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Murl Genrich (1888 – 1930) was a long-term resident of the Antelope Valley area, residing in Redman, Willow Springs, and Mojave for various amounts of time. He was heavily involved in community activities and was known locally for his willingness to help others wherever he lived. During the 1920s, Genrich operated a soft drink and gas station business in Mojave. As a hobby, he often would perform with the Willow Springs Dramatic Club, hosting and performing in various events within the community. Genrich (left) is shown in the image here with his friends Roy Driscoll (center) and Sam Walker (right) in Willow Springs. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

The Fuller family was heavily involved in the local farming industry. Glenwood (1878 – 1951), Celesta (1879 – 1935), and their two sons, Austin (1904 – 1996) and Mort (1912 – Unknown), were farmers at their property in Redman. The Fuller’s were known for their development of the “Antelope Melon”, a type of cantaloupe, which they grew on their 30-acre farm. During the 1930s, these delicious and meaty melons were sold to markets across the Antelope Valley and were served at the best restaurants and hotels throughout Los Angeles. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

John A. Delameter (1854 – 1936) was a local Mojave blacksmith and freighter. During the mining boom, he contracted with civil engineer J.W.S. Perry and William Coleman, owner of the Harmony Borax Company, to design and build sturdy transport wagons. This was done as an effort to reduce the time and transportation costs for the company. Delameter built several wagons for $900 each at Avenue K and Nadeau Street. This photo (c. 1885) shows one of the 20-mule team wagons built by Delameter. Delameter also claimed to have been responsible for naming the town of Calico, which would become one of California’s primary producers of silver. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

Borax mining has played an essential role in the history of the Mojave, especially during the years between 1884 and 1889. In 1863, prospector John Searles discovered borax on the site of a dry lakebed (now known as Searles Lake) near modern-day Trona. Due to many reasons, mining did not begin here until a decade later in 1873. John Searles along with his brother Dennis Searles and their longterm friend and associate, Eben Merrill Skillings, formed the San Bernardino Mining Company to begin extracting this borax. Though Eben was not a local miner per se, he and John Searles opened an office in Mojave as the headquarters for their mining company. They continued large-scale mining operations, continually expanding their company until John Searles died in 1898. The company was then sold to Francis “Borax” Smith for $200,000, who integrated the company into the fast-growing Pacific Coast Borax Company. The photo here shows Eben Merrill Skillings and his son in Mojave "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

Hope you're hungry and thirsty because the weekend begins with a "yappy hour" and Brew at the Zoo then continues with corn, lobster and brunch festivals. Kitsch abounds with Charles Phoenix, the battle of the beards and CatCon. And lest we forget, KPCC's own Larry Mantle hosts a screening of quintessential L.A. film "Chinatown." FRIDAY, AUG. 3; 5 - 10 p.m. - SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 3 - 10 p.m. Jackalope Summer Nights Central Park — 275 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena Maybe you've heard of the Jackalope Art Fair? The organizers are hosting a new night market where more than 200 juried exhibitors will selling strictly handmade wares, from paper products to pickles. The indie fair also features a beer garden, acoustic music, free sunset yoga classes and DIY workshops. COST: FREE; MORE INFO FRIDAY, AUG. 3; 6 p.m. Yappy Hour Hammer Museum — 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood Celebrate "The Dog Days of Summer," the museum's upcoming film series, with a mutt-centric shindig. Sip a cocktail in the courtyard while visiting with dogs waiting to be adopted. Please do not bring outside dogs to this event. The screenings begin on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m. with "Sounder." COST: FREE entry; MORE INFO FRIDAY, AUG. 3 - SUNDAY, AUG. 5 Corn Festival El Centro-Lions Park — 320 E. Erna Ave., La Habra This is one a-maize-ing (see what we did there?) festival. Organized by the Lions Club for more than 60 years, it has grown from a bbq and dance into La Habra's largest fundraiser and community event. There's live music throughout the weekend, cute doggie and kid contests, an apple pie bake-off, a car show on Friday, a parade on Saturday and a corn-eating contest on Sunday. It's free so you won't have to cobble (we can't help ourselves) the fund to attend. COST: FREE; MORE INFO FRIDAY, AUG. 3; 7 - 11 p.m. Brew at the Zoo Los Angeles Zoo — 5333 Zoo Dr., Griffith Park More than 40 breweries — Elysian, 21st Amendment, San Miguel, Kona, Ballast Point, to name a few — are participating in this beer event under the stars. The night also also features pop-up zoo keeper talks, animal discovery stations, pub grub available for purchase and live music from Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Boombox Heroes and Woodie and the Long Boards. COST: $55 - $135, $35 for designated drivers; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 3 - 9 p.m. Burbank Car Classic San Fernando Boulevard — between Magnolia Blvd. and Angeleno Ave., downtown Burbank More than 150 classic cars, celebrity vehicles and auto-related vendors show off trims and rims. View cars from "2 Fast 2 Furious," "Fast and Furious 4," "Furious 6" and "The Fate of the Furious," along with the Mustang used by Barricade Decepticon from the Transformers" series. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 7 p.m. FilmWeek Screenings: 'Chinatown' The Theatre at Ace Hotel — 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." Directed by Roman Polanski, written by Robert Towne and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston, the film is inspired by Southern California's water wars (aka how L.A. got its water and the Owens Valley got screwed). AirTalk host Larry Mantle, who selects films set in SoCal for the series, hosts an onstage discussion with guests after the film. COST: $13; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4 - SUNDAY, AUG. 5 CatCon Pasadena Convention Center — 300 E. Green St., Pasadena Kitty culture and pop culture collide for a weekend of talks, workshops and vendors. Highlights include a public conversation about cannabis and cats, workshops on making your own cat furniture and the best food for your cat. Maybe you can make Ian Somerhalder, Lil BUB, Moshow the Cat Rapper, Pudge the Cat and Merlin Ragdoll purr at meet and greets. COST: $15 - $100, meet and greets extra; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 4 p.m. The Voyager Institute Resident — 428 S. Hewitt St., downtown L.A. If only school were this interesting. The film and music lecture series celebrates its first anniversary with a program that includes archivist Natalie Snoyman discussing "Technicolor Film and Fashion of the '30s," Suki-Rose Simakis presenting a video mix of "A History of Working Women on Television" and a chat with "Kids in the Hall" actor Scott Thompson. COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO The Museum of Art History in Lancaster opens its 'Robot Art' show this weekend. (Image by Dave Pressler) SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 2 - 6 p.m. Robot Show Opening Reception Museum of Art History — 665 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster The museum holds opening receptions for eight exhibitions that explore the place robots and artificial intelligence have in our society. The main gallery features a retrospective of the works of Emmy-nominated television producer and artist Dave Pressler. Other solo exhibitions feature the work of Jeff Soto, Cristopher Cichocki, Chenhung Chen, Alex Kritselis, Robert Nelson, Karen Hochman Brown and Patrick McGilligan. The show remains up through Sept. 30. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 7 p.m. Summer Nights' Backyard Party KCRW HQ — 1660 Stewart St., Santa Monica The public radio station holds a party on the Santa Monica College CMD campus to celebrate summer and the recent opening of its new headquarters. Live music provided by The Midnight Hour, a new 18-piece project from Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest) and composer Adrian Younge. KCRW DJs Garth Trinidad and Travis Holcombe spin throughout the night. Evan Kleiman curates the food trucks. All ages. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 9 a.m. - noon Primo's Donuts 62nd Anniversary Primo's Donuts — 2918 Sawtelle Blvd., Sawtelle The family-owned donut shop in West L.A. celebrates more than six decades in business. In their annual tradition, owners Ralph and Celia Primo will give away mini versions of their Buttermilk Bars to every customer. While you're there, might as well check out the shop's other offerings, including the recently added Salted Caramel Buttermilk Bar. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 2 p.m. La Tocada Music Festival LA State Historic Park — 1245 N. Spring St., downtown L.A. The festival presents Latin alternative, rock and pop acts on two stages with a lineup that features Café Tacvba, Mon Laferte, Paneton Rococo, Jesse & Joy, Molotov, Porter, Little Jesus, Caloncho and Camilo Septimo. In addition to music, there's also lucha libre wrestling, art on display and local food vendors. COST: $69 - $199; MORE INFO SATURDAY AUG. 4; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Laughs On Tap: An Evening of Stand Up Comedy ...& Beer 2154 Hill Dr., Eagle Rock Maria Bamford headlines the comedy night with all proceeds benefiting Shower of Hope, which offers mobile showers for the homeless. Other comics on the bill include Luz Pazos, Fraser Smith and Drew Lynch. Tickets include a light dinner from Luciano's in Pasadena and one drink from Eagle Rock's Craft Beer Cellar. This event is 21+. COST: $25 - $30; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Brunch Life Fest Rainbow Lagoon Park — 400 E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach This new fest brings together restaurants from Long Beach, the OC and L.A. for tastings, mimosas and cocktails designed for day drinking. Participating vendors include Teetee House, Veggie Fam, Mess Hall Canteen, Mussels & Pearls, Drake's Brewing, The Dudes' Brewing and Steelhead Coffee. Samples and tastings are available while supplies last. Full-sized entrees and beverages will also be available for purchase. This event is 21+. COST: $20 - $65; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 7 - 11 p.m. Remix: The Art of Music Opening Reception Gabba Gallery — 3126 Beverly Blvd., Rampart This group show features more than 70 artists whose works have been inspired by music. Co-hosted by Jane Lynch and Matt Sorum, participating artists include Shepard Fairey, Morley, Mickey Avalon, CANTSTOPGOODBOY, Kate Carvellas, Morley and Val Kilmer. A portion of proceeds will go to Adopt the Arts, a nonprofit that helps fund arts programs in L.A.'s public elementary schools. The exhibition will remain on view through Aug. 25. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 6 - 11 p.m. - SUNDAY, AUG. 5; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. We Stole the Fire RCNSTRCT Studio — 7400 Melrose Ave, Fairfax Think Tank Gallery presents a group show and immersive art experience "to ignite free speech and expression." Confirmed artists include Phil America, Sheryo x The Yok, Lolo YS, Abars, Willie Gomez and Kristen Liu-Wong, among many others. The weekend pop-up features audience participation activations, performance art, installations and graffiti art. The opening party is 21+. All ages are welcome on Sunday. COST: FREE admission with RSVP; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 6:30 - 10 p.m. GR2 @ 15 Years Artists Reception Giant Robot 2 — 2062 Sawtelle Blvd., Sawtelle This ginormous group show celebrates the gallery's 15th anniversary with works by more than two dozen artists including Gary Baseman, Theo Ellsworth-Thought Cloud Factory, Susie Ghahremani, Darren Inouye and Trisha Inouye, Geoff McFetridge and Yukinori Dehara. The exhibition remains on view through Sept. 15. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SATURDAY, AUG. 4; 1 p.m. Beard Battle The Hi-Hat — 5043 York Blvd., Highland Park The 3rd annual facial hair fiesta returns with the theme "Circus/Sideshow." We can't wait to see beards that will surprise and shock. There are 11 categories for competitors (including one for women), so choose the one that fits your face. The Gentlemen's Social Club of Los Angeles will collect cans of nutritional foods and donate them to the Los Angeles Food Bank. Two cans gets you a raffle tickets. COST: $15 - $20 (spectators); $25 - $30 (competitors); MORE INFO SUNDAY, AUG. 5; 3 - 8 p.m. Lobsterfest at Newport Beach Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort — 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach Eat crustaceans for a cause with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. The general admission ticket includes one Maine lobster, a grilled New York strip steak, salads, red potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, rolls, dessert and access to a cash bar. The VIP package includes all-you-can eat Maine lobster and two adult beverages. Kids meals sans lobster are available, too (advanced purchase only). COST: $75 - $150; MORE INFO SUNDAY, AUG. 5; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Addicted to Americana Book Signing Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn — 5202 Zoo Dr., Griffith Park Retro guru Charles Phoenix signs and discusses his 2017 book about kitsch across the U.S of A. His appearance takes place in a museum dedicated to Disney's love of trains and model railroads. Books will be available for sale. COST: FREE; MORE INFO SUNDAY, AUG. 5; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. BrunchCon The Reef — 1933 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. As its name implies, this is a celebration of all things brunch. Tickets include one bite from each of the 30+ vendors and as many mimosas and Bloody Marys as you can drink. Shop brunch-related goods, play games or listen to tunes in between bites. There are two sessions: 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:30 - 4pm each day. VIP sessions begin a half-hour earlier. This event is 21+ only. COST: $45 - $85; MORE INFO SUNDAY, AUG. 5; 7 p.m. Bon Iver & Tu Dance Hollywood Bowl — 2301 N Highland Ave., Hollywood Justin Vernon's Bon Iver teams with the Tu Dance troupe to present the West Coast premiere of their work, "Come Through." Opening the night includes Wye Oak and the Metropolis Ensemble. COST: $15 - $160; MORE INFO THROUGH AUG. 31; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sparrow Mart The Standard — 550 S. Flower St., downtown L.A. British artist Lucy Sparrow has painstakingly recreated a supermarket installation made of 31,000 handmade felt items, retailing for $5 each. Shop the Mart for plush avocados, kale, Cheeze Whiz, SPAM and more. To complement the installation, the hotel offers a British-inspired menu at Sparrow Café. The installation is closed on Mondays. COST: FREE; MORE INFO

Truman Hamilton (1883 – 1940) was the son of Ezra “Struck-It-Rich” Hamilton, famed gold miner, and early Antelope Valley pioneer. Truman moved to the Willow Springs area in 1900 to help his father develop a small community. They also erected a two-stamp mill and operated the Lida gold mine together. Truman also worked as the proprietor of the Rosamond Hotel, and in 1912, became the Rosamond postmaster. Later, he served as a school board trustee clerk for the South Kern County Union School District. In 1922, Truman made a career-switch and became deputy to Mojave constable Frank Drake. Truman held this position for quite some time, retiring in 1940. Truman was well-known for his embodiment of the “Old West” style, and once made headlines in Los Angeles for being an “unarmed hero”, responsible for handling and detaining an armed and dangerous escaped convict. Truman Hamilton (right) is shown here, alongside an unidentified fellow hunter. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

Frank Dowler (1856 – Unknown) settled in New Palmdale in the mid-1890s. He primarily worked as the town’s blacksmith, crafting and mending tools for local residents. He also worked a second job acting as New Palmdale’s deputy sheriff. In 1892, Dowler beat Mace Mayes (who would become Lancaster’s constable-gone-bad) for the position of New Palmdale’s constable. With this promotion, his second job became his primary work with his blacksmithing taking a secondary position. He became well known for his success at chasing and arresting vagrants, horse thieves, cattle rustlers, safecrackers, desperados, and murderers. He also regularly broke up fights at the Palmdale Saloon (pictured here). "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

This week: tour a modern, energy efficient homeless housing project; hear how one curator turned an art publishing house’s body of work into a visual exhibition; experience the culture of the Philippines Island of Mindanao; view fashion as art through the non-demographic brand '69'; and immerse yourself in the robots of our imagination - while they still let you. The SIX, located in MacArthur Park, is a 52-unit affordable housing project that provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for previously homeless and/or disabled veterans. 1) The SIX Veterans Housing Tour Housing Available: Modern, energy efficient apartment building with large community spaces, rooftop patio, edible gardens and panoramic views in the heart of MacArthur Park. This may sound like the latest in high priced multi-family housing developments, but The SIX, designed by Brooks + Scarpa and completed in 2016 is a 52-unit affordable housing project for previously homeless and/or disabled veterans. The ground level contains offices, support services, bike storage and parking, while the second level has a large public courtyard surrounded by four levels of housing units. The uppermost level has a green roof with edible garden, a large public patio and panoramic views. Organized by AIA Los Angeles’ Committee On The Environment (COTE), Brooks + Scarpa in conjunction with the Skid Row Housing Trust will lead a tour of the building highlighting the emphasis on public space and energy efficient passive design strategies which make it 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure. When: Friday, August 3, 3 – 5 pm Where: The SIX, 811 S. Carondelet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 Tickets: $35 / $25 for AIA members. More information and registration here. Sebastian Clough turned print material on its head – literally – to create a visual exhibit from publishing house Gato Negro Ediciones 2) Culture Fix: Sebastian Clough on Gato Negro Ediciones Building on the legacy of radical independent publishing in Mexico, Gato Negro Ediciones, led by activist designer León Muñoz Santini, creates and produces uniquely identifiable books across genres including art, photography, poetry, political discourse, and new editions of classic texts of resistance. Fowler Director of Exhibitions and exhibition curator Sebastian Clough discusses the design process involved in transforming an art publishing house’s body of work into a visual exhibition. When: Friday, August 3, 12 – 1 pm Where: Fowler Museum (UCLA), 308 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Parking available in UCLA Lot 4, 398 Westwood Plaza, directly off Sunset Blvd, $12. Rideshare drop-off 305 Royce Drive. Tickets: Free, no reservations required. More information here. A bowl of colorful Halo-Halo, a traditional Filipino food 3) 17th Annual Historic Filipinotown Festival In 2002, then-councilmember Eric Garcetti designated the southwest portion of Echo Park as Historic Filipinotown. The area was separated from its northern portion in the 1950s by the 101 freeway, and was originally known as Little Manila. The town’s annual festival is designed to highlight the arts and culture of the district and the multi-ethnic residents of the area. This year’s celebration will showcase the culture of the Southern Philippines island of Mindanao, featuring cultural performances, food and art from the area. When: Saturday August 4 to Sunday August 5, 11 am – 8 pm Where: Siver Lake Medical Center Campus, 1711 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Tickets: Free. More information here. The fashion brand ’69’, created by the anonymous LA-based designer known only as ’69’, or as ‘head designer of 69’, blows up fashion’s rigid categories. 4) 69: Déjà Vu Created in 2011 by an anonymous Los Angeles-based designer, the clothing brand 69 completely blows up the rigid categories of demographic-based fashion, offering a single boundary-breaking line meant for all genders, races, ages and body types. The line uses solely denim and playful and fresh designs to exuberantly suggest ideas of freedom, inclusivity and a more fluid future. As identity politics continue to hold center stage — identity was the 2015 Dictionary.com word of the year, demographic surveys now offer an ‘other’ gender and the first trans superhero was added to a network cast in 2018, among other binary breakthroughs — a non-conforming clothing brand cannot help but blur lines between fashion and politics, marketing and movement. 69: Déjà Vu presents a survey of the brand’s groundbreaking clothing along with a selection of irreverent and inventive videos and photographs that blur the line between promotional material and artwork. The show was organized by Lanka Tattersall, Associate Curator, with Karlyn Olvido, Curatorial Assistant, MOCA. When: Exhibition runs August 4 – October 28 Where: MOCA, 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tickets: General admission $15. More information here. David Pressler, Canon of Anger 5) The Robot Show, including David Pressler Career Retrospective “Idea to Object” Installation Someday — perhaps in the not-too-distant future — artificial intelligence and robots will take over the world, or so some believe. For now, however, robots are mostly still a creation for our use, imagination and entertainment. Showcasing the role of robots in our contemporary social landscape, The Robot Show features a 20-year retrospective of Emmy-nominated artist and animator Dave Pressler. “Idea to Object” is a narrative of his career and how he turned his ideas into reality. Pressler’s robots are fixtures in popular culture and he is best known for his Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon series Robot and Monster. The show also includes solo exhibitions of Jeff Soto, Patrick McGilligan, Robert Nelson and Karen Hochman Brown, with site specific installations by Christopher Cichocki, Alexander Krtselis and Chenhung Chen. When: Exhibition runs August 4 – September 30. Opening reception on Sat., Aug. 4 from 2-6 pm Where: Museum of Art History, 665 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 Tickets: Free. More information here.

George L. Arnold (1852 – 1914) was the manager of New Palmdale/West Palmdale. He had also previously been involved with the Big Rock Creek area in 1890 and owned the Arnold Development Company, which claimed responsibility for bringing water to the area. Arnold had also previously been a Los Angeles bank cashier, the Treasurer of the California Baseball League in 1893, and a member of the state’s board of equalization from the Fourth District from 1895 to 1898. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"

The city of Palmdale originated from two small communities, known as Harold and Palmenthal. These early communities were established in the late 1880s, and are considered to have laid the foundations of what would become Palmdale. In 1886, between 60 and 70 German-Swiss Lutheran families settled in the areas, migrating from Nebraska and Illinois. Land promoters had told them that palm trees grew by the Pacific coast, and to look for these trees. When the pioneers saw the Antelope Valley’s Joshua trees, they mistook these for palm trees and decided to settle in the area. These early pioneers called their community Palmenthal, which is German for “valley of palms”. English settlers called the area Palmdale. In 1893, this original German settlement of Palmenthal (also known as Old Palmdale) was losing importance. Two miles west of this site, a new town-site was developed when the Southern Pacific Railroad installed helper engine facilities. This new community was called Palmdale Station and became known as New Palmdale or West Palmdale.

The desert isn’t just a place to create art for Cristopher Cichocki; the desert is also his muse—and at times, his art includes actual pieces of the desert. His works have showcased the beauty, the darkness and the catastrophes of the desert and its ecosystem. Cichocki’s work has been shown around the world, and he’s taking many of his pieces to the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster for an exhibition called Divisions of Land and Sea; it’s part of a larger exhibit called The Robot Show, which features eight artists, each with their own solo exhibition. It will be on display from Saturday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 30. During a recent phone interview with Cichocki while he was in Guadalajara, Mexico, he explained his exhibit. “It’ll be an installation of new paintings, video works, sculptures, photographic works and my audio work,” Cichocki said. “It relates to the collision that we’re in between humankind, the natural world and industrial production.” Some of Cichocki works are not what they appear to be at first. For instance: If you look at his photos, you’ll discover he’s combined them with paint. “After Palm Desert High School, where I graduated in 1997, I went directly to CalArts,” he said; also known as the California Institute of the Arts, the renowned school is located in Valencia. “CalArts is potentially one of the most multidisciplinary art schools in the world, and I was exposed to highly experimental and conceptual practices. They were completely mind-blowing, and to challenge myself and experiment, and I’ve always been striving to take my practice and insights to a different level. CalArts was a laboratory for me to work through this hybrid framework. “As to when the work came into this cohesive relationship, I feel that really came around 2010, when I started combining my elements with the video, the photography, the painting and the performance. They came together and started to work together as a cross-reference—meaning they’re all pieces of a larger puzzle. I’m producing paintings that are photographs; I’m producing videos that are paintings, and vice versa. I find it necessary for exhibitions such as Divisions of Land and Sea to combine all of these elements into a larger narrative.” Cichocki was part of a KCET documentary on the Salton Sea. He voiced his concerns about the growing ecological and environmental threat the lake poses to the Coachella Valley. “The Salton Sea is one of the largest pending airborne catastrophes threatening the United States, and it’s right in our backyard,” he said. “It’s this issue that I feel is out of sight and out of mind for a majority of people in the area—not only in the Coachella Valley, but even spanning all the way into Los Angeles, people don’t even know about the Salton Sea. “The Salton Sea was a manmade accident in 1905 when the Colorado River split and started filling what was then the Salton Sink, which was a huge basin ready for this water to enter it. Now we have California’s largest lake … and if the dust or particulate matter begins to advance further with the receding shoreline, we’re going to have major problems with the air quality. We already do have major problems. The high school in Mecca has one of the highest asthma rates in the nation. It’s not just dust that’s blowing around in the air; it’s particulate matter entering into people’s blood streams and causing asthma, especially in younger generations. There’s selenium, arsenic and all of these other things. It truly is this synthesis of nature and industry because of 100 years of agricultural runoff.” His work gets quite detailed at times. His latest painting, “Shoreline,” includes barnacles, fish bones, sand and salt from the Salton Sea. “I look at (Divisions of Land and Sea) as a hybrid between natural history and contemporary art. I’m bringing in elements of land art, minimalism and other historical points of trajectory,” he said. “Also, I’m bringing in raw organic materials. My paintings have actual barnacles; they have actual soil and things that are transforming within them. There’s black-light reactivity, which I actually refer to in the technical term—ultraviolet radiation. There’s evidence that there’s a metaphysical property under these elements. I’m interested in reality and also the biological and phenomenological structural makeup of these elements. There’s this idea that there’s something constantly in motion, and the work is alive.” I asked Cichocki if there was a spiritual element to his work. He seemed to struggle with the question at first. “I certainly feel that nature has a certain awareness to it. It can be as simple as we water a tree, or we don’t,” Cichocki said. “Or it can be as simple as we have classical music playing, and the tree thrives beyond the other trees in areas where there isn’t any classical music.” Cichocki will be going out of state for his next exhibition. “In September in Taos, New Mexico, I’ll be performing Circular Dimensions at a large video and installation festival called The Paseo Project. Circular Dimensions is ever-evolving, so I have new tricks up my sleeve for Taos.” Cristopher Cichocki’s Divisions of Land and Sea, part of The Robot Show, will be on display from Saturday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, 665 W. Lancaster Blvd., in Lancaster, about 135 miles northwest of the Coachella Valley. For more information, call 661-723-6250, or visit www.lancastermoah.org. Below top: “Center of the Sea,” 2018, Salton Sea barnacles on wood composite with LED video panel. Below bottom: “Property Division,” 2016-2017; left side is a tilapia nest at Riviera Keys, Salton Sea, Calif.; right side is algae with birds, Salton City, Calif. https://www.cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/arts-and-culture/visual-arts/item/4667-experimental-and-conceptual-the-desert-centered-works-of-cristopher-cichocki-get-the-spotlight-at-the-lancaster-museum-of-art-and-history

Margarita Ruiz Hefner (1849 – 1935), her six siblings, and her mother Dona Nieves Ruiz left Los Angeles in 1867 to flee the smallpox epidemic. They arrived in the Antelope Valley, trekking up to Elizabeth Lake to settle. Margarita’s mother, Dona, set up makeshift quarters at the lake and began preparing meals for passing teamsters and other travelers along the Los Angeles-Elizabeth Lake-Fort Tejon-Sebastian Reserve Road. When Margarita was 17, she married James Hefner (1825 – 1908), who was a passing teamster who had also worked as a forty-niner and blacksmith. Together, the couple took over Dona’s stage stop which later became known as Hefner’s Station. Margarita also worked as Elizabeth Lake’s postmistress. In 1915, the Antelope Valley Ledger-Gazette began offering prizes for stories regarding the Antelope Valley’s earliest pioneers who still lived in the area. Margarita won the first prize, a lifetime subscription to the newspaper. "Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013. Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"