Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles held its annual Spring Benefit on Saturday, March 22 at the studio of Los Angeles-based artist Glenn Kaino.
ICA LA’s Spring Benefit brings together core members of Los Angeles’ network of artists, patrons, collectors, curators, creatives, and friends of the museum to support our mission and commitment to making contemporary art relevant and accessible to all.
The evening began with cocktails, followed by a studio tour with Kaino and Executive Director Anne Ellegood, offering an intimate look into the creative process and themes that drive Kaino’s multidisciplinary work. After remarks by ICA LA’s Board President Claudia Flores and Ellegood, guests got a very special sneak preview of a new project titled Lavender Mist by High Seas (Kaino’s ongoing collaboration with renowned musician and producer David Sitek). Then, we danced into the night to the tunes of HAYCOXX, co-founder and resident DJ of The Do Over.
Dinner was be served by Guelaguetza, the James Beard Award-winning restaurant renowned for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine crafted from generations-old family recipes. Cocktails were served courtesy of Yola Mezcal, a woman-led and operated company committed to tradition and sustainability that produces premium handcrafted mezcal from 100% organic agave in the highlands of Oaxaca. Wine was provided by Ashes & Diamonds, which blends Napa Valley’s 1960s charm with modern innovation, offering world-class wines in a mid-century modern-inspired space that honors both the region’s geological wonders and a light-handed, terroir-driven winemaking ethos.
In the wake of the devasting fires that continue to impact so many in our community, this year’s Spring Benefit was more than a celebration of ICA LA’s past year and future plans. It was a moment to come together in community, uphold resiliency and regeneration, and foster connections through art. ICA LA has a long history of centering artists and supporting them in myriad ways. When the fires struck, we considered how we could have an immediate and direct impact on our creative communities. We were quickly able to secure 8 artist studio spaces adjacent to the museum in the AVA Arts District building rent-free for six months for artists whose studios were impacted by the fires.
Providing studios to artists in need is the type of responsive, generous, and caring action that makes ICA LA such a special part of LA’s cultural landscape. Our patrons generosity helped sustain and expand our capacity to respond to the challenges of our time and to continue to present bold, thought-provoking, and inspiring exhibitions and programs.
Glenn Kaino (b.1972 in Los Angeles, California) is known internationally for his expansive vision and activist-minded practice, which encompasses painting, sculpture, installation, performance, monumental public art, theatrical production, and feature film. His work engages deeply with political, social, and environmental issues, blending artistic disciplines and often involving long-term collaborations with a diverse group of visionary partners. Focusing on critical issues such as equity, social justice, and climate change, Kaino’s work often examines structures of power, while infusing each project with a sense of hope, optimism, and the belief that cultural production can inspire real change.
The artist has had major solo exhibitions at institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Andy Warhol Museum, and REDCAT Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Desert X, the 13th International Cairo Biennale, the 12th Biennale de Lyon, Performa, the Whitne …
Dave Sitek is a Grammy award winning record producer, musician, songwriter, and re-mixer well known for his work as a guitarist, songwriter and producer with his band TV On The Radio. As a producer, Sitek has worked with artists including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Solange, Santigold, Foals, Kelis, and Beady Eye, and has produced remixes for artists such as Beck, The Naked and Famous, Run The Jewels, Florence & The Machine, and Spoon.
