Along the Washington Corridor, behind the mysterious green awning marked "Yuppets" lies the magical home of the Blackstone USA Puppet Theatre, 187 rod puppets and one genius, Gary Jones.
After meeting Blackstone Director, Gary Jones, it’s not difficult to understand Geppetto or Dr. Coppelia inventing puppets that seemingly come to life. Puppeteers develop a close relationship with their creations, spending hours, sometimes months crafting the head and body, painting the face, sewing the costume, developing the puppet's movements. Each has its own personality. Some are easily manipulated on stage, others less fluidly.
As Gary explains, favorites emerge. Passing through the studio, Gary gives a reassuring word to puppet “Iris” once the prima donna but now seeing much less stage time since she’s become dated. Puppet “Hoola” was 
injured in a fall during an exhibition and hasn’t been the same since. Following some repairs, her weight and balance are off. Gary creates puppets first based on different character types, then writes a script and “auditions” the puppets for roles.
Inspired at age 18 as a visitor to the Chicago Kungsholm Miniature Grand Opera, Gary returned ten years later as an employee, then went on to establish the Blackstone USA Theatre with a troupe in 1974. After ten years he moved the production to L.A. because "something just told him it was right." Since that time Gary and his puppets have traveled the world performing. But his home base has remained Washington Blvd., 
where the 68 year-old Gary seems ageless, moving agilely on stage, showing off each puppet’s characteristic gesture. The puppets’ expressively carved arms and legs move through the nonstop dance of the puppeteer. These two levels of performance are mesmerizing, childlike but sophisticated. One of the puppets was designed to honor Judith Jamison. Jones moves like an Alvin Ailey dancer.
The narrow white Blackstone theatre seats 200 children or 50 adults. Gary explains 
that children used to constantly sift off to the restroom. They were simply looking for an excuse to wander into the back workroom, attracted by the puppets lining the walls and those under construction. Now performances are interactive and a studio tour is included so kids can experience the inventive process that begins with a lump of clay molded and cast into a head.
Performances tailored for children or adults are arranged by group reservation. With a $350 minimum for 30 adults, plus $10 for each additional person, the Blackstone Theatre is one of the best entertainment values in town.
4619 West Washington Blvd., (323)-936-6091, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.yuppets.com
With a push pull to move to Los Angeles, Alan Disparte, a San Francisco artist, transplanted himself this March into the whirlwind of the L. A. scene. 
Disparte’s work encompasses a vast landscape of mediums. His series of video installations combine elements of cartoon kitsch, nature and contemporary culture that are woven together to produce an intimate narrative, all displayed in modern day dioramas. Disparte’s paintings claim the canvas with humorous imagery that with a flip of the brush, magically goes astray. Whether fusing animal and human figures with contrasting angst and naiveté, or painting post modern architectural with Victorian elements, the viewers sensibilities are constantly being challenged.
Eco-LogicalART Went"Au Natural" to Celebrate Earth Day with ReVisions/10 and EartH Feature Live Public Curtain Drops.
it: "We're going “au natural” with ReVisions/10 and EartH." Both events featured live public unveilings. ReVisions/10 offered up huge art on a billboard, displayed directly over the Eco-LA gallery, and revealed with a live curtain drop. Hand painted by Leeann Goya, once unveiled the eco-themed will be seen 35,000 times daily, and a million times by month's end.
Artists join forces with their landlord to create Neighborhood gallery
This artist run project space speaks to the many artists and curators who have been squeezed into non-existence while trying to garner a foothold in the art world. It’s imperative for artists to be able to have access to a space to show their work. With so many museum cutbacks, galleries shutting down and the art world turned upside down by the financial downturn, the birth of NTBA Gallery is a creative community response to these challenging times.
