Los Angeles Fires Force Evacuations and Impact Art Institutions
Superchief Gallery is supporting LA fire relief with supply drives, aiding victims and local organizations.
Wildfires across Los Angeles, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, have burned thousands of acres, prompting evacuations and causing damage to homes, businesses and landmarks. Among those affected are artists and arts professionals, many of whom have shared updates on social media about evacuations and losses.
A new 10-acre fire broke out Wednesday near Runyon Canyon, threatening landmarks like the Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre and The Hollywood Bowl. Santa Monica also issued evacuation orders for areas impacted by the Palisades fire as per Artnews.
The fires have disrupted several cultural institutions. The Getty Villa sustained damage to its grounds but reported its staff and collection are safe. Gagosian Beverly Hills postponed Alex Israel’s solo exhibition “Noir,” originally scheduled to open January 9, until further notice. Pepperdine University’s Weisman Museum canceled previews for two exhibitions, and UCLA’s Fowler Museum delayed its press preview for “Fire Kinship,” an exhibition on Indigenous ecological practices, to January 23.
Superchief Gallery has stepped in to support fire relief efforts, collecting supplies like air purifiers, N95 masks and clothing starting January 9. The gallery also plans an art supply drive and night market on January 11, with all donations going directly to affected community members and organizations.
