We checked out the new LEGO exhibit at Forest Lawn Glendale. It might seem like a strange place to have an art exhibit, but Forest Lawn has a long tradition of offering educational programs. FL-Glendale also has an art museum where the LEGO exhibit is housed.
Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya
http://brickartist.com/
May 21, 2013-July 21, 2013
Forest Lawn Glendale
1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA
http://www.forestlawn.com/EventDetails.aspx?ID=245&Park_id=3
Free admission and free parking
Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Nathan Sawaya has specialized in creating sculptures out of LEGO bricks. Sawaya’s ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art.
There are about 25 sculptures in this exhibit, ranging from a multicolor peace sign to large crayons with the paper coming off of one. Most of the sculptures are of the human form. A bust removing his face from his head, a boy looking at his reflection in water, a figure in despair.
This is a small exhibit, so don't drive an hour to just see this program. Like I said this location also has an art gallery and the current display "Light and Color" is a collection of remarkable stained glass. There is also an impressive display of bronze statues. And in the Hall of The Crucifixion-Resurrection next door are hourly showings of The Crucifixion and The Resurrection paintings. Walk out the back of the museum for restrooms and an amazing view of Glendale.
But don't stop there. Forest Lawn Glendale is 300 acres and has its own sights. Check out the mosaic of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 13ft tall statue of George Washington. There are, also, white swans on the lake. Of course, many famous people are interned at Forest Lawn. The mega famous like Michael Jackson are behind locked gates, but you can see the final resting places of such stars as Jimmy Stewart and Elizabeth Taylor.
And since you're already in Glendale, perhaps get a bite to eat at Americana at Brand. This is a mall designed by the same firm as the Grove in LA. I recommend the Granville Cafe on Brand Blvd outside of the mall proper.
Is someone in your family a science fiction fan or loves old bookstores? Remember those old bookstores that used to be in every city? Well, there's still one left in Glendale. Mystery & Imagination is at 238 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203. http://www.yelp.com/biz/bookfellows-mystery-and-imagination-glendale
If you're not tired, yet, you can end the day at the Griffith Observatory which is about 10 minutes away.
