The Los Angeles Lakers hosted an art exhibition at the UCLA Health Training Center practice facility Monday evening featuring 40 works of art across a broad range of media and materials from 14 Los Angeles-area artists of color.
“It’s an honor to exhibit this beautiful art at our training facility,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Tim Harris. “Thank you to this year’s contributing artists who brought an exceptional level of emotion and energy to this exhibition. It’s a privilege to share your stories.”
More than 200 artists, collectors, fans and Lakers players and executives gathered for the exhibition, which explored the rich cultural landscape of Los Angeles, highlighting works of art that celebrate LA’s vibrant, individual communities and collective efforts.
“Since the very early days of Dr. Buss, the Lakers have always been about representing and reflecting the best of Los Angeles,” continued Harris. “We are proud to be a connection point in our city that brings together sports, entertainment, arts, culture and community.”
The exhibition is part of the Lakers In the Paint program, presented by DWS, that recognizes, supports and uplifts BIPOC artists in the Los Angeles community through in-kind funding and long-term programming.
Through the program, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired multiple works of art to display at the UCLA Health Training Center practice facility and front office to visually reflect and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workspace. This year, the players and staff selected six pieces by artists Jennia Fredrique Aponte, Sydni Peeler, Jacqueline Valenzuela, Edwin Marcelin, Alicia Savio and HK Zamani.
The full In the Paint 2023-24 collection can be viewed online at bandofvices.com/itp2024. Net proceeds from the artwork sales benefit the artists and the Lakers Youth Foundation.
Chosen by a selection committee, this year’s contributing artists include Jennia Fredrique Aponte, Christen Austin, Domonique Brown, Bryan Ida, Brandon Jones, Edwin Marcelin, Michael Massenburg, Khang Nguyen, Jora Nelstein, Sydni Peeler, Alicia Savio, Hedy Torres, Jacqueline Valenzuela and HK Zamani.
An additional 10 up-and-coming BIPOC artists from the Los Angeles region will each receive a $10,000 grant on behalf of the Lakers Youth Foundation to elevate their artistic endeavors. These grantees will be recognized at the Lakers game Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers In the Paint program, presented by DWS, is in collaboration with LA-based arts and culture company Band of Vices. Support for the program comes from DWS, Bibigo, MGM Rewards and Hennessy.