Events & Cultural Programs
Artist in Residence: In honor of Marion Davies’ own artistry and her support of artists, and to further the work of the City of Santa Monica to promote culture and the arts, a Resident Writer will be working in the historic Marion Davies Guest House and giving public readings and events through November, December and January, 2010-2011. The Writer in Residence will be followed by a Choreographer in Residence, call to be posted in December. If you are interested in applying to or forwarding this info, please download the Writer Residency Application. Application >
Beach=Culture Series
Beach=Culture is an ongoing series of free concerts, lectures, readings and exhibits. Most summer Beach=Culture events take place Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, with the Marion Davies Guest House open beginning at 5:15 pm. Starting September 27, Beach=Culture events will take place on the occasional Monday throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Events >
August 24: Chamber Music Selection
A Chamber Music Selection from pianist Yana Reznik and Friends; works by Brahms, Schubert, and more. These exceptional performers explore two hundred years of compositions influenced by dance moves and rhythms, from a Brahms piano quartet to duets for cello and piano by Glazunov, Khachaturian and others. The ensemble features pianist Yana Reznik, whose popular "Live at the Lounge" series in Hermosa Beach celebrates rising young stars in an intimate setting, violinist Tereza Stanislaw (Assistant Concertmaster, LACO), cellist Armen Ksajikian (Associate Principal Cellist, LACO), and violist Zach Dallinger.
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August 31: Haberdashery Trio
The Haberdashery Ensemble is a genre defying acoustic ensemble based in Los Angeles and known for their evocative, energetic performances. Featuring Gee Rabe on accordion, Paul Cartwright on violin, and Brandon Turner on double bass, their influences include Astor Piazzolla, Tom Waits, Kronos Quartet and the Tin Hat Trio. Follow their international sound, like "an indie film soundtrack unfolding before you," and fly away on their lush harmonies and intricate rhythms!
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September 7: Poetry by Claudia Rankine, Douglas Kearny, and Caleb Barber
Beach=Culture and the Red Hen Poetry Series present a celebration of contemporary poetry in a seaside setting; the third of three readings this summer. Three poets will read from their acclaimed works: Douglas Kearney, recipient of a Cave Canem Fellowship, Caleb Barber, Pushcart Prize nominee, and Claudia Rankine, recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.
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September 27: Mountains to the Sea Artist Demonstration: Silk Painting with Linda Bolhuis
Textile artist Linda Bolhuis demonstrates Serti resist painting. Presented in association with Mountains to the Sea, an exhibit of work from the artist-owned Topanga Canyon Gallery in the Beach House Exhibit Gallery. Attendees may experiment with fabric painting and will take away a sample of silk (depending on availability).
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Event House Gallery
“Mountains to the Sea”
August 26 - November 28, 2010.
Opening reception: Thursday, August 26, 2010 6:00-8:00PM Artist / Pianist, Yolanda Klappert will play music that inspires her digital art at 7:15PM.
Open daily August 26 through September 6, 10am - 4pm
Eleven artists from Topanga Canyon Gallery, an artist owned gallery located in the heart of the Santa Monica mountains, will exhibit work that reflects the land we walk on and the vistas that embrace us - illustrating the diversity of this experience through different artistic lenses and different mediums. Artist workshops and plein-aire painting demonstrations will be offered through-out the exhibition.
Docent Tours
Learn about the rich history of the Beach House from a Santa Monica Conservancy docent. Tours are free, last approximately 30 minutes, and no reservations are required.
NOTE: Group tours larger than 15 people are not available at this time.
The Marion Davies Guest House will be open the following hours:
June 19 - September 6, 10am - 4pm (Free tours at 11am, Noon, and 2pm)
Closed on Wednesdays.
*The Guest House will be closed on August 19, 2010.