Colorful history of films made in Venice California, and celebration of the otherwordly happenings at the legendary Venice West Gallery (birthplace of the Beats), aka Sponto Gallery with live performances. Experience the essence of Spontofication Rituals in art, music, poetry and the freedom of creativity. FEATURING RARE films of Venice icons Political Bill Mitchell, Snakeman Solomon Turner, Motown bass great David Waller and more. Bonus= Sneak peek of award winning filmmaker Mark Steven Shepherd’s new Venice doc.
Free admission. Donations appreciated.
The Venice community continues to celebrate the generous spirit of legendary artist/curator Mark “Sponto” Kornfeld, who nurtured the creative and Love community in Venice, California for 24 years at his 7 Dudley Avenue gallery. This same location housed the infamous Venice West Cafe from 1958 to 1966. It was one of the key epicenters for the burgeoning free-spirited literature and art movement on the West Coast. The Beats shared their exploration of themes such as spirituality, environmental awareness and political activism. Years later, Sponto felt the sacred ground bubbling up from the Beat roots, and created a space to continue in their tradition.
The Venice West Café was the hang-out for many creative people including artist Wallace Berman, photographer Charles Brittin, underground film star Taylor Mead, jazz shaman-comedian Lord Buckley, photographer-filmmaker Leland Auslender, artist Earl Newman, photographer Harry Drinkwater, Robby Kreiger & John Densmore of The Doors, musician Bob Romeo, songwriter Eden Ahbez (writer of Nat King Cole’s hit Nature Boy), prop designer-mad scientist Larry Albright, artist Eric “Big Daddy” Nord, sculptor Ron Boise, Ed Cassidy (drummer for Spirit), jazz icon Art Pepper, Larry Lipton (author of The Holy Barbarians), comedian Mort Sahl, drummer Tambu, author Cliford Irving, artist George Herms, author Charles Foster, politicians Al Matthews & Jack Hampton, and social worker Paul Smith.
This important historical venue was a nurturing stomping ground for many poets including: Susan & Stuart Z. Perkoff, Tony Scibella, Frank T. Rios, John Thomas, Anna & John Haig, Aya, Saul White, William Margolis, Clair Horner, Danny Propper, Maurice Lacy, Jack Hirschman, MC Ford, Larry Lake, Bob Alexander, and Kenneth Rexroth.
Numerous groundbreaking poets and artists drew their inspiration amongst the group, including John Altoon, and Philomene Long. It’s rumored that Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Lenny Bruce, Leonard Cohen may have hung out there too.
Jazz shaman and influential comedian Lord Buckley held court at the Venice West Cafe. He summarizes our feelings with two quotes:
“People, yes people are the true flowers of life and it has been a most precious pleasure to have temporarily strolled in your garden.”
“Laughter truly is religious. It gives off vibrations from the subconscious. When a person is laughing he’s illuminated, he’s illuminated in the fully beauty of a human being. You’re thinking love, you’re vibrating love. It’s a prayer. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Further info: 310-306-7330
