Since December 2013, my previously private pursuit of documenting the Arts District became very public, which changed my life in many ways. The national release of my photography book MUSE-ings: Snapshots of the Arts District, Downtown Los Angeles was followed by several gallery shows, including the three below:
Sunrise/Sunset: Photographs of the Arts District by Downtown Muse, Angel City Gallery, Los Angeles, California, April 10–May 5, 2014
Welcoming a new day and the promise of one yet to come was this exhibit’s focus. Twenty photographs by Melissa Richardson Banks were chosen by cinematographer Jason Wawro plus 24 others not previously published or displayed.
aMUSEd: Paintings of the Arts District Inspired by Downtown Muse, Art Squared Gallery, Los Angeles, California, April 3–May 5, 2014
This outdoor exhibit featured 9-foot photomurals of paintings by artists Kikki Eder, Christian Hernandez, Kobe Jackson, Bonnie Lambert, Sandy Rodriguez, and Roderick Smith who re-interpreted photographs by Melissa Richardson Banks.
Arts District in Bloom: Photographs by Downtown Muse, Artisanal LA Spring Show at The Reef, Los Angeles, California, April 26-27, 2014
Most downtown areas might be described as gray, colorless, and devoid of greenery. These images by Melissa Richardson Banks defied that notion with her colorful floral images surrounded by brightly painted walls adorned by street art.