Signings today at the LA Art Book Fair

Today at the & Pens LA Art Book Fair table we’ll be hosting two book signings:
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Arrington de Dionyso will be signing copies of the latest & Pens publication Trance Dancers of the Open Flower, a three-color riso/digital zine filled with the mystical sexualized imagery of the Olympia Washington based artist, musician, mystic, linguist, and designer. Somewhat provocative and somewhat eerie, like a slightly more twisted Henry Darger the nymphs, fairies, and anthropomorphic forest creatures of Dionyso’s world frolic freely amongst the pages of this zine. Founder of groups Old Time Relijun and Malakat Dansinga, he has released over three dozen albums and numerous self-released art books. The sumi ink drawings repurposed and collaged for this publication were originally created for the spring/summer 2015 men’s collection for French fashion label Saint Laurent.

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David King will be signing copies of the & Pens Press title Secret Origins of the Crass Symbol. David King made this iconic symbol for class mate Penny Rimbaud at a London art school in the 1970s. …And now it’s one of the most recognized emblems of the punk movement. Come get a signed copy of this book while it’s still available.

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& Pens Mural Project at The Bloc

Over the last few months & Pens organized a giant mural project at The Bloc in downtown LA with artists Chris Lux and the Sumi Ink Club. Photographer Tobin Yelland made this beautiful video documenting the process of the project from start to finish as the artists painted it. The clip nicely captures the mood on the street as the murals were being completed. Residents and commuters interacting with the artists as they witness a familiar blank brick-walled corridor slowly transformed into a vibrant and colorful scene. This project was a lot of fun to put together, stay tuned for more of these types of endeavors from us in the near future!

Bitches Rule, Cycle 3

Bitches Rule, Cycle 3 Zine Release/Show

Bitches Rule is an occasional “queer centric” art event and casual collective created to foster and showcase the artwork of LGBTQ artists of Los Angeles in an unconventional, non-traditional environment. Bitches Rule cycle 3 showcases both the work of emerging and established artists, exemplifying the sense of community and support that queer artists share. Some of us are in the 2014 Whitney Biennial, others show internationally and others simply just create. But one thing is clear, all these Bitches Rule!

Brian Gainey, Juan Martin Del Campo, John Arsenault, David Rasmussen, Zackary Drucker, prvtdncr, Bodega Vendetta, Paul Gellman, Brandon Andrew, Darin Klein, artist unknown, Duane Paul, Enrique Castrejon, Jesse Bernea

Bitches Rule cycle 3 zine release
On display, May 17th through June 1, 2014

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So long, Culver City…

byebye-culver

So long, Culver City. It’s time for us to go…

& Pens Press is closing it’s Culver City location and setting it’s sights on moving to the east side of LA. The last day we’ll be open for business in Culver City will be June 1, 2014. It’s been a great year, but we’ve decided to not renew our lease. We’re looking to relocate to a new spot in the Silver Lake, Echo Park, or Atwater Village areas.

Do you know of a great location that would suit us well or do you want to host us as a pop-up in your coffee shop or laundromat? We’re open to ideas, drop us a line at andpenspress (at) gmail.com. In the mean time, you can keep up with us here – the online shop will continue to serve your zine + art book needs, and of course if your in San Francisco at our sister shop Needles & Pens.

BUT before we go, we’ve got one more dynamite show planned for the gallery – Bitches Rule, Cycle 3 Zine Release/Show
Bitches Rule is an occasional “queer centric” art event and casual collective created to foster and showcase the artwork of LGBTQ artists of Los Angeles in an unconventional, non-traditional environment. Bitches Rule cycle 3 showcases both the work of emerging and established artists, exemplifying the sense of community and support that queer artists share. Some of us are in the 2014 Whitney Biennial, others show internationally and others simply just create. But one thing is clear, all these Bitches Rule!

Brian Gainey, Juan Martin Del Campo, John Arsenault, David Rasmussen, Zackary Drucker, prvtdncr, Bodega Vendetta, Paul Gellman, Brandon Andrew, Darin Klein, artist unknown, Duane Paul, Enrique Castrejon, Jesse Bernea

Opening Reception
And Bitches Rule cycle 3 zine release
Saturday, May 17th 7-9:30
@ & Pens Press
8564 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232.

*On display through June 1, 2014.