shaw, Alice Könitz, Martine Syms, Connie Samaras, Chris Burden, Robert Rauschenberg, and more.
Events
In Conversation: Dahlia Kim Levy & viviana palacio
April 25, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a conversation with artist Dahlia Kim Levy as she discusses her ongoing photography and oral history project begun at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sunprints & Storycloths: A Cyanotype Workshop
May 16, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Materials Prophecies artist Calethia DeConto for a hands-on cyanotype workshop exploring memory, ancestry, and material transformation.
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Youth Prophecy: Futures Beyond Wildfire with Altadena Library
June 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A creative workshop for teens exploring imagination, resilience, and collective possibility in the wake of wildfire disruption.
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Inside the Armory
Featured Classes: Spring Studio 2026
April 01, 2026
10:21 AM
There are a LOT of class options this spring to choose from. Our studio team sat down and compiled this list of classes you might have overlooked. With only two weeks left until spring, we think these…
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Summer Studio: Class Enrollment Opens April 13
March 11, 2026
11:47 AM
Summer Session Dates: July 6 - August 29
Early enrollment for Armory Members opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 6.
General enrollment opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 13.
Kids Classes (Ages 2 - …
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Armory Closed January 30 in Solidarity with Nationwide Shutdown
January 28, 2026
3:42 PM
The Armory is closed for the Nationwide Shutdown on Friday, January 30, in solidarity with our community and in support of justice, kindness, and human dignity. This 24-hour closure includes all onlin…
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Spring Studio Enrollment Begins February 11
January 23, 2026
5:16 PM
Spring Session Dates: April 13- June 8 (8 class meetings)
Early enrollment for current Armory members begins at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 4th. General enrollment begins one week later on Wednes…
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Armory Welcomes Taylor Bythewood-Porter as New Director of Exhibitions
August 21, 2025
2:15 PM
The Armory Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Bythewood-Porter as its new Director of Exhibitions, effective August 2025. A distinguished curator and writer, Bythewoo…
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California American Water Supports Armory's Fire Recovery Programs
July 01, 2025
11:48 AM
California American Water, in collaboration with the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), has awarded a $25,000 Disa…
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Silence Is Not an Option
June 11, 2025
3:28 PM
In light of recent ICE raids in our region, the Armory Center for the Arts reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety, and humanity of all community members, especially those most vuln…
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Fall Studio Classes
May 19, 2025
11:27 AM
Fall Studio 2025
September 15 - November 23
Early member registration Tuesday, July 22
General registration Tuesday, July 29
Armory Kid’s Classes introduce materials and ideas that strengthen skills,…
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Grab-and-Go Art Supplies
May 19, 2025
11:10 AM
We're now offering free, grab-and-go art supplies for artists displaced or impacted by the fires. Our grab-and-go will be open at the same time as our Creativity & Community Care Room. No appointment …
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2025 Summer Studio Enrollment and Class Schedules Announced
February 26, 2025
9:36 AM
Mark your calendars. Summer art classes for kids, teens, adults, and families enrolling soon. General enrollment begins April 7 at 12:00 PM. Armory members can register one week earlier on March 31. N…
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Launching Our Creativity & Community Care Room at the Armory
January 21, 2025
11:50 AM
We are pleased to announce the opening of our Creativity & Community Care Room at the Armory at The Gale Kohl Center for Creativity in Old Pasadena. Co-hosted by our friends at Gale’s Restaurant, we i…
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Call for Past & Recent Armory Student Artworks (1989-2024)
August 20, 2024
11:50 AM
Dust off that Armory masterpiece made by you, your child, or family member and help celebrate our 35th anniversary with a truly historic student exhibition.
We invite you to submit any artwork made…
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Meet Our 2024 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns
June 27, 2024
10:21 AM
Join us in welcoming our 2024 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns Han Kim and Tania Ordoñez. Since 1993, the Getty Foundation has dedicated upwards of $14 million to support over 3,500 paid summer inte…
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Summer 2024 Studio Class Dates
January 11, 2024
3:18 PM
Mark your calendars! Summer Studio dates are now available, including the return of week-long summer kids classes with supervised lunch breaks!
Summer Studio 2024Registration Open March 20 at Noon
M…
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2024 Winter Studio Registration and Session Dates Announced
August 21, 2023
2:45 PM
Save the Dates!
2024 Winter Studio
Art Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults
Winter Session Dates:
Tuesday, January 16 through Sunday, March 24
(Monday classes start January 22 due to the MLK…
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Meet Our New Board Members
August 01, 2023
2:13 PM
From left: Grant Derderian, Luis Grane, Nic Cha Kim, Haven Lin-Kirk, and Timothy Thomas.
Armory Center for the Arts has announced the addition of five new board members who will help support the Pa…
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Meet Our 2023 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns
June 30, 2023
10:20 AM
Please join us in welcoming our 2023 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns, Julia Aguila and Miranda Bazua.
Julia Aguila recently graduated from California Institute of the Arts' School of Art. Previo…
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Irene Georgia Tsatsos Stepping Down as Chief Curator
June 13, 2023
3:19 PM
Armory Center for the Arts announced the departure of longtime Director of Exhibition Programs and Chief Curator Irene Georgia Tsatsos. Tsatsos’ decision comes from a desire "for another mode of worki…
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Fall Art Class Registration Opens July 12!
May 30, 2023
12:01 PM
The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding, Figure Drawing with Live Models, Oil Painting, Photography, Still Life Drawing & Pai…
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San Cha and Wyldeflower to Perform at Annual Benefit on April 8
March 24, 2023
9:48 AM
Off the Wall, the Armory's renowned biennial art auction and gala will return in person for the first time since the pandemic began at the Armory's Old Pasadena campus on April 8. The gala will featur…
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Collaborative Mural Project to be Unveiled March 10 During ArtNight Pasadena
March 03, 2023
2:35 PM
Image: Myisha Arellano and Michelle Glass, Interwoven Stories (details), 2022-2023. Created at public workshops, in collaboration with community members and in partnership with the Armory, NAACP Pasad…
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Summer Class Dates: Kid & Teen Classes meet 2x a week!
January 17, 2023
12:47 PM
Now with more options of classes meeting twice a week or once a week for Kids and Teens! Classes everyday of the week for kids, teens, and adults! The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic jou…
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Spring Class Dates: Register February 15
January 17, 2023
12:45 PM
Let your creativity flourish this spring by enrolling in an art class at the Armory! The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding,…
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Winter Class Dates
October 24, 2022
12:45 PM
Know someone hoping to build their skills or simply make time for creativity? The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding, Figure…
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Fall Class Dates: Bringing back classes for ages 2+
July 25, 2022
11:44 AM
Save the date!Family & Toddler classes are back!
Classes for children aged 2 to 7 are back, including Art for Two morning sessions for toddlers, and afternoon classes for ages 5 and 6. We're also bri…
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Armory Welcomes Five New Board Members
July 07, 2022
10:34 AM
The Armory has welcomed five new board members, whose diverse range of expertise and networks will help to advance our newly adopted mission to nurture our community and its young people by creating, …
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Armory Announces New Mission and Vision Statements
July 01, 2022
1:42 PM
For nearly 20 years, the Armory's mission was rooted in the idea of transformation — "to transform lives and communities through creating, teaching, and presenting the arts." When the Armory adopted C…
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Alumni Spotlight: Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
April 28, 2022
9:47 AM
ArtNight Pasadena at the Armory on April 29 will be a homecoming for our musical guest DJ Wyldeflower, one of the rising stars at KCRW—arguably one of the most influential FM music stations in the nat…
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Armory Awarded Grant from Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts
March 21, 2022
1:47 PM
The Armory is one of 18 LA County arts organizations selected for the 2022 Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts' organizational support grants. This is the Foundation's second year awarding unrestricte…
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Summer Dates Announced
March 14, 2022
2:16 PM
Popular onsite classes for all ages or try our select online classes on Zoom. It's your choice! Classes include animation, book arts, ceramics: handbuilding & wheel throwing, collage & assemblage, co…
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Updated COVID Guidelines and Winter Studio Schedule
January 04, 2022
3:19 PM
Updated Winter Session Dates
(January 4, 2022) – Due to rising COVID cases in LA County, we are postponing the start of winter classes by one week in order to put increased prevention systems in pla…
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Partner Highlight: Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN)
December 21, 2021
12:02 PM
In collaboration with our partner organizations from the Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN), the Armory helped provide a series of 20 healing-informed art workshops (and 60 of these art kits)…
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Meet Our Youngest Supporters!
November 29, 2021
12:02 PM
Meet our youngest supporters! When twins Cameron and Lindy celebrated their birthday recently, their mom Kelley had a concern and an idea.
"With twins in the same grade, but different classes, our b…
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Armory Selected for WPA-Inspired "Artists at Work" Program
September 23, 2021
12:51 PM
Pasadena Community Job Center, NAACP Pasadena, and the Armory are excited to take part in the Artists At Work (AAW), a workforce resilience program designed to support the rebuilding of healthy commun…
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Alison Saar Re-imagines Catfish Dreamin' at the Armory
September 17, 2021
3:34 PM
The Armory is excited to present Alison Saar's Catfish Dreamin’, an outdoor temporary sculpture and related online program, on view now in our front garden.
One of Saar's earliest public projects, C…
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Fall Class Dates Announced: Online & Onsite
August 17, 2021
4:44 PM
Save the date!We’re excited to welcome you back to the Armory this fall with onsite classes for all ages. Or, try our popular online classes on Zoom. It's your choice! Classes include ceramics, life d…
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WATCH: Log in to Emerging Arts Tech with Devon Baur and Peter Wu+
August 16, 2021
2:27 PM
Thank you to all who joined the Armory in taking a look at emerging art technologies with artists Devon Baur and Peter Wu+. Produced and moderated by the Armory's Getty interns Shardé Alexander and Ja…
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VIEW: BOOM Online Showcase
August 12, 2021
5:46 PM
BOOM is an online showcase of the energetic, thoughtful and unapologetic work from the Armory’s Art High program. This exhibition highlights the talents of teens who share a common interest in art and…
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WATCH: Alison Saar Virtual Exhibition Field Trips
July 29, 2021
5:53 PM
Take your students (or yourself) on a virtual Armory field trip and make art with lessons designed by Armory Teaching Artists that meet National Arts Common Core Standards.
These virtual field trips…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 4: Art and Abolition in Los Angeles
July 29, 2021
4:48 PM
Thank you to all who joined artists and abolitionists Mims and Cecilia Sweet-Coll for "Art and Abolition in Los Angeles," the fourth installment of the Armory's Active Voice conversation series. Watch…
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WATCH: Alison Saar in Conversation
July 29, 2021
2:45 PM
Thank to all who joined the Armory for a lively, virtual discussion with Alison Saar and co-curators Irene Georgia Tsatsos and Rebecca McGrew (of the Armory and the Benton respectively) about the arti…
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Teens Document One Year of COVID Lockdown with Zine Project
July 20, 2021
3:29 PM
What does justice mean in the age of COVID? Armory Teaching Artists posed this question to young adults from across the Southland participating in our COVID Chronicles 'Zine class. This summer, the Ar…
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WATCH: Poetry Readings from the Alison Saar Exhibition Catalogue
July 12, 2021
4:10 PM
Enjoy a reading of three works included in the Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe exhibition catalogue, recorded during the virtual catalogue release event last autumn. First up is Pomona College Presi…
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Pasadena Parks After Dark with the Armory
July 08, 2021
2:12 PM
Join Armory teaching artist Heather Hilliard for Pasadena’s Parks After Dark programs. A line-up of summer activities by Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department free for all ages…
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WATCH: Mel Chin and Sehba Sarwar: How Would You Like Me Now?
June 29, 2021
1:28 PM
Thank you to all who joined us for the Armory's new literary reading series on racial justice, presented in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe. This inaugural re…
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WATCH: Christina Sharpe - Alison Saar Essay Reading
June 24, 2021
12:00 PM
Watch Christina Sharpe's powerful reading of an excerpt from her essay Alison Saar, Alchemist: 'the hand is in the making of textures'. You can find Sharpe's entire essay in Alison Saar: Of Aether and…
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Michael McMillen Motel (Under the World) Gets a Makeover
June 23, 2021
12:00 PM
Recently, artist Michael McMillen visited the Armory to spruce up Motel (Under the World), his permanent floor installation depicting a robot, resting under glass, watching TV, and polishing off a cas…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 3: Home Studio, Teaching Art, and Learning During the Pandemic
June 17, 2021
2:37 PM
John Ziqiang Wu’s exhibition Art Making opened at the Armory on February 9, 2020, just a few weeks before LA County’s stay at home order went into effect, triggering the closure of all indoor cultural…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 2: Wellness at Home and In Community
April 22, 2021
2:35 PM
The emergence and rapid proliferation of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 resulted in a global pandemic at a scale not seen since the Spanish flu of 1918. In the U.S. the virus came as a shock …
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A Message from Our Executive Director Leslie A. Ito
April 09, 2021
1:25 PM
The deadly shootings in Atlanta and the countless attacks on Asian American elders in communities across the nation have saddened me and triggered memories. As a child, I remember walking through a st…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 1: Lockdown, One Year Later
March 25, 2021
2:31 PM
On March 19, 2020, following the emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, California became the first U.S. state to issue a state-wide safer-at-home order. Subsequently, the County of Los Ang…
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WATCH: Sara Kathryn Arledge Book Launch
March 23, 2021
2:51 PM
On March 11, 2021, the Armory celebrated the live book launch of Sara Kathryn Arledge: Serene for the Moment, the first extended monograph on the artist produced in conjunction with the 2019 Armory ex…
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Armory Launches New Series Inspired by Conversations and Reflections in the Year Under Lockdown
March 17, 2021
1:04 PM
Active Voice: Conversations at the Intersection of Art, Community, and Social Justice is a monthly conversation series hosted by Armory Center for the Arts inspired by the conversations and reflection…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga Virtual Exhibition Field Trips
March 15, 2021
5:53 PM
Take your students on a virtual Armory exhibition tour and make art with lessons designed by Armory Teaching Artists that meet National Arts Common Core Standards.
This first round of virtual field …
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WATCH: Dina Abdulkarim and Hugo Hopping in Conversation, Moderated by Harry Gamboa Jr.
March 04, 2021
2:46 PM
This conversation between artists Dina Abdulkarim and Hugo Hopping, moderated by artist Harry Gamboa Jr. and introduced by the Armory's Chief Curator Irene Georgia Tsatsos, was recorded on February 5,…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga's Final Armory Exhibition Walkthrough and Q&A
March 04, 2021
2:39 PM
Tanya Aguiñiga's exhibition opened in early 2020, but regrettably closed to the public only five weeks later due to the pandemic. This opportunity to experience Aguiñiga's exhibition virtually culmina…
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Getty Awards the Armory a Grant of $100,000, Part of Pacific Standard Time Art x Science Initiative
January 27, 2021
12:29 PM
We are pleased to announce that the Armory has received a $100,000 research grant from the Getty Foundation for From the Ground Up: Nurturing Diversity in Hostile Environments, a forward-looking ethno…
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Armory Exhibition Catalogue Named One of the Best Black Art Books of 2020
December 31, 2021
12:13 PM
Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe has been named one of the 15 best Black art books of 2020 by Culture Type—an essential resource focused on visual art from a Black perspective that explores the inter…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga and Jackie Amézquita in Conversation
December 15, 2020
12:00 PM
Artist Tanya Aguiñiga was joined by her friend and colleague Jackie Amézquita last week for an hour-long conversation about their practices, both as individual artists and collaborators. At the center…
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Sock Puppets & Science: Arts Integration in the Age of COVID
November 02, 2020
12:50 PM
When Pasadena Unified School District sent students home in March, the Armory followed the District's lead. It became quickly evident to the Armory's leadership team that this pandemic wasn't ending a…
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WATCH: Alison Saar Catalogue Launch
October 23, 2020
12:00 PM
The Armory and the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College virtual release of the exhibition catalogue Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe featured conversations with special guests, poetry readings, and…
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Collaborative Zine Project Encourages Young Adults to Vote
October 09, 2020
3:21 PM
We all have a choice and a voice! Twice a week throughout the month of August, young adults from Greater LA and across the country met via Zoom as part of a "Get Out the Vote" zine class—a collaborati…
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Learning Art Over the Phone at Heritage Square Senior Housing
September 29, 2020
2:36 PM
Imagine taking your first art class... over the telephone. This is the improbable quarantine success story of "technology challenged" Phil Sanchez, a 70 year old resident of Pasadena's Heritage Square…
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Book & Blog Launch: Below the Underground
August 17, 2020
11:54 AM
Join us on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM PT (7 PM CDMX) for a virtual release of the bilingual publication Below the Underground: Renegade Art and Action in 1990s Mexico / Más abajo que el und…
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Community Highlight: Daniel Williams
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Dance for Love, Dance for Peace
The weekend of June 22, 2020, we saw the virtual return of the Pasadena Chalk Festival, the largest event of its kind according to the Guinness Book of Records. In th…
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Community Highlight: Heritage Square Housing
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Art for Everyone
In the 130+ days since lockdown, Armory Teaching Artists have remained resourceful, resilient, and devoted to the Armory's mission of transforming lives through the power of art. Usi…
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Community Highlight: Day One
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Community Collaboration
Armory Teaching Artist Sergio Hernandez shared this pic from his online lettering class, presented in collaboration with Pasadena's Public Library and Day One. Using watercolo…
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Schools Feature: Altadena Arts Magnet
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Virtual exhibition for the Armory's Artful Connections with Math program
During the Fall 2019 semester, Armory Center for the Arts provided a new comprehensive visual art/math integrated curriculum …
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Juneteenth
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Come Celebrate Juneteenth!
This Friday, June 19, with a car caravan for black lives organized by our partners at the NAACP Pasadena and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. Vehicles will asse…
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How to Make an Origami Owl
July 21, 2020
12:26 PM
All you need is scissors, markers, paper! In 12 easy steps, you'll be able to make your own parliament of owls (BTW - a group of owls is called a "parliament").
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Grief, Solidarity, and Respect
June 12, 2020
2:12 PM
The Armory grieves the loss of George Floyd and so many others who have lost their lives to police brutality and the systemic racism that continues to plague our country. We stand in solidarity with c…
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Austyn de Lugo: 5 Queer Collage Artists for Pride Month
June 10, 2020
12:34 PM
Armory Teaching Artist
Austyn de Lugo
(he/him/él) is especially interested in queer and feminist theory, horror films, pattern and decoration, and political imagery.
In honor of Pride Month, we asked Austyn for 5 queer collage artists that inspire him.
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Caravan for Black Lives
June 02, 2020
2:47 PM
Come support this evening's "Mr. George Floyd Caravan Vigil & Peace," organized by our partners at the NAACP Pasadena Branch and the National Association of Day Laborers Organizing Network. Vehicles w…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga Live on Instagram
May 29, 2020
3:32 PM
Join us for a performance by Tanya Aguiñiga, live on the Armory’s Instagram on Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00 PM PDT.
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Faculty Feature: Andrew K. Currey
May 27, 2020
10:00 AM
On May 26, 2020, we asked Armory Teaching Artist Andrew K. Currey to take over our Instagram account for the day. Here's what she shared. Be sure to follow us @ArmoryArts for future #TakeOverTuesdays …
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HOME: An Armory Coloring Book
May 21, 2020
2:08 PM
This coloring book for all ages is a collaborative effort of the Armory's Teaching Artists. We invited our faculty to each create an illustration representing their personal interpretation of “Home,” a relatable theme especially in light of the safer at home orders the entire planet is experiencing during this pandemic.
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Jocelyn Casas: Top 5 Favorite Sculptors Right Now
May 20, 2020
3:34 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Jocelyn Casas makes paintings, sculptures, installations, murals, and wearables. We asked Jocelyn to share her 5 favorite sculptors with us. Here's her list, with 3 notable "honorable mentions."
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How To Make Coffee Ink Art
May 15, 2020
1:33 PM
Make your own artwork using coffee!
Adapted from Nick Neddo’s book
The Organic Artist
, this Coffee Ink Art activity comes to you from Armory Teaching Artist Michelle Ohm.
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Grace Lacques: 6 Theater Performances That Took My Breath Away
May 13, 2020
1:09 PM
"Miss Grace" has taught children's drama classes at the Armory for more than 20 years. We asked her to share her favorite live theater experiences with us. Ranging from apartheid-era ensembles to Butoh masters from Japan, we hope Grace's list will take your breath away, too.
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How To Make a Fabric Mask
May 08, 2020
10:32 AM
Armory Teaching Artist Denise El-Hoss has directed our letterpress studio for more than a decade. A master of the letterpress medium, Denise is also quite handy with a needle and thread. In this short video, Denise will guide you step by step to create your own, hand-sew, cotton fabric face mask.
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Elonda Norris: 5 Ceramic Artists I've Been Thinking About
May 06, 2020
12:32 PM
We asked Armory ceramics instructor Elonda Norris to share some of her favorite ceramic artists with us.
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Create an Animal Companion with Ed Leonardi
May 01, 2020
4:08 PM
Perfect for ages 3 to 5! Created by Armory Teaching Artist Ed Leonardi, we have some fun and simple directions on how to make yourself an animal companion including a 3D kitten or 2D puppy.
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Sergio Hernandez: Top 7 Street Artists
April 29, 2020
4:14 PM
From late '60s innovators to contemporary artists who walk the line between graffiti and fine art, this is a super informative survey of how an underground movement found its way into the museums.
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Armory Arts Challenge #3 - Beyond the Selfie: Summon the Actor Within
April 24, 2020
3:15 PM
Invent a character based on this single word: HOPE. Your character will personify HOPE. Your character
is
HOPE. Once you create your character, take several selfies until you capture an image that truly personifies your character's spirit.
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How To Hang Art
April 23, 2020
1:40 PM
This handy how-to guide from the Armory's exhibitions team shows you the essential steps and simple math used by professionals to hang art. You can also use this information to securely hang other things, like mirrors, family photos, diplomas, and more.
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Faculty Feature: Gabriella Carboni
April 21, 2020
10:00 PM
On April 20, 2020, we asked Armory Teaching Artist Gabriella Carboni to take over our Instagram account for the day. Here's what she shared. Be sure to follow us @ArmoryArts for future #TakeOverTuesda…
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Collage Scavenger Hunt with Sandra Gallegos
April 17, 2020
4:58 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Sandra Gallegos asked us to share one of her favorite collages with you that she made in 2017. "I thought it would be nice for children to hunt for things," like a scavenger hunt. We thought that was a great idea.
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Matt MacFarland: 7 Cartoonists I Love
April 15, 2020
4:30 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Matt MacFarland loves drawing and comics. "I went to school for art, but still made cartoons. Then I went to grad school for art. I still made cartoons...then my son was born and I just made comics."
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Armory Arts Challenge #2 - Cartoon Doodles from Memory
April 10, 2020
1:04 PM
In 10 minutes, draw as many popular cartoon characters as possible...from memory! Forget about details. Be quick & loose.
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Artful Connections With Math: The Art Store
April 09, 2020
2:58 PM
For 2nd & 3rd Graders: How do artists purchase materials for creating a project? This lesson a goal is for students to work within a given budget, create proposals, purchase materials from a classroom “store,” and create a sculpture on a base.
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Kate Lain's Top 5: Cabin Fever Playlist
April 08, 2020
4:30 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Kate Lain's Cabin Fever Playlist is a crowd-sourced list of experimental films that are currently free online. Kate started the list on March 13 for her video art students at the Armory once classes were canceled due to shelter in place recommendations.
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Artful Connections With Math: Area Perimeter Blueprint Collage
April 03, 2020
4:31 PM
For 3rd Graders: How do we use math and art to represent our living spaces? This lesson’s goal is for students to create a floor plan collage, using graph paper to calculate area and sewing with embroidery floss to calculate perimeter.
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Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Helps Armory Brings the Power of Art to Youth in Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights
August 05, 2019
4:49 PM
With generous support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Armory partnered with Proyecto Pastoral, Public Works, and the Art for Incarcerated Youth Network to present art …
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The Brief Statements of Sara Kathryn Arledge
February 14, 2019
2:06 PM
If she lived during the age of smart phones, what would Sara Kathryn Arledge think of Twitter? It's an intriguing question, because decades before the advent of the tweet, Arledge wrote and archived h…
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2020 Curators Award and $80,000 Grant
December 18, 2018
10:05 AM
Fellows of Contemporary Art Bestows 2020 Curators Award and $80,000 Grant to the Curators at Armory Center for the Arts and Pomona College Museum of Art The Fellows of Contemporary Art (FOCA) has awar…
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Meet Our New Board Members
October 26, 2018
3:01 PM
Armory Center for the Arts is pleased to announce three new additions to our board of directors. Please join us in welcoming architect Alice Fung, USC's Vice President of Admissions and Planning Katha…
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Leslie A. Ito Named New Executive Director of Armory Center for the Arts
July 09, 2018
3:03 PM
Following a 6-month national search conducted by the executive search firm of Morris & Berger, Armory Center for the Arts' Board of Directors have announced that Leslie A. Ito of South Pasadena will b…
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Faculty Spotlight: Kristofferson San Pablo Exhibiting in Beyond the Streets
July 09, 2018
2:36 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Kristofferson San Pablo will be exhibiting as part of a group show at Beyond the Streets in Los Angeles. Along with teaching an array of classes from Crazy Caricature, Anime, Co…
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Andre’ Barnwell's African USA Flag Encourages Investigation of African Roots
February 01, 2018
4:10 PM
Throughout the month of February, and in honor of Black History Month, artist and designer Andre’ Barnwell’s African USA Flag project encourages Americans to genetically map their African heritage and…
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Armory Curates Public Art at Arroyo Seco Weekend
June 19, 2017
10:18 AM
Coachella music festival organizers Goldenvoice will debut the Arroyo Seco Weekend— with three stages of live music along with curated menus from LA’s celebrated restaurants and chefs at the Rose Bowl…
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Limited Edition Octavia E. Butler Print by Connie Samaras
December 08, 2016
1:35 PM
Connie Samaras
The Past is Another Planet:
Huntington Tropical Garden; OEB 7185, Octavia E. Butler and Large Tree,
Amazon River Region, July 1985.
2016
Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Fine …
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Armory Helps Incarcerated Teen Girls Create a Mural in Santa Clarita
June 23, 2016
12:15 PM
Bright pink and blue chairs, a television screen, and vibrant paintings fill the “Hope Center” of Camp Joseph Scott Juvenile Hall — and for a moment it feels “normal.” The Hope Center recently welcome…
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Ellen Lesperance's Interactive Sweater Project
June 20, 2016
3:33 PM
Congratulations and Celebrations, the interactive project by artist Ellen Lesperance gives you an opportunity to wear the sweater designed and knit by the artist that is currently on exhibit at the Ar…
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First Lady Michelle Obama Honors the Armory at the White House
November 12, 2015
8:15 AM
Teen photographer Dalon Poole of Pasadena and Executive Director Scott Ward represented the Armory at the White House on November 17 to accept a major award from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Since 200…
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Faith Wilding Limited Edition Print
October 08, 2015
5:25 PM
"...Wilding achieves a weird combination of conservative sweetness and fierceness that made me tear up when I saw the show, full of work that's been waiting to be seen for decades." — LA Weekly
"a go…
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Armory Helps Incarcerated Teen Girls Create Mural at Detention Camp
July 14, 2015
3:38 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Carlos Callejo recently completed a stunning collaborative mural with 15 teenage girls currently serving time inside Santa Clarita's Scudder Detention Camp.
• See Mural Pi…
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Warhol Foundation Awards $120K to Armory Exhibitions
July 10, 2015
12:21 PM
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded the Armory $120,000 to support exhibitions and related programming over the next 2 years. The Armory is the only Pasadena institution to rece…
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Masks by LA County Inmates Support Teen Internships @ the Armory
July 07, 2015
4:53 PM
These poignant self portraits are from a 2015 Armory exhibition of masks created by adult students from New Opportunities Charter School — a school for LA County inmates who do not have a high school …
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Kim Abeles Spruces Up Fig Leaves
July 06, 2015
2:59 PM
With the support of friends, volunteers, and donors, artist Kim Abeles and her team have spent the last several weeks giving a much-needed makeover to one of Pasadena's most unusual and informative pu…
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After Victor Papanek: Exhibition Related Events
May 14, 2015
3:50 PM
On view through September 6, After Victor Papanek: The Future Is Not What It Used To Be is a group exhibition that focuses on Papanek’s pioneering influence on sustainable, socially responsible, human…
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The Armory Awarded $150K for New Art + Science Program
September 18, 2014
11:41 AM
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded $150,000 to Armory Center for the Arts to develop, deliver, and evaluate Artful Connections with Science — a new visual arts/science integra…
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Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination
now open through August 2.
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Exhibitions
Through August 01, 2026
Material Prophecies: Craft as Divination
This group exhibition features artists turn to craft to divine memory, enact ritual, and seek knowledge of the future.
Through May 30, 2026
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began
Work by students and alumn of Sequoyah’s high school Visual Art Program
K-12 Exhibition Field Trips Booking Now
Every student makes an artwork related to the exhibition's themes that they can take home.
Revisit Our Past Exhibitions
Revisit over 10 years Armory exhibitions with Alison Saar, Sarah Kathryn Arledge, Harry Dodge, Carmen Argote, Faith Wilding, Cauleen Smith, Jim Shaw, Alice Könitz, Martine Syms, Connie Samaras, Chris Burden, Robert Rauschenberg, and more.
Events
In Conversation: Dahlia Kim Levy & viviana palacio
April 25, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a conversation with artist Dahlia Kim Levy as she discusses her ongoing photography and oral history project begun at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sunprints & Storycloths: A Cyanotype Workshop
May 16, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join Materials Prophecies artist Calethia DeConto for a hands-on cyanotype workshop exploring memory, ancestry, and material transformation.
Read more.
Youth Prophecy: Futures Beyond Wildfire with Altadena Library
June 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A creative workshop for teens exploring imagination, resilience, and collective possibility in the wake of wildfire disruption.
Read more.
Inside the Armory
Featured Classes: Spring Studio 2026
April 01, 2026
10:21 AM
There are a LOT of class options this spring to choose from. Our studio team sat down and compiled this list of classes you might have overlooked. With only two weeks left until spring, we think these…
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Summer Studio: Class Enrollment Opens April 13
March 11, 2026
11:47 AM
Summer Session Dates: July 6 - August 29
Early enrollment for Armory Members opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 6.
General enrollment opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 13.
Kids Classes (Ages 2 - …
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Armory Closed January 30 in Solidarity with Nationwide Shutdown
January 28, 2026
3:42 PM
The Armory is closed for the Nationwide Shutdown on Friday, January 30, in solidarity with our community and in support of justice, kindness, and human dignity. This 24-hour closure includes all onlin…
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Spring Studio Enrollment Begins February 11
January 23, 2026
5:16 PM
Spring Session Dates: April 13- June 8 (8 class meetings)
Early enrollment for current Armory members begins at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 4th. General enrollment begins one week later on Wednes…
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Armory Welcomes Taylor Bythewood-Porter as New Director of Exhibitions
August 21, 2025
2:15 PM
The Armory Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Bythewood-Porter as its new Director of Exhibitions, effective August 2025. A distinguished curator and writer, Bythewoo…
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California American Water Supports Armory's Fire Recovery Programs
July 01, 2025
11:48 AM
California American Water, in collaboration with the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), has awarded a $25,000 Disa…
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Silence Is Not an Option
June 11, 2025
3:28 PM
In light of recent ICE raids in our region, the Armory Center for the Arts reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety, and humanity of all community members, especially those most vuln…
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Fall Studio Classes
May 19, 2025
11:27 AM
Fall Studio 2025
September 15 - November 23
Early member registration Tuesday, July 22
General registration Tuesday, July 29
Armory Kid’s Classes introduce materials and ideas that strengthen skills,…
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Grab-and-Go Art Supplies
May 19, 2025
11:10 AM
We're now offering free, grab-and-go art supplies for artists displaced or impacted by the fires. Our grab-and-go will be open at the same time as our Creativity & Community Care Room. No appointment …
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2025 Summer Studio Enrollment and Class Schedules Announced
February 26, 2025
9:36 AM
Mark your calendars. Summer art classes for kids, teens, adults, and families enrolling soon. General enrollment begins April 7 at 12:00 PM. Armory members can register one week earlier on March 31. N…
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Launching Our Creativity & Community Care Room at the Armory
January 21, 2025
11:50 AM
We are pleased to announce the opening of our Creativity & Community Care Room at the Armory at The Gale Kohl Center for Creativity in Old Pasadena. Co-hosted by our friends at Gale’s Restaurant, we i…
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Call for Past & Recent Armory Student Artworks (1989-2024)
August 20, 2024
11:50 AM
Dust off that Armory masterpiece made by you, your child, or family member and help celebrate our 35th anniversary with a truly historic student exhibition.
We invite you to submit any artwork made…
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Meet Our 2024 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns
June 27, 2024
10:21 AM
Join us in welcoming our 2024 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns Han Kim and Tania Ordoñez. Since 1993, the Getty Foundation has dedicated upwards of $14 million to support over 3,500 paid summer inte…
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Summer 2024 Studio Class Dates
January 11, 2024
3:18 PM
Mark your calendars! Summer Studio dates are now available, including the return of week-long summer kids classes with supervised lunch breaks!
Summer Studio 2024Registration Open March 20 at Noon
M…
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2024 Winter Studio Registration and Session Dates Announced
August 21, 2023
2:45 PM
Save the Dates!
2024 Winter Studio
Art Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults
Winter Session Dates:
Tuesday, January 16 through Sunday, March 24
(Monday classes start January 22 due to the MLK…
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Meet Our New Board Members
August 01, 2023
2:13 PM
From left: Grant Derderian, Luis Grane, Nic Cha Kim, Haven Lin-Kirk, and Timothy Thomas.
Armory Center for the Arts has announced the addition of five new board members who will help support the Pa…
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Meet Our 2023 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns
June 30, 2023
10:20 AM
Please join us in welcoming our 2023 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Interns, Julia Aguila and Miranda Bazua.
Julia Aguila recently graduated from California Institute of the Arts' School of Art. Previo…
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Irene Georgia Tsatsos Stepping Down as Chief Curator
June 13, 2023
3:19 PM
Armory Center for the Arts announced the departure of longtime Director of Exhibition Programs and Chief Curator Irene Georgia Tsatsos. Tsatsos’ decision comes from a desire "for another mode of worki…
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Fall Art Class Registration Opens July 12!
May 30, 2023
12:01 PM
The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding, Figure Drawing with Live Models, Oil Painting, Photography, Still Life Drawing & Pai…
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San Cha and Wyldeflower to Perform at Annual Benefit on April 8
March 24, 2023
9:48 AM
Off the Wall, the Armory's renowned biennial art auction and gala will return in person for the first time since the pandemic began at the Armory's Old Pasadena campus on April 8. The gala will featur…
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Collaborative Mural Project to be Unveiled March 10 During ArtNight Pasadena
March 03, 2023
2:35 PM
Image: Myisha Arellano and Michelle Glass, Interwoven Stories (details), 2022-2023. Created at public workshops, in collaboration with community members and in partnership with the Armory, NAACP Pasad…
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Summer Class Dates: Kid & Teen Classes meet 2x a week!
January 17, 2023
12:47 PM
Now with more options of classes meeting twice a week or once a week for Kids and Teens! Classes everyday of the week for kids, teens, and adults! The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic jou…
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Spring Class Dates: Register February 15
January 17, 2023
12:45 PM
Let your creativity flourish this spring by enrolling in an art class at the Armory! The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding,…
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Winter Class Dates
October 24, 2022
12:45 PM
Know someone hoping to build their skills or simply make time for creativity? The Armory is here to support everyone's artistic journey. Classes include Ceramics: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding, Figure…
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Fall Class Dates: Bringing back classes for ages 2+
July 25, 2022
11:44 AM
Save the date!Family & Toddler classes are back!
Classes for children aged 2 to 7 are back, including Art for Two morning sessions for toddlers, and afternoon classes for ages 5 and 6. We're also bri…
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Armory Welcomes Five New Board Members
July 07, 2022
10:34 AM
The Armory has welcomed five new board members, whose diverse range of expertise and networks will help to advance our newly adopted mission to nurture our community and its young people by creating, …
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Armory Announces New Mission and Vision Statements
July 01, 2022
1:42 PM
For nearly 20 years, the Armory's mission was rooted in the idea of transformation — "to transform lives and communities through creating, teaching, and presenting the arts." When the Armory adopted C…
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Alumni Spotlight: Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
April 28, 2022
9:47 AM
ArtNight Pasadena at the Armory on April 29 will be a homecoming for our musical guest DJ Wyldeflower, one of the rising stars at KCRW—arguably one of the most influential FM music stations in the nat…
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Armory Awarded Grant from Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts
March 21, 2022
1:47 PM
The Armory is one of 18 LA County arts organizations selected for the 2022 Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts' organizational support grants. This is the Foundation's second year awarding unrestricte…
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Summer Dates Announced
March 14, 2022
2:16 PM
Popular onsite classes for all ages or try our select online classes on Zoom. It's your choice! Classes include animation, book arts, ceramics: handbuilding & wheel throwing, collage & assemblage, co…
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Updated COVID Guidelines and Winter Studio Schedule
January 04, 2022
3:19 PM
Updated Winter Session Dates
(January 4, 2022) – Due to rising COVID cases in LA County, we are postponing the start of winter classes by one week in order to put increased prevention systems in pla…
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Partner Highlight: Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN)
December 21, 2021
12:02 PM
In collaboration with our partner organizations from the Arts for Healing and Justice Network (AHJN), the Armory helped provide a series of 20 healing-informed art workshops (and 60 of these art kits)…
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Meet Our Youngest Supporters!
November 29, 2021
12:02 PM
Meet our youngest supporters! When twins Cameron and Lindy celebrated their birthday recently, their mom Kelley had a concern and an idea.
"With twins in the same grade, but different classes, our b…
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Armory Selected for WPA-Inspired "Artists at Work" Program
September 23, 2021
12:51 PM
Pasadena Community Job Center, NAACP Pasadena, and the Armory are excited to take part in the Artists At Work (AAW), a workforce resilience program designed to support the rebuilding of healthy commun…
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Alison Saar Re-imagines Catfish Dreamin' at the Armory
September 17, 2021
3:34 PM
The Armory is excited to present Alison Saar's Catfish Dreamin’, an outdoor temporary sculpture and related online program, on view now in our front garden.
One of Saar's earliest public projects, C…
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Fall Class Dates Announced: Online & Onsite
August 17, 2021
4:44 PM
Save the date!We’re excited to welcome you back to the Armory this fall with onsite classes for all ages. Or, try our popular online classes on Zoom. It's your choice! Classes include ceramics, life d…
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WATCH: Log in to Emerging Arts Tech with Devon Baur and Peter Wu+
August 16, 2021
2:27 PM
Thank you to all who joined the Armory in taking a look at emerging art technologies with artists Devon Baur and Peter Wu+. Produced and moderated by the Armory's Getty interns Shardé Alexander and Ja…
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VIEW: BOOM Online Showcase
August 12, 2021
5:46 PM
BOOM is an online showcase of the energetic, thoughtful and unapologetic work from the Armory’s Art High program. This exhibition highlights the talents of teens who share a common interest in art and…
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WATCH: Alison Saar Virtual Exhibition Field Trips
July 29, 2021
5:53 PM
Take your students (or yourself) on a virtual Armory field trip and make art with lessons designed by Armory Teaching Artists that meet National Arts Common Core Standards.
These virtual field trips…
Read more.
WATCH: Active Voice Part 4: Art and Abolition in Los Angeles
July 29, 2021
4:48 PM
Thank you to all who joined artists and abolitionists Mims and Cecilia Sweet-Coll for "Art and Abolition in Los Angeles," the fourth installment of the Armory's Active Voice conversation series. Watch…
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WATCH: Alison Saar in Conversation
July 29, 2021
2:45 PM
Thank to all who joined the Armory for a lively, virtual discussion with Alison Saar and co-curators Irene Georgia Tsatsos and Rebecca McGrew (of the Armory and the Benton respectively) about the arti…
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Teens Document One Year of COVID Lockdown with Zine Project
July 20, 2021
3:29 PM
What does justice mean in the age of COVID? Armory Teaching Artists posed this question to young adults from across the Southland participating in our COVID Chronicles 'Zine class. This summer, the Ar…
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WATCH: Poetry Readings from the Alison Saar Exhibition Catalogue
July 12, 2021
4:10 PM
Enjoy a reading of three works included in the Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe exhibition catalogue, recorded during the virtual catalogue release event last autumn. First up is Pomona College Presi…
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Pasadena Parks After Dark with the Armory
July 08, 2021
2:12 PM
Join Armory teaching artist Heather Hilliard for Pasadena’s Parks After Dark programs. A line-up of summer activities by Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department free for all ages…
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WATCH: Mel Chin and Sehba Sarwar: How Would You Like Me Now?
June 29, 2021
1:28 PM
Thank you to all who joined us for the Armory's new literary reading series on racial justice, presented in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe. This inaugural re…
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WATCH: Christina Sharpe - Alison Saar Essay Reading
June 24, 2021
12:00 PM
Watch Christina Sharpe's powerful reading of an excerpt from her essay Alison Saar, Alchemist: 'the hand is in the making of textures'. You can find Sharpe's entire essay in Alison Saar: Of Aether and…
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Michael McMillen Motel (Under the World) Gets a Makeover
June 23, 2021
12:00 PM
Recently, artist Michael McMillen visited the Armory to spruce up Motel (Under the World), his permanent floor installation depicting a robot, resting under glass, watching TV, and polishing off a cas…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 3: Home Studio, Teaching Art, and Learning During the Pandemic
June 17, 2021
2:37 PM
John Ziqiang Wu’s exhibition Art Making opened at the Armory on February 9, 2020, just a few weeks before LA County’s stay at home order went into effect, triggering the closure of all indoor cultural…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 2: Wellness at Home and In Community
April 22, 2021
2:35 PM
The emergence and rapid proliferation of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 resulted in a global pandemic at a scale not seen since the Spanish flu of 1918. In the U.S. the virus came as a shock …
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A Message from Our Executive Director Leslie A. Ito
April 09, 2021
1:25 PM
The deadly shootings in Atlanta and the countless attacks on Asian American elders in communities across the nation have saddened me and triggered memories. As a child, I remember walking through a st…
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WATCH: Active Voice Part 1: Lockdown, One Year Later
March 25, 2021
2:31 PM
On March 19, 2020, following the emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, California became the first U.S. state to issue a state-wide safer-at-home order. Subsequently, the County of Los Ang…
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WATCH: Sara Kathryn Arledge Book Launch
March 23, 2021
2:51 PM
On March 11, 2021, the Armory celebrated the live book launch of Sara Kathryn Arledge: Serene for the Moment, the first extended monograph on the artist produced in conjunction with the 2019 Armory ex…
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Armory Launches New Series Inspired by Conversations and Reflections in the Year Under Lockdown
March 17, 2021
1:04 PM
Active Voice: Conversations at the Intersection of Art, Community, and Social Justice is a monthly conversation series hosted by Armory Center for the Arts inspired by the conversations and reflection…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga Virtual Exhibition Field Trips
March 15, 2021
5:53 PM
Take your students on a virtual Armory exhibition tour and make art with lessons designed by Armory Teaching Artists that meet National Arts Common Core Standards.
This first round of virtual field …
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WATCH: Dina Abdulkarim and Hugo Hopping in Conversation, Moderated by Harry Gamboa Jr.
March 04, 2021
2:46 PM
This conversation between artists Dina Abdulkarim and Hugo Hopping, moderated by artist Harry Gamboa Jr. and introduced by the Armory's Chief Curator Irene Georgia Tsatsos, was recorded on February 5,…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga's Final Armory Exhibition Walkthrough and Q&A
March 04, 2021
2:39 PM
Tanya Aguiñiga's exhibition opened in early 2020, but regrettably closed to the public only five weeks later due to the pandemic. This opportunity to experience Aguiñiga's exhibition virtually culmina…
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Getty Awards the Armory a Grant of $100,000, Part of Pacific Standard Time Art x Science Initiative
January 27, 2021
12:29 PM
We are pleased to announce that the Armory has received a $100,000 research grant from the Getty Foundation for From the Ground Up: Nurturing Diversity in Hostile Environments, a forward-looking ethno…
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Armory Exhibition Catalogue Named One of the Best Black Art Books of 2020
December 31, 2021
12:13 PM
Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe has been named one of the 15 best Black art books of 2020 by Culture Type—an essential resource focused on visual art from a Black perspective that explores the inter…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga and Jackie Amézquita in Conversation
December 15, 2020
12:00 PM
Artist Tanya Aguiñiga was joined by her friend and colleague Jackie Amézquita last week for an hour-long conversation about their practices, both as individual artists and collaborators. At the center…
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Sock Puppets & Science: Arts Integration in the Age of COVID
November 02, 2020
12:50 PM
When Pasadena Unified School District sent students home in March, the Armory followed the District's lead. It became quickly evident to the Armory's leadership team that this pandemic wasn't ending a…
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WATCH: Alison Saar Catalogue Launch
October 23, 2020
12:00 PM
The Armory and the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College virtual release of the exhibition catalogue Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe featured conversations with special guests, poetry readings, and…
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Collaborative Zine Project Encourages Young Adults to Vote
October 09, 2020
3:21 PM
We all have a choice and a voice! Twice a week throughout the month of August, young adults from Greater LA and across the country met via Zoom as part of a "Get Out the Vote" zine class—a collaborati…
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Learning Art Over the Phone at Heritage Square Senior Housing
September 29, 2020
2:36 PM
Imagine taking your first art class... over the telephone. This is the improbable quarantine success story of "technology challenged" Phil Sanchez, a 70 year old resident of Pasadena's Heritage Square…
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Book & Blog Launch: Below the Underground
August 17, 2020
11:54 AM
Join us on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM PT (7 PM CDMX) for a virtual release of the bilingual publication Below the Underground: Renegade Art and Action in 1990s Mexico / Más abajo que el und…
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Community Highlight: Daniel Williams
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Dance for Love, Dance for Peace
The weekend of June 22, 2020, we saw the virtual return of the Pasadena Chalk Festival, the largest event of its kind according to the Guinness Book of Records. In th…
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Community Highlight: Heritage Square Housing
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Art for Everyone
In the 130+ days since lockdown, Armory Teaching Artists have remained resourceful, resilient, and devoted to the Armory's mission of transforming lives through the power of art. Usi…
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Community Highlight: Day One
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Community Collaboration
Armory Teaching Artist Sergio Hernandez shared this pic from his online lettering class, presented in collaboration with Pasadena's Public Library and Day One. Using watercolo…
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Schools Feature: Altadena Arts Magnet
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Virtual exhibition for the Armory's Artful Connections with Math program
During the Fall 2019 semester, Armory Center for the Arts provided a new comprehensive visual art/math integrated curriculum …
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Juneteenth
July 28, 2020
2:47 PM
Come Celebrate Juneteenth!
This Friday, June 19, with a car caravan for black lives organized by our partners at the NAACP Pasadena and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. Vehicles will asse…
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How to Make an Origami Owl
July 21, 2020
12:26 PM
All you need is scissors, markers, paper! In 12 easy steps, you'll be able to make your own parliament of owls (BTW - a group of owls is called a "parliament").
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Grief, Solidarity, and Respect
June 12, 2020
2:12 PM
The Armory grieves the loss of George Floyd and so many others who have lost their lives to police brutality and the systemic racism that continues to plague our country. We stand in solidarity with c…
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Austyn de Lugo: 5 Queer Collage Artists for Pride Month
June 10, 2020
12:34 PM
Armory Teaching Artist
Austyn de Lugo
(he/him/él) is especially interested in queer and feminist theory, horror films, pattern and decoration, and political imagery.
In honor of Pride Month, we asked Austyn for 5 queer collage artists that inspire him.
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Caravan for Black Lives
June 02, 2020
2:47 PM
Come support this evening's "Mr. George Floyd Caravan Vigil & Peace," organized by our partners at the NAACP Pasadena Branch and the National Association of Day Laborers Organizing Network. Vehicles w…
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WATCH: Tanya Aguiñiga Live on Instagram
May 29, 2020
3:32 PM
Join us for a performance by Tanya Aguiñiga, live on the Armory’s Instagram on Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00 PM PDT.
Read more.
Faculty Feature: Andrew K. Currey
May 27, 2020
10:00 AM
On May 26, 2020, we asked Armory Teaching Artist Andrew K. Currey to take over our Instagram account for the day. Here's what she shared. Be sure to follow us @ArmoryArts for future #TakeOverTuesdays …
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HOME: An Armory Coloring Book
May 21, 2020
2:08 PM
This coloring book for all ages is a collaborative effort of the Armory's Teaching Artists. We invited our faculty to each create an illustration representing their personal interpretation of “Home,” a relatable theme especially in light of the safer at home orders the entire planet is experiencing during this pandemic.
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Jocelyn Casas: Top 5 Favorite Sculptors Right Now
May 20, 2020
3:34 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Jocelyn Casas makes paintings, sculptures, installations, murals, and wearables. We asked Jocelyn to share her 5 favorite sculptors with us. Here's her list, with 3 notable "honorable mentions."
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How To Make Coffee Ink Art
May 15, 2020
1:33 PM
Make your own artwork using coffee!
Adapted from Nick Neddo’s book
The Organic Artist
, this Coffee Ink Art activity comes to you from Armory Teaching Artist Michelle Ohm.
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Grace Lacques: 6 Theater Performances That Took My Breath Away
May 13, 2020
1:09 PM
"Miss Grace" has taught children's drama classes at the Armory for more than 20 years. We asked her to share her favorite live theater experiences with us. Ranging from apartheid-era ensembles to Butoh masters from Japan, we hope Grace's list will take your breath away, too.
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How To Make a Fabric Mask
May 08, 2020
10:32 AM
Armory Teaching Artist Denise El-Hoss has directed our letterpress studio for more than a decade. A master of the letterpress medium, Denise is also quite handy with a needle and thread. In this short video, Denise will guide you step by step to create your own, hand-sew, cotton fabric face mask.
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Elonda Norris: 5 Ceramic Artists I've Been Thinking About
May 06, 2020
12:32 PM
We asked Armory ceramics instructor Elonda Norris to share some of her favorite ceramic artists with us.
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Create an Animal Companion with Ed Leonardi
May 01, 2020
4:08 PM
Perfect for ages 3 to 5! Created by Armory Teaching Artist Ed Leonardi, we have some fun and simple directions on how to make yourself an animal companion including a 3D kitten or 2D puppy.
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Sergio Hernandez: Top 7 Street Artists
April 29, 2020
4:14 PM
From late '60s innovators to contemporary artists who walk the line between graffiti and fine art, this is a super informative survey of how an underground movement found its way into the museums.
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Armory Arts Challenge #3 - Beyond the Selfie: Summon the Actor Within
April 24, 2020
3:15 PM
Invent a character based on this single word: HOPE. Your character will personify HOPE. Your character
is
HOPE. Once you create your character, take several selfies until you capture an image that truly personifies your character's spirit.
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How To Hang Art
April 23, 2020
1:40 PM
This handy how-to guide from the Armory's exhibitions team shows you the essential steps and simple math used by professionals to hang art. You can also use this information to securely hang other things, like mirrors, family photos, diplomas, and more.
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Faculty Feature: Gabriella Carboni
April 21, 2020
10:00 PM
On April 20, 2020, we asked Armory Teaching Artist Gabriella Carboni to take over our Instagram account for the day. Here's what she shared. Be sure to follow us @ArmoryArts for future #TakeOverTuesda…
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Collage Scavenger Hunt with Sandra Gallegos
April 17, 2020
4:58 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Sandra Gallegos asked us to share one of her favorite collages with you that she made in 2017. "I thought it would be nice for children to hunt for things," like a scavenger hunt. We thought that was a great idea.
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Matt MacFarland: 7 Cartoonists I Love
April 15, 2020
4:30 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Matt MacFarland loves drawing and comics. "I went to school for art, but still made cartoons. Then I went to grad school for art. I still made cartoons...then my son was born and I just made comics."
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Armory Arts Challenge #2 - Cartoon Doodles from Memory
April 10, 2020
1:04 PM
In 10 minutes, draw as many popular cartoon characters as possible...from memory! Forget about details. Be quick & loose.
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Artful Connections With Math: The Art Store
April 09, 2020
2:58 PM
For 2nd & 3rd Graders: How do artists purchase materials for creating a project? This lesson a goal is for students to work within a given budget, create proposals, purchase materials from a classroom “store,” and create a sculpture on a base.
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Kate Lain's Top 5: Cabin Fever Playlist
April 08, 2020
4:30 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Kate Lain's Cabin Fever Playlist is a crowd-sourced list of experimental films that are currently free online. Kate started the list on March 13 for her video art students at the Armory once classes were canceled due to shelter in place recommendations.
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Artful Connections With Math: Area Perimeter Blueprint Collage
April 03, 2020
4:31 PM
For 3rd Graders: How do we use math and art to represent our living spaces? This lesson’s goal is for students to create a floor plan collage, using graph paper to calculate area and sewing with embroidery floss to calculate perimeter.
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Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Helps Armory Brings the Power of Art to Youth in Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights
August 05, 2019
4:49 PM
With generous support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Armory partnered with Proyecto Pastoral, Public Works, and the Art for Incarcerated Youth Network to present art …
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The Brief Statements of Sara Kathryn Arledge
February 14, 2019
2:06 PM
If she lived during the age of smart phones, what would Sara Kathryn Arledge think of Twitter? It's an intriguing question, because decades before the advent of the tweet, Arledge wrote and archived h…
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2020 Curators Award and $80,000 Grant
December 18, 2018
10:05 AM
Fellows of Contemporary Art Bestows 2020 Curators Award and $80,000 Grant to the Curators at Armory Center for the Arts and Pomona College Museum of Art The Fellows of Contemporary Art (FOCA) has awar…
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Meet Our New Board Members
October 26, 2018
3:01 PM
Armory Center for the Arts is pleased to announce three new additions to our board of directors. Please join us in welcoming architect Alice Fung, USC's Vice President of Admissions and Planning Katha…
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Leslie A. Ito Named New Executive Director of Armory Center for the Arts
July 09, 2018
3:03 PM
Following a 6-month national search conducted by the executive search firm of Morris & Berger, Armory Center for the Arts' Board of Directors have announced that Leslie A. Ito of South Pasadena will b…
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Faculty Spotlight: Kristofferson San Pablo Exhibiting in Beyond the Streets
July 09, 2018
2:36 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Kristofferson San Pablo will be exhibiting as part of a group show at Beyond the Streets in Los Angeles. Along with teaching an array of classes from Crazy Caricature, Anime, Co…
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Andre’ Barnwell's African USA Flag Encourages Investigation of African Roots
February 01, 2018
4:10 PM
Throughout the month of February, and in honor of Black History Month, artist and designer Andre’ Barnwell’s African USA Flag project encourages Americans to genetically map their African heritage and…
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Armory Curates Public Art at Arroyo Seco Weekend
June 19, 2017
10:18 AM
Coachella music festival organizers Goldenvoice will debut the Arroyo Seco Weekend— with three stages of live music along with curated menus from LA’s celebrated restaurants and chefs at the Rose Bowl…
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Limited Edition Octavia E. Butler Print by Connie Samaras
December 08, 2016
1:35 PM
Connie Samaras
The Past is Another Planet:
Huntington Tropical Garden; OEB 7185, Octavia E. Butler and Large Tree,
Amazon River Region, July 1985.
2016
Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Fine …
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Armory Helps Incarcerated Teen Girls Create a Mural in Santa Clarita
June 23, 2016
12:15 PM
Bright pink and blue chairs, a television screen, and vibrant paintings fill the “Hope Center” of Camp Joseph Scott Juvenile Hall — and for a moment it feels “normal.” The Hope Center recently welcome…
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Ellen Lesperance's Interactive Sweater Project
June 20, 2016
3:33 PM
Congratulations and Celebrations, the interactive project by artist Ellen Lesperance gives you an opportunity to wear the sweater designed and knit by the artist that is currently on exhibit at the Ar…
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First Lady Michelle Obama Honors the Armory at the White House
November 12, 2015
8:15 AM
Teen photographer Dalon Poole of Pasadena and Executive Director Scott Ward represented the Armory at the White House on November 17 to accept a major award from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Since 200…
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Faith Wilding Limited Edition Print
October 08, 2015
5:25 PM
"...Wilding achieves a weird combination of conservative sweetness and fierceness that made me tear up when I saw the show, full of work that's been waiting to be seen for decades." — LA Weekly
"a go…
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Armory Helps Incarcerated Teen Girls Create Mural at Detention Camp
July 14, 2015
3:38 PM
Armory Teaching Artist Carlos Callejo recently completed a stunning collaborative mural with 15 teenage girls currently serving time inside Santa Clarita's Scudder Detention Camp.
• See Mural Pi…
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Warhol Foundation Awards $120K to Armory Exhibitions
July 10, 2015
12:21 PM
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has awarded the Armory $120,000 to support exhibitions and related programming over the next 2 years. The Armory is the only Pasadena institution to rece…
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Masks by LA County Inmates Support Teen Internships @ the Armory
July 07, 2015
4:53 PM
These poignant self portraits are from a 2015 Armory exhibition of masks created by adult students from New Opportunities Charter School — a school for LA County inmates who do not have a high school …
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Kim Abeles Spruces Up Fig Leaves
July 06, 2015
2:59 PM
With the support of friends, volunteers, and donors, artist Kim Abeles and her team have spent the last several weeks giving a much-needed makeover to one of Pasadena's most unusual and informative pu…
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After Victor Papanek: Exhibition Related Events
May 14, 2015
3:50 PM
On view through September 6, After Victor Papanek: The Future Is Not What It Used To Be is a group exhibition that focuses on Papanek’s pioneering influence on sustainable, socially responsible, human…
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The Armory Awarded $150K for New Art + Science Program
September 18, 2014
11:41 AM
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded $150,000 to Armory Center for the Arts to develop, deliver, and evaluate Artful Connections with Science — a new visual arts/science integra…
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