With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Circus Fans Go 'Behind The Striped Curtain' Tonight In Anaheim
Wheel of Doom on exhibit at the Rothick Art Haus tonight in Anaheim.
Wheel of Doom on exhibit at the Rothick Art Haus tonight in Anaheim.
- by Lauren Lloyd/Special to LAist
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for a night of striking artwork and bizarre attractions. Afraid of clowns? Do stay at home. They’ll be ever-present, hanging from the walls and possibly greeting you in person. Rothick Art Haus in Anaheim is hosting featured artist Michael White’s circus-themed group show, Behind the Striped Curtain tonight (Feb. 12), from 7-11 pm. Want to know what exists behind the curtain? Keep reading.
A brilliant collection of circus art, the show features 35 paintings by White plus works by about 21 other spectacular artists handpicked by Nick Rothweiler, Rothick’s Co-owner, and White. His work for this show is primarily acrylics on wood panels and was all freshly created within the last year. A couple sculptures from other artists will also be on display. “I’ve seen a good portion of the art that’s coming into this show, and it’s just mind-blowing. Every single thing I’ve seen so far is amazing,” says White, who is “overwhelmingly humbled and proud of this show.”
Sponsored message
White is a perpetual circus, carnival and sideshow fanatic. His collection of circus music constantly loops in his head; he even named his daughter Calliope. “If you've seen The Simpsons episode where Homer has an epiphany about going to Krusty the Clown’s school, and everywhere he looks he hears circus music and sees everyone as clowns, that's pretty much me all the time,” he says.
Tonight's opening will be a true circus experience, bustling with carnival games and prizes, a snake charmer accompanied by a six-foot python, a bearded lady, a woman on stilts, face painting by Sara Haase, whose work is also in the show, cotton candy, popcorn and music by Brother Cecil. White’s clown may also make an appearance. Don’t forget to bring your charcoal and sketchbooks and partake in a free session of Dr. Sketchy’s Freak Show with Ringmaster Glenn Arthur. Complete with five circus-themed models, the session is sure to inspire.
It's a big night for the area in general, as it’s the first eve of Anaheim’s Art Crawl Experience of 2011. Doors of all galleries and The Muzeo Museum will remain open from 5-11pm. Live bands will take the stage. And don’t worry, plenty of food trucks will be serving up your favorite LA meals-on-wheels.
Witnessing White’s opening show this Saturday is a must, providing an “escape from the real world for a night,” he says. Behind the Striped Curtain is all out and over come March 5.
Rothick Art Haus
170 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim
Opening receptions: 7-11 pm
Open Sat. & Sun., 12-5 pm
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
