Transformative Yardscapes of Pasadena and Altadena by
Annabelle Aylmer • Sue Dadd & James Griffith • Andreas Hessing & Karen Bonfigli • Carol Ann Klimek & Dave Michaels • Ben McGinty (Underground Arts Society) • Shrine (a.k.a Brent Spears)

My Own Slice of the State inaugurates NewTown’s summer season with an artistically exciting, informative self-guided tour of six wildly diverse examples of how artists transform their yards and outdoor living spaces into highly personal works of art, from purely whimsical to elegantly functional. Each demonstrates a profoundly individual take on landscape and hardscape as personal extensions of a unique aesthetic and lifestyle visions. Unlike traditional landscaping, every aspect of these magically transformative yardscapes is designed, constructed, planted and nurtured by the hands of the artists … no contractors, no consultants. The environments span from one of the most idyllic working amphitheatres in Southern California to quixotic towers of glass, ceramics, car tires and scrap metal to sculpted earth, a concrete mini-village, a working micro-stream and, weather-willing even a little tomato madness.

Artist/owners, with knowledge and expertise ranging from advanced horticulture to architecture and engineering, will be on hand to answer questions, making this is a rare opportunity to glean ideas on how, with a little imagination and a lot of creative labor, anyone can transform their outdoor space into a living reflection of their own lives.

As a special bonus, the tour starts at The Armory Northwest, coinciding with the closing day of the always provocative CalArts MFA Art Show.

Digital Images and Interviews available upon request