One of the best things about the Los Angeles County Museum of Art– in addition to its actual facilities, permanent collections and special exhibits –are the wonderful, private events put on by its many support groups.
Those thrown by Muse, catering to younger professionals, are always creative and memorable, and the group has forged some annual traditions including one called “Late Night at LACMA/Muse ‘til Midnight.”
This year, the annual bash was inspired by the exhibit “Hans Richter: Encounters,” through which guests had unfettered access until the clock struck midnight. (As usual, LACMA security plays very hard and fast with getting everyone out the door at the appointed closing hour.)
If that wasn’t worth the price of admission alone, the several hundred attendees—the event was limited to a certain number, and sold out in advance– had some unexpected treats in store.
LACMA provided materials for people to make their own collages inspired by Richter and people sat at tables, focused on the task of participating in the unexpected DIY artwork. Some of it was so good that while it was left on the table for the glue to dry that it was absconded with.
While not everyone got a chance to exercise their creativity in collage, most took part in dancing the night away without making a sound, courtesy of music festival favorite Silent Disco.
Here’s how worked. The dance party soundtrack is transmitted directly to you via custom wireless over the ear headphones that were handed out. For Muse ’til Midnight, San Francisco–based DJs Motion Potion and Shouts! spun on one channel, while Los Angeles’s KCRW DJs Jeremy Sole and Mario Cotto spun on the second channel. You pick the tunes that make you groove during this L.A.–S.F. musical encounter.
That, and the drink tickets provided to attendees may for some good times in the shadow of LACMA’s famous street lights.
