Lauren Halsey's newly opened sister dreamer sculpture park in South LA became a vibrant hub for Juneteenth celebrations, combining art with community engagement on June 19.
Community and Culture
Halsey's 2,100-square-foot outdoor space on South Western Avenue hosted a block party that saw neighbors and art enthusiasts come together. The event lasted most of the Friday afternoon, with attendees enjoying funk music, basketball games, and performances by the Sisters of Watts cheerleading squad. Food trucks offered a variety of cuisines, including BBQ, Afro-Caribbean, and Southern-style fried fish from Hot Grease, a Black, queer-owned pop-up.
A Record-Breaking Moment
At 3 p.m., hundreds gathered in the sculpture park to attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest Soul Train line. The diverse crowd, drawn by the park's appeal and the historical significance of Juneteenth, participated in the dance line, creating a spirited atmosphere. Kahbia Sada, a 29-year-old puppeteer and artist, remarked, "It’s nice to be able to come see this installation during Juneteenth, because everyone’s here."
Laron Gigger, a 22-year-old pro skater, expressed the importance of the day, saying, "We’ll skate all over—we skate in Venice, it’s our joy, our passion. To be able to make history and do something that’s big for Black people means the world."
Art in the Open
The event allowed attendees to interact with Halsey's Afrofuturist sculptures, which include life-size sphinxes and silhouettes of local mentors. The installations reflect the culture and history of South LA, inviting the community to engage with art outside traditional museum settings.
"Art should be accessible," Halsey's work suggests, as it integrates into the community space, rather than being confined within museum walls.
Photographer Nori Rasmussen-Martinez captured the essence of the day, highlighting the intersection of art and community celebration.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/juneteenth-brought-community-complete-with-a-soul-train-line-to-lauren-halseys-sister-dreamer-sculpture-park-in-south-la
