Helms Design District

Susan Maddux Art Exhibition
2023-06-24 12:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-23 12:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-22 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Los Angeles artist Susan Maddux uses origami-inspired folding to transform paintings, creating hybrid objects that exist in the space between painting and sculpture.
As a 4th generation hapa-Japanese born and raised in Hawaii with stints on the continent growing up, Maddux has a complex relationship with her heritage. This work explores reconnection with personal history and place through the transformation of material and the ritual of gesture.
Maddux has a degree in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, and worked professionally as a surface pattern designer for many years. A decade ago, she began creating powerful pieces by gently folding paintings composed of repeating patterns. Forms that bring to mind a kimono or a cape began to appear, bringing together her interests in the figure, spirituality, and textiles.
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture
2023-06-24 12:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-23 12:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-22 12:00 - 18:00 | Close to the Edge Exhibition, 8707 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture explores the multidimensional influence of hip-hop on our urban fabric.
Curated and designed by Sekou Cooke, and jointly presented by SoCalNOMA, the A+D Museum, and Helms Bakery District, this dynamic exhibition dives into the rich and vibrant world of hip-hop, from its fundamental elements of emceeing, b-boying, and graffiti, to its influence on the world of design and architecture.
The exhibition shows how hip-hop has been translated into the creation of innovative spaces and structures, effectively introducing a new narrative in architecture. The works on display include groundbreaking contributions from students, academics, and practitioners, ranging from experimental visualizations and innovative installations to façade studies and urban development proposals. Also on show: a wall newly graffitied by Los Angeles artist Prime.
Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture is more than an exhibition. It’s a journey into a revolutionary design movement, revealing a shared vision for the future of architecture that’s deeply rooted in the core ethos of hip hop: identity, process, and aesthetics.
Close to the Edge: The Birth of Hip-Hop Architecture opens on June 22, with an opening reception on June 24th from 6 pm to 9 pm. It will be accompanied by talks and tours presented by SoCal NOMA, A+D Museum, and Helms Bakery District.
Curator: Sekou Cooke
Exhibition Design: Sekou Cooke
Graffiti Artist: Prime
Artwork above: HHA Signifyin’ project by Nate Williams, 1993.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.
8707 Washington Blvd, Culver City CA 90232
Exhibition Dates: June 22 – September 17
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

RSVP HERE

Close to the Edge Exhibition at SpringBox in St.Paul, MN.

Close to the Edge exhibition at Center for Architecture, New York, NY. Photo Erik Bardin.

Close to the Edge Exhibition at SpringBox in St.Paul, MN.

Design & Art In California, a curated collection of books by Cisco Home & Burntsienna Research Society
2023-06-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-22 12:00 - 17:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Cisco Home and Burntsienna Research Society have curated a collection of books centered around Design & Art in California for the Los Angeles Design Festival.
Cisco Home is honored to partner with Burntsienna Research Society, an independent institute of art book reference and design thinking founded by Jason EC Wright. Burntsienna builds reading rooms and programming around art and design books and teach principles on responsible research and design thinking.
Jason and the Cisco Home team look forward to welcoming you to view the Cisco Showroom and talk about design, books, art and beauty.
Cisco Home
8705 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

Projecting "Design for the People"
2023-06-23 20:30, 2023-06-22 20:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
PosterTerritory presents 70+ posters by international designers and graphic artists to celebrate design, creativity, inclusiveness, freedom and love, to coincide with this year’s theme.
The exhibition will be projected each evening on the entrance of the Helms Design Center at 8745 Washington Boulevard for street-side viewing.
Poster Territory is a platform for graphic design campaigns, contemporary poster contests and art shows in cities across the US and around the world.
June 22 – June 25 | 8:30 pm – 1:00 am
Helms Design Center Projections
8745 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA

LEARN MORE

Illusionistic Design: Art Informed by the Visual and Emotional Effects of Color
2023-06-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Curated by Saatchi Art
We will discuss the ways in which artists use principles of color theory to inform their art practice and ultimately how that affects the design space in which the artwork is placed. We will explore how color is able to evoke profound sensations, stir emotions, and communicate ideas and how artists harness the power of color to create visually captivating and emotionally resonant works.
Speakers: Kelsey Overstreet / Jayes Caitlin / Seda Saar
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
June 23, 2023 | 4 pm – 5 pm

Open Studio with Room & Board and artist Marcos Lutyens
2023-06-23 14:00 - 18:00 | Room&Board, 3231 Helms Avenue, Culver City, CA, 90034
Free
Join Room & Board and local artist Marcos Lutyens, to view and explore one of a kind Olfactory Haptic therapeutic sculptures.
Olfactory Haptic sculptures aim to provide therapeutic benefits to neurodivergent people, enhancing their engagement with the environment and aiding in recovery. By activating multiple senses, these sculptures have the potential to evoke emotions, trigger healing responses, and contribute to overall mental well-being, with prospects for further development and application in treating various mental health challenges. The smells within the sculptures will include evocative aromas such as bubble gum, freshly cut grass, the fresh breeze of the ocean and more.
These fascinating Olfactory Haptic therapeutic sculptures will be on display and can be experienced during Open Studios at Room & Board.
Room & Board
3231 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
June 23, 2023 | 2 pm – 6 pm

Helms Bakery District Open Studio Tours
2023-06-23 14:00 - 18:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Join the Helms Bakery District Showrooms for open studio tours.
Experience the latest interior and exterior collections from the Helms Bakery District showrooms and retailers. View the latest introductions and seek one-on-one guidance from the Helms design experts. The following showrooms and retailers will participate in Open Studios from 2:00-6:00 pm on Friday, June 23rd.
Arcana | Books on the Arts
Cisco Home | Furniture Showroom
H.D. Buttercup | Coco Republic | Furniture & Homewares
KOHLER Signature Store | Bathroom Fixtures & Home Accessories
Rejuvenation | Hardware, Lighting and Furniture
Room & Board | Home Furnishing, Retail
The Rug Warehouse | Fine Rugs and Carpets
The Shade Store | Window Treatment
The Splash Lab | Commercial Sinks, Fixtures, and Accessories Showroom

Creating Gen AI Tools with and for Designers
2023-06-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Join members of the Adobe Design and Community teams for a very special event, as they host a conversation with local designers about the design process behind Adobe’s Gen AI tools.
Panelists will discuss how they’re currently using AI in their design workflows, touch upon what’s ahead, and talk about how it takes a human touch to make and create the next generation of design tools. There will be a brief demo, followed by the panel discussion, and wrap with audience Q&A.
Speakers: Tomasz Opasinski + Annie Lu + Lisa Carney + Nick Longo + Chrysanthe Tenentes
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Wine and Weave with George Haroonian of The Rug Warehouse
2023-06-22 17:00 - 20:00 | The Rug Warehouse, 3260 Helms Ave., Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Join George Haroonian for a design talk about the rug industry today, in addition to The Rug Warehouse’s creative offerings.
Sip some wine, socialize, and snack while you discover The Rug Warehouse’s custom rug opportinities and new collection. Gift bags will be given to the first 50 guests.
The Rug Warehouse
3260 Helms Ave. Culver City, CA 90232

The Latinx/e Experience in Design
2023-06-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
A panel of Latinx/e Designer/Educators discuss their pathway to graphic design as students, professionals and educators.
They will discuss how their experiences inform their teaching, practices and how design, as an industry, can become more inclusive and supportive of Latinx/e design and designers.
Speakers: Shannon Doronio + Michelle LeClerc + Alma Juarez +Ana Llorente + Hazel Mandujano
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

RSVP HERE

Photo above of Shannon Doronio

Book Signing at Arcana with Jason Lee: CA | TX 17
2023-06-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Join Arcana for a Book Signing with Jason Lee
Saturday, June 17th | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
For the past fourteen years, artist, actor, and skateboarder Jason Lee has traversed America making quiet, reflective photographs detailing the landscape and its oft-overlooked and forgotten places. TX | CA 17 is the first time Lee has published images from a single outing.
They are presented in geographical and (rough) chronological order – North Texas, NM, AZ, the California desert, and finally DTLA, where we see the gentleman awaiting his bus. The exposures were made primarily along and surrounding Highways 287, 40/66, 62, and 10.
Book designed by Ed Templeton

If you cannot attend but would like to purchase a signed copy, please call Arcana Books at 310-458-1499 or visit their site.

L.A. GOAL and Helms Bakery District present Moving Together, an Inclusive Art Exhibit
2023-06-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Inclusive Art Exhibit Moving Together Explores Movement Through Art
Saturday, June 10th, from 11 am to 3 pm
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
L.A. GOAL, a non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives, presents Moving Together, an inclusive art exhibit exploring the theme of “movement” through various art forms.
Moving Together is an art exhibit that explores various interpretations of “movement” through art created by artists in Los Angeles County. The exhibit will showcase the artwork of L.A. GOAL’s professional Artists with developmental disabilities alongside artwork created by artists from the broader community.
“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talent of our Artists at L.A. GOAL, who have put their hearts and souls into creating beautiful pieces that embody the theme of movement,” said Petite Konstantin, Executive Director of L.A. GOAL. “The exhibit is a celebration of the power of art to unite people from different backgrounds and abilities.”
All the artwork displayed at the exhibit will be available for sale, and sale profits will go towards defraying the costs of L.A. GOAL Artists’ salaries and supplies. Additionally, handmade and designed products by L.A. GOAL Artists will be available for purchase.
The Moving Together exhibit is an opportunity to support the creative expression of individuals with developmental disabilities and to promote the inclusion of all members of the community in the arts.
For more information about the exhibit or to learn more about L.A. GOAL, please visit: https://www.lagoal.org/

Creative / Perspectives: Exhibit (02) Visual Contrast Studio
2023-06-08 17:00 - 19:00 | H.D. Buttercup | Coco Republic, 3225 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles,, CA, 90034, United States
Thursday, June 8th, from 5:00-7:00 pm
H.D. Buttercup | Coco Republic
3225 Helms Avenue, Culver City, CA 90232
Join us this Thursday for opening night of the second installment of Coco Republic’s newest art exhibition, featuring Los Angeles based art studio Visual Contrast as they display their custom collection at H.D. Buttercup | Coco Republic.
Visual Contrast brings a thoughtful new approach to the production of fine art. Looking to the shape, color, and texture of Coco Republic furniture and furnishings to dictate the designs. This collection was created by their team of artists exclusively for Coco Republic.
RSVP HERE
The exhibition will remain on view thru July 6 .

A reception, lecture, and discussion with Jennifer Bonner from MALL
2023-05-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Please join us on Thursday, May 25, 6:30-8:30 pm, for a reception, lecture, and discussion with Jennifer Bonner from MALL.
In collaboration with the Helms Bakery District and the Cal Poly SLO LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Free Parking is available at the corner of Helms Ave. and Venice Blvd.
Lecture is Free and Open to the Public
RSVP

Jennifer Bonner
Jennifer Bonner is Associate Professor of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Bonner founded MALL in 2009, a creative practice that stands for Mass Architectural Loopty Loops or Maximum Arches with Limited Liability—an acronym with built-in flexibility.
Born in Alabama, Bonner is a recipient of the 2021 United States Artist Fellowship, Architectural League Prize for Young Architects + Designers, Emerging Voices Award (AIA/ Young Architects Forum), Progressive Architecture (P/A) Award and Next Progressives (Architect Magazine). Her creative work has been published in architectural trade publications including Architectural Review, Metropolis, Gray, Azure and Wallpaper*, as well as, more experimental journals including a+t, DAMN, PLAT, Offramp, Room One Thousand, Flat Out, and MAS Context. She is the co-editor of Blank: Speculations on CLT (with H.Kara), author of A Guide to the Dirty South: Atlanta, faculty editor of Platform: Still Life, and guest editor for ART PAPERS special issue on architecture and design of Los Angeles. Bonner has exhibited work at the Royal Institute of British Architects, National Building Museum, WUHO gallery, HistoryMIAMI, Yve YANG gallery, pinkcomma gallery, Armstrong Gallery at Kent State, Yale Architecture Gallery, Istanbul Modern Museum, Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
Bonner received a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
Photos (left to right): Exterior Image of HouseGables (photo by NAARO), Image of Jennifer Bonner (photo by Chris Dibble), and Interior Image of HouseGables (photo by NAARO).
Introduced and moderated by Stephen Phillips, FAIA, PhD, Principal of Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS) and professor, director, Cal Poly LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo).

A reception, lecture, and discussion with Nima Javidi and Behnaz Assadi of JA Architecture Studio
2023-05-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Join us on Thursday, May 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, for a reception, lecture, and discussion with Nima Javidi and Behnaz Assadi of JA Architecture Studio
In collaboration with the Helms Bakery District and the Cal Poly SLO LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Free Parking is available at the corner of Helms Ave. and Venice Blvd.
Lecture is Free and Open to the Public
RSVP

JA Architecture Studio
JA Architecture Studio, a Toronto-based practice led by Iranian-Canadian architect Nima Javidi and landscape designer Behnaz Assadi, combines the rootedness of a local architecture firm with the broad interests of an international design studio. From small to medium sized buildings that confront detail-level building constraints to ambitious international competitions, the studio’s work tries to find meaningful tangencies between iconographic, geometrical and formal properties of architecture of different backgrounds and invests in inventing new architectural hybrids as responses to the diverse realities of 21st century cities.
Nima Javidi is a registered architect in Toronto and the 2021 Gwathmey Professor of Design at the Cooper Union Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, where he teaches and coordinates core design studios. Nima’s interest in design is in the intersection of geometry, structure, and typology in architecture. He has a Master of Architecture degree from University of Tehran and a Master of Urban Design from University of Toronto. Prior to joining the Cooper Union, Nima taught architecture design studios at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design.
Behnaz Assadi is a Landscape designer and a founding partner at JA Architecture Studio. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto. Behnaz holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from University of Tehran.
In 2022, JA received The Architectural League of New York Emerging Voices Award, Architectural Record Design Vanguards, a Progressive Architects Award and the Wallpaper Magazine Architects directory.
Introduced and moderated by Stephen Phillips, FAIA, PhD, Principal of Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS) and professor, director, Cal Poly LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo).
Photos (left to right): Image of Forno Cyltura Bakery Toronto, Image of Behanz Assadi and Nima Javidi, and Image of One and A Half.

Westside Urban Forum Breakfast Talk: Al Fresco Dining in the Public Right-of-Way: Whose Space is it?
2023-05-18 07:45 - 09:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
How are Different Cities Responding to the Shifting Landscape of Outdoor Dining?
Thursday, May 18th, 2023
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City
8:30 am – 9:30 am PST
Doors open at 7:45 for registration, breakfast and networking.
RSVP Required!

Members Register Here

Nonmembers Register Here

On March 4, 2020 Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Many jurisdictions followed with local emergency orders which called on residents to limit all activities outside of their homes. These restrictions included prohibiting restaurants and retail food facilities from providing indoor dining in coordination with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The financial impact of the public health emergency was particularly difficult for small restaurants.
Soon after came the temporary outdoor dining programs that have helped to alleviate the financial stress of the indoor dining prohibition. These new programs often suspended certain regulations in order to provide restaurants and other food establishments with an alternative to full indoor dining – temporarily.
Now that we moved from the pandemic to an endemic and full service indoor dining is allowed, how do cities transition and take the best of what outdoor dining offered during the height of the pandemic into the future? Can cities reclaim the public right-of-way from the very businesses that provided the public a safe respite and gathering place? Will businesses be able to adjust as regulations are enforced and the cost of outdoor dining increases for operators?
How has the urban landscape shifted, literally and figuratively, and who do our streets and sidewalks belong to after all? Join us to discuss these questions and more.
Panelists:
Andrew Thomas, CEO, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
John Keho, Director of Planning and Development Services, City of West Hollywood
Raimonda Gintaliene, owner of Uppers Cafe and Bakeshop, Santa Monica
Madeline Brozen, Deputy Director, UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Moderator:
Annette M. Kim, Ph.D, Associate Professor, USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
Registration Fees
$50 Members
$65 Non-Members
$10 Student Members & Retired Members
$15 Student Non-Members & Retired Non-Members
Pre-registration closes on Wednesday, May 17th, at 4:00 PM. After Wednesday, May 17th, onsite registration will be available at the cost of an additional $10. No refunds or credits will be provided after this day.
Event Time
7:45 am – 9:30 am
7:45 am – Registration & Light Breakfast
8:30 am – Panel Discussion
Location
The Helms Design Center is located at the Helms Bakery campus at 8745 Washington Boulevard in Culver City.
Directions
Avoid the stress of rush hour and skip traffic! The Helms Design Center at 8745 Washington Blvd in Culver City is conveniently located a short, pleasant walk from a number of transit lines, including:

Metro Rail “E” (Expo) Line Culver City Station (1 block west at Washington and National Blvds), and
Culver City Bus “1” and “1C1” lines (at the adjacent Washington Blvd/Helms Avenue street corner).

Protected bike lanes along Washington Blvd. connecting to Culver City’s larger bike lane network also provide a convenient, safe way to get to the Design Center.
For those who choose to drive, parking is available in the adjacent interior parking garage at 8711 Washington Blvd (look for the red banners), or there is parking available throughout the Helms Bakery complex.
Parking Map
Sponsor Provided Tickets
Thanks to the generosity of our annual Sponsors, WUF has a small number of free tickets available to members of the community. If you are not able to join as a member or purchase a ticket for this month’s panel presentation, but would like to join us, please write us at info@westsideurbanforum.com to inquire if we have any remaining sponsor provided tickets.
Thank You for Your Donations…
As a non-profit organization we are dependent upon donations in order to continue our monthly programming. Please keep this in mind when registering for this event; we appreciate contributions of any amount.
www.westsideurbanforum.com

A reception, lecture, and discussion with Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Join us on Thursday, May 11, 6:30-8:30 pm, for a reception, lecture, and discussion with Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA
In collaboration with the Helms Bakery District and the Cal Poly SLO LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Free Parking is available at the corner of Helms Ave. and Venice Blvd.
Lecture is Free and Open to the Public
RSVP

Lorcan O’Herlihy
Lorcan O’Herlihy is an internationally renowned architect and urban designer with offices in Los Angeles, California and Detroit, Michigan. After a career working with esteemed firms including Kevin Roche, I. M. Pei and Steven Holl, O’Herlihy founded Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA] in 1994 where he is the Founding Principal and Creative Director. He has built a robust portfolio of work rooted in embracing architecture’s role as a catalyst for change. Enacting a powerful alliance of inventive designs with vigorous social ideals, O’Herlihy’s work prospers whether it is supportive affordable housing in South Los Angeles, working with grassroots neighborhood advocates in Detroit, or designing cultural institutions like Chapman University Dance School. In addition to building over 100 projects across three continents Lorcan has been published in over 20 countries and recognized with 150-plus national and international awards, including the 2021 AIALA Gold Medal, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Practice North America Firm Award, the AIALA Firm of the Year Award, the AIA California Distinguished Practice Award, and was ranked the #1 Design Firm in the US by Architect Magazine in 2018.
Introduced and moderated by Stephen Phillips, FAIA, PhD, Principal of Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS) and professor, director, Cal Poly LA Metro Program in Architecture and Urban Design (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo).
Photos (left to right): Image of Sandi Simon Center, Image of Isla Intersections: Here and Now Agency, and Image of Lorcan O’Herlihy.

Book Signing at Arcana with Ed Templeton for Wires Crossed
2023-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Join Arcana for a Book Signing with Ed Templeton!
Please join us Saturday, May 6th between 4:00 and 6:00 PM for a very special book signing with artist / photographer / skate legend – and all-around awesome human being – Ed Templeton! Hot off the presses, his latest is the years-in-the-works Wires Crossed, which documents nearly twenty years of life on the road with some of the most notable skaters of his generation.
Publisher Aperture has created a special edition for the event limited to two hundred and fifty copies featuring a special sticker drawn by The Tempster just for Arcana.

If you cannot attend but would like to purchase a signed copy, please call Arcana Books at 310-458-1499 or visit their site.

Creative Perspectives Art Exhibition at HD Buttercup | Coco Republic
2023-05-05 - 2023-06-06 | H.D. Buttercup | Coco Republic, 3225 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles,, CA, 90034, United States
Free
Creative Perspectives: (01) Monica Perez by Coco Republic
A series of art exhibitions exploring the talents of creatives across California by Coco Republic. Explore the work of the first inaugural artist, Monica Perez. Her artwork explores what has disappeared, yet still lingers in our hearts and minds, offering a unique perspective on our world.
Coco Republic, the renowned Australian furniture store, has just made its US debut at HD Buttercup Design Center. Now exclusively available at this premier destination for interior design, Coco Republic offers a unique range of furniture, homewares, and stylish décor items that reflect the brand’s signature blend of classic and contemporary design.
Viewing Hours:
Mon- Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Kohler Design Open House
2023-04-28 - 2023-04-29 | Kohler Signature Store, 3250 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90034
Join Kohler Signature Store on April 28th and 29th for a private consultation on bathroom design. As part of this exclusive offer, guests will receive a complimentary design session with one of Kohler’s expert bathroom designers. During the consultation, the designer will provide valuable recommendations such as floorplan modifications and more to enhance your bathroom’s overall aesthetic and functionality. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive top-notch design advice tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re interested in a full design solution, Kohler will be extending a special offer in store on their KOHLER Bathroom Design Services – starting at $299.
Kohler encourages guests to bring inspiration, measurements, questions, or photos of your current bathroom to the consultation (not required).
Please sign up for an appointment here.
Friday April 28 and Saturday April 29 only
Kohler Signature Store Culver City
3250 Helms Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034

RSVP HERE

Westside Urban Forum Breakfast Talk: Mayor Bass' State of the City
2023-04-27 07:45 - 09:30 | Helms Design Center, 8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, 90232
Digging into Mayor Bass’ State of the City Address – Goals, Challenges and Accomplishments
Thursday, April 27th, 2023
Helms Design Center
8745 Washington Boulevard, Culver City
7:45 am – 9:30 am PST
Panel from 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Doors open at 7:45 for registration, breakfast and networking.
RSVP Required!

Members Register Here

Nonmembers Register Here

The City of Los Angeles is emerging from a global pandemic into a ‘recovery’ period, and many Angelenos have high hopes following the election of Mayor Karen Bass, whose tenure has also been accompanied by the dramatic recomposition of the City Council. But cautious optimism is tempered by an unstable economic environment, a crisis in housing and services for housing insecure Angelenos, aging transportation and utility infrastructure, and widespread staff vacancies. How can the region’s largest city meet these challenges and ensure an equitable economic recovery?
The State of the City mayoral address will occur in mid-April, closely followed by the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Please join us to hear from invited experts on the issues facing the City of Los Angeles in 2023, and what initiatives could – or should – be in play to build an inclusive, sustainable, and economically sound future for all Angelenos.
Speakers
Alan Greenlee, Executive Director, Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing
Michelle Banks-Ordone, Senior Manager, Transit-Oriented Communities, LA Metro
Adam J. Fowler, Founding Partner, CVL Economics
Moderator
To be Announced
Registration Fees
$50 Members
$65 Non-Members
$10 Student Members & Retired Members
$15 Student Non-Members & Retired Non-Members
Pre-registration closes on Wednesday, April 26th, at 4:00 PM. After Wednesday, April 26th, onsite registration will be available at the cost of an additional $10. No refunds or credits will be provided after this day.
Event Time
7:45 am – 9:30 am
7:45 am – Registration & Light Breakfast
8:30 am – Panel Discussion
Location
The Helms Design Center is located at the Helms Bakery campus at 8745 Washington Boulevard in Culver City.
Parking & Transportation
Parking will be available in the adjacent, interior parking garage at 8711 Washington Blvd., Culver City (look for the red banners), or there is ample parking throughout the Helm Bakery complex. Alternately, the Expo Light Rail line is located one block to the east of Helms Bakery.
Click Here for Public Transportation & Parking Information
Covid Update
Please note that while the use of a face mask will not be mandated, we highly encourage all of our attendees to wear a mask at all times while indoors.
Thanks to the generosity of our annual Sponsors, WUF has a small number of free tickets available to members of the community. If you are not able to join as a member or purchase a ticket for this month’s panel presentation, but would like to join us, please write us at info@westsideurbanforum.com to inquire if we have any remaining sponsor provided tickets.
www.westsideurbanforum.com

Seeding the City: Nature’s Story
2023-04-22 12:00 - 20:00 | Helms Design District, 8800 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90034, United States
Free
Saturday, April 22, 2023
12:00 to 5:00 pm Campus-Wide
12:00 to 8:00 pm Helms Design Center
Being in nature can change our mood, impact our health and well-being, and provide respite from daily lives dominated by technology, in surroundings of concrete and steel. Even viewing depictions of nature can reduce stress and serve as a tonic.
Join us on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 for a full day of playful visualizations to spark your (re)connection with nature.
The day will feature artworks and activities by artists, designers and filmmakers who have created powerful imagery celebrating nature — from dreamy fairy gardens and a scavenger hunt to captivating illustrations of the wild animals that live amongst us; from interactive workshops with storytellers, poster designers and poets, to a screening of My Garden of a Thousands Bees, plus so much more.

Book Signing with Melba Levick and Rubén Mendoza for Casa Santa Fe
2023-04-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Arcana: Books on the Arts, 8675 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90232
Free
Please join Arcana: Books on the Arts on Saturday, April 8th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm for a book signing with Melba Levick and Rubén Mendoza for Casa Santa Fe!
Casa Santa Fe: Design, Style, Arts, and Tradition
Photographs by Melba Levick, Text by Rubén G. Mendoza

“Desert hues, natural materials, thick hand-plastered walls, and adobe brick construction are hallmarks of the Santa Fe Style, which is as much an expression in architecture, interior design, art, and crafts as it is a way of life. Rooted in a sense of earthy comfort inspired by its history, the surrounding desert, and Native American and Hispanic design influences, the style has a timeless appeal and vibrant ongoing life that has resulted in these extraordinary homes.
With features such as eighteenth-century peeled vigas, tin chandeliers, romantic iron sconces, and hand-hewn wood-beamed ceilings, each house is a rich yet harmonious invitation that will engage the senses and speak to the soul. Beyond the houses, the writer and photographer spotlight those details and spaces that together convey the magic of this very special place, including patios and gardens; fireplaces, kivas, and hornos; ceramics; Native American arts; cabinets and trasteros; folk art; and weaving.
Casa Santa Fe is the definitive sourcebook for architects, designers, builders, homeowners, and interior decorators seeking to expand their visual repertoire of historically defined and classically inspired architectural details and interior appointments.”
Melba Levick is an internationally renowned photographer based in Los Angeles and Paris, with more than sixty books to her name. Her most recent publications from Rizzoli include The Spanish Style House, The California Missions, The Ranches: Home on the Range in California, The California Casa, and Classic Homes of Los Angeles.
Dr. Rubén G. Mendoza is an archaeologist, photographer, and founding faculty member of the California State University, Monterey Bay. He is the author of several books including The Spanish Style House, The California Missions, and Mission San Miguel Arcángel.

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