The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) celebrated its annual gala on Saturday at the Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo, raising an impressive $3.1 million and honoring three significant figures in the arts: architect Frank Gehry, artist Theaster Gates, and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt.
The evening was marked by a surprise appearance from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who paid tribute to Gehry, while prominent director and producer Ava DuVernay honored Gates and acclaimed actress Jane Fonda acknowledged Schmidt.
This event introduced a new MOCA tradition titled MOCA Legends, aimed at acknowledging visionaries who have significantly influenced the museum’s development, with plans for new honorees to be celebrated in future galas.
The festivities kicked off with cocktails in the plaza and exclusive access to Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition, “OPEN.” Guests enjoyed captivating performances from the Japanese American drumming group TAIKOPROJECT as they settled in for dinner.
MOCA director Johanna Burton delivered a welcoming speech emphasizing art’s capacity to unite communities. “As we celebrate our annual gala, we are not just honoring individual achievements but reaffirming our collective belief in the power of art to connect and challenge; uplift and endure,” she stated in the gala’s news release.
Following Pelosi’s heartfelt introduction of Gehry, who was recognized for his 1983 renovation of the Geffen Contemporary, the architect reflected on the profound impact the museum has had on his life. “Artists brought me into their club—it’s where I wanted to be, and they opened my eyes to another world,” the 96-year-old Gehry remarked.
The celebration not only honored individual contributions to the art world but also highlighted the vibrant art scene in Los Angeles, bridging connections across various cultural disciplines.
In related arts news within the region, a collection featuring over 50 figurative paintings by the late Los Angeles artist Noah Davis will be on display at UCLA’s Hammer Museum starting Sunday, running through August 31. This exhibition, following earlier showings in Potsdam and London, represents the first institutional survey of Davis’ work. The artist, who passed away in 2015 at the young age of 32, left behind a legacy of paintings that skillfully navigate the fine line between daily life and dreams, often revolving around found photographs.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Philharmonic is set to kick off its Seoul Festival this week, a follow-up to prior successful cultural events in Reykjavik and Mexico City. This festival features the notable South Korean composer Unsuk Chin as curator, diving deep into Korea’s vibrant yet enigmatic music scene. The inaugural concert will showcase new music compositions by a fresh wave of Korean artists, with subsequent weekend events featuring a mix of new scores, including Chin’s 2014 Clarinet Concerto and works by Brahms. The festival will culminate in a chamber music concert featuring pieces by Brahms and Schumann performed by Korean musicians.
At the Odyssey Theatre, audiences can enjoy a novel adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in a production titled “Lear Redux.” This collaboration with theater artist John Farmanesh-Bocca features veteran actor Jack Stehlin in the lead role, and promises to deliver a uniquely idiosyncratic interpretation of the classic tale. Running from Wednesday to Sunday, the production is part of a series where modern reworkings of Shakespeare’s plays are reimagined in new contexts.
In a noteworthy development, CNN is set to broadcast a live performance of “Good Night, and Good Luck” from the Winter Garden in New York City on Saturday. This marks a significant moment, as it will be the first live television broadcast of a Broadway play. The production, an adaptation of George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s 2005 film about CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow’s confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy’s witch hunts, is considered both timely and relevant, illuminating the struggles faced by the media in today’s political climate.
Clooney, who takes on the role of Murrow, brings a gravitas to the character, reflecting the integrity of a journalist standing firm against tyranny. The live broadcast of the play invites viewers to reflect on the historical context and the importance of freedom of expression in current times, reminiscent of the democratic gatherings of ancient Greece where citizens engaged with theatrical works to contemplate contemporary issues.
In Southern California culture news, the Mark Taper Forum recently opened director Robert O’Hara’s world premiere adaptation of “Hamlet,” featuring performances from Patrick Ball and Gina Torres. The production diverges from traditional interpretations, exploring Hamlet’s character in a contemporary lens that raises questions about heroism and morality in today’s society. O’Hara’s reimagining is set in a modern context that employs a “CSI”-style resolution, aiming to blend the tragic narrative with elements of contemporary noir.
Additionally, the L.A. Opera has appointed Domingo Hindoyan as its new music director, effective after the departure of James Conlon in 2026. Hindoyan, a native Venezuelan conductor currently leading the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, made a notable debut with the L.A. Opera last year. Critics have lauded his potential as a fitting successor in this prestigious role.
Cultured enthusiasts may also take an interest in the reissue of Arnold Hylen’s photographic work, “Los Angeles Before the Freeways: Images of an Era 1850-1950,” curated by architectural historian Nathan Marsak. The new edition, published by Angel City Press, captures a nostalgic view of a bygone era, offering insights into the city’s lost streets and architecture.
On the executive front, Heidi Zuckerman, the current executive director of the Orange County Museum of Art, has announced her departure set for December. In her final months, she launched an online platform named “About Art,” which features her newsletter, “Why Art Matters,” along with a podcast and lifestyle pieces aimed at fostering a community of art lovers.
As summer unfolds, the Hollywood Bowl is set to feature its annual Market Tasting Series, commencing with the Roots Picnic on Sunday. This initiative includes wine tastings curated by chef Caroline Styne, allowing guests to savor fine wines and mingle with vintners before select concerts. These events enhance the cultural and culinary offerings of the venue.
The Barnsdall Art Park Foundation’s popular wine tasting fundraiser, Barnsdall Fridays, is set to return tonight at 5:30 p.m. The series runs through September 26, with a portion of proceeds earmarked for cultural programming at Barnsdall Park. Guests can enjoy a variety of local food vendors while relaxing on Olive Hill and engaging with arts activities available in the park’s galleries.
As the Southern California art scene thrives with myriad events and festivals, the commitment to celebrating and nurturing artistic endeavors continues to unite communities and inspire future generations.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/newsletter/2025-06-06/essential-arts-2025-moca-gala-frank-gehry-nancy-pelosi-noah-davis-george-clooney
