Corona del Mar Today: Checking out the Broad with the OASIS Travel Club
Judging by the people standing in line, Los Angeles’ newest contemporary art museum has become a popular attraction.
Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, The Broad recently opened in September to capacity crowds.
The OASIS Senior Center even had to turn people away from a field trip months in advance. The daytime trip, which was planned through the OASIS Travel Club, is to take place Jan. 20, but it sold out before the winter newsletter was published.
Organizers recognized that there is a demand for local residents to visit and hope to schedule another trip in the near future.
The museum is a spectacular contemporary structure, encompassing 120,000 square feet within a three-story building in downtown L.A. on Grand Avenue, across the street from The Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The distinctive building is veiled in sort of a honeycomb-like exterior, and the holes are actually windows that allow for filtered natural light throughout the inside.
In fact, the honeycomb-shaped windows provide an interesting view looking from the inside out toward the glistening Disney landmark. The building corners provide the entrance into the lobby, which has a cavernous feel contrasting the lightness of the exterior and the third floor gallery space.
The escalator is encased by the organic-shaped walls, as it disappears up through a curved hole. Upon landing on the third-floor gallery, the flash of metallic color in the form of Jeff Koons’ stainless steel Tulips greets the new arrivals. The white walls and wash of light illuminates the art, especially the bright and bold pieces.
For its opening, The Broad features more than 250 masterworks of contemporary art from their world-renowned collection of 2,000 works of art, which will be presented on a rotating basis. Among the installation are works by artists Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and Jeff Koons.
Once inside, the visual experience was contagious, as people fired off selfies with their phones or snapped photos in front of the exhibits.
Popular destinations sell out fast at OASIS. It may be a good idea to continue to check in with the travel department for upcoming day trips as The Broad may pop up again before the next publication.
In the meantime, the OASIS travel department just published in the winter newsletter, the following destinations: Reagan Library-Christmas trees, Dec. 2, which has a wait list; L.A. Master Chorales Festival Of Carols, Dec. 12, which also has a wait list; Rose Parade Jan. 1; Sinatra Mystery Tour, Feb. 3; and The Autry National Center For American West on Feb. 24.
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Spirit Run registration opens
Registration is open for the 2016 Newport-Mesa Spirit Run, which is March 20 at Fashion Island.
“With 11 road racing events, a Family Walk and a Toddler Trot, Spirit Run has something for every age, from toddlers to grandparents,” the event’s website states. “In between the walking and racing events, participants and spectators enjoy a Youth & Fitness Expo with a delicious pancake breakfast, other food and beverages, live music, youth activities, massage, health and fitness information, and more.”
Registration fees vary, from $20 for the Toddler Tot to $58 for a non-resident youth combo package.
Participants who register by Nov. 29 will receive a discount, according to an event announcement. Adults can save $5 by using the code ADULT EARLY BIRD, and kids can save $3 by using the code YOUTH EARLY BIRD.
The 33rd annual Spirit Run also will introduce new adult mile races this year, according to the email.
Proceeds from the event will benefit education and athletics in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
Corona del Mar Today appears Sundays in the Daily Pilot. Read daily updates at coronadelmartoday.com.