Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Artist Creates Insanely Detailed Replicas Of L.A.'s Beloved River Cats
()
Photo courtesy of Randy Hage
()
Next week Randy Hage's unique art exhibit opens, bringing New York City storefronts to Los Angeles. His insanely detailed and accurate replicas are miniature versions of the real deals, which he started working on after the death of his 4-year-old daughter—"My wife told me that she thought my attachment to the loss of the New York storefronts was somehow birthed from emotions surrounding the loss of our daughter," he said when talking about his pieces. 100% of the sales from his show are being donated to the Rachel Ann Hage Neuro-Oncology Research Fund, in honor his daughter.
We asked Hage if he would have any homages to Los Angeles at his show, and it turns out he's created miniature versions of LA's beloved River Cats—the storm drain covers artist Leo Limon has been painting for over 35 years. Hage told us:
Support for LAist comes from
"When I was a child, riding in the car on long boring trips, I always looked forward to the Los Angeles River Cats. The Los Angeles River drainage culverts have these steel doors that open with the force of flowing drain water. They are round and have triangular hinge support plates. They look like cats. In the early 60s, an artist took to painting cat faces on them. Later, an artist named Leo Limon, took it upon himself to care for the cats and keep them in good condition, as well as adding some of his own designs to the culvert covers. I think it was in the 80s that Caltrans put up higher fences and shrubs to cover the view from the 5 freeway due to accidents from drivers trying to catch a glimpse of the beloved cats.
()
Photo courtesy of Randy Hage
One of my favorite aspects of the works was that down the freeway a little further, someone had painted the face of a mouse who was obviously on the look out for any cats. One of the wonderful fleeting moments from my childhood. Esoteric perhaps, but definitely meaningful. This piece is an homage to the many river cat artists, and to Leo Limon who is their selfless caretaker."
As for his process, Hage revisited the cats in person, and researched their history and specs—"immersion and intimacy with my subject is the key to a realistic result." His miniatures (one of which sold while he was still working on it) are 1/12th the actual size. Check them all out at his show, which runs October 5th through November 15th at Flower Pepper Gallery.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist