January: Indian Dance, Free Admission, and Last Chance to See Olmec

DOCUMENTARY FILM The Visual Language of Herbert Matter January 8 | 2 pm Swiss-born designer Herbert Matter excelled in design, photography, and film, and is best known for disseminating the designs of Charles and Ray Eames through his innovative photography. This documentary profiles the extraordinary life and seminal work of this nearly forgotten artist. The film's director, LA-based Reto Caduff, will be on hand to discuss the film. Free tickets are available on site on the day of the program Check out other films in January EXHIBITION CLOSING Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico Closes January 9 Make sure you experience LACMA's acclaimed Olmec exhibition before it's packed up and shipped away in just a few days. Called "majestic" by the Los Angeles Times, this powerful show about the artistic and advanced society that flourished in the Gulf Coast states of Veracruz and Tabasco in the 1400s BC, is a must-see. Join now and see Olmec for free Reserve tickets Purchase the catalogue The exhibition is co-organized by Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, LACMA, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION Theories About the Origins of the Olmec People January 9 | 2 pm LACMA's Olmec exhibition has tapped into an ongoing dialogue about Olmec ancestry. In direct response to those engaged in this conversation, the museum has organized a roundtable discussion with scholars and curators from both sides of the conversation, who will more thoroughly explore the theories about the origins of this ancient civilization. After the program, attendees are invited to view the exhibition free of charge. Free tickets are available on site on the day of the program Learn more SYMPOSIUMFashioning a Collection: Vision and Viewpoints January 15 | 10 am This day-long symposium based around LACMA's recently acquired collection of European costumes and textiles, now on view in Fashioning Fashion, will feature fascinating discussions with scholars and curators about the making of the exhibition, historical fashion's influence on contemporary design, and more. Learn more and reserve tickets Check out other programs in January R. L. Shep Triennial Symposia are supported by the R.L. Shep Symposium Endowment for Costume and Textiles, LACMA. Fashioning a Collection is co-sponsored by LACMA's Costume Council. SPECIAL EVENT Target Free Holiday Monday January 17 | 12–8 pm In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, LACMA is offering free admission, plus family activities, a performance by the legendary Los Angeles group Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra, engaging talks highlighting African American art in the collection, and a family drawing activity outdoors. Learn more DANCE PERFORMANCE Reflections of the Lucknow Court January 30 | 1 pm In conjunction with LACMA's acclaimed exhibition, India's Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow, renowned dancer Guru Bhairavi Kumar and his company will perform an interpretive kathak dance performance (kathak is a classical dance style of northern India whose dancers used to perform for the elite Lucknow courts). This event is a perfect complement to the exhibition, which is open before and after the performance. Learn more and reserve tickets IN OUR SHOPS 10% off all LACMA branded products Visit our stores on site or online through January 31 and receive 10% off all LACMA branded products. Stock up on stationery, art pencils and pens, reusable cups and bags, and more! Join now and receive an additional 10% off Shop LACMA's stores online IN THE COMMUNITYLA Arts Month Kick-Off Celebration January 5 | 12–1:30 pm LOCATION: Music Center Plaza LA Arts Month kicks off with a lunchtime celebration in downtown Los Angeles. The event features a performance by David Hidalgo and Louie Perez of Los Lobos, a special show by Cirque du Soleil, speeches by cultural arts leaders, and "swag" from arts organizations across L.A. Learn more