18th Street Arts Center Presents Diane Meyer, Without A Car in the World

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--18th Street Arts Center is pleased to announce its final exhibition of 2009, Without A Car in the World (100 Car-less Angelinos Tell Stories of Living in Los Angeles). The opening reception will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the 18th Street Arts Center.

In this exciting new exhibition by an important Los Angeles photographer, artist Diane Meyer re-envisions a new, car-less Los Angeles through photographs and interviews. Her exhibit will feature 100 new photographs with accompanying narratives from the persons who participated in her project. Without A Car in the World will address how car culture has shaped the psychological, spatial and geographic perceptions of Los Angeles.

The Angelinos in Meyer’s photographs have given up their cars for a variety of reasons ranging from ideological, financial or health-related issues. Meyer hopes that the exhibition will ultimately acknowledge transportation alternatives and provide recognition to a population perceived to be disenfranchised for not having an automobile.

There will be several panel discussions throughout the exhibit’s run that will further examine the idea of a “Car-less society.” Some notable panelists participating in the discussions include: Siel, writer of LA Green Girl; Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, UCLA Professor and author of Sidewalks: Conflict and Negotiation Over Public Space; and D.J. Waldie, author of Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir. Click here for more information on the panel discussions.

Diane Meyer is an Assistant Professor of Photography at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Her photography has been exhibited at a wide range of venues throughout the United States and Canada. Meyer’s exhibit was inspired by her recent decision to give up her car and navigate through the city using a combination of walking, biking and public transportation. For more information on Diane Meyer’s work visit her website http://www.dianemeyer.net/

Without A Car in the World debuts October 17 and will continue through December 11. The exhibit is free to the public. Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and Izze Sparkling Juice are co-sponsors of the opening reception.

18th Street Arts Center is an internationally known alternative arts center whose mission is “to provoke public dialogue through contemporary art making.”

Gallery hours are Monday – Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 18th Street Arts Center is located at 1639 18th Street, Santa Monica, off Olympic Blvd.

For further information, visit online at www.18thstreet.org or call Ronald Lopez at 310-453-3711, or email rlopez@18thstreet.org