topanga Canyon: The Heart of Arts
This post was written by Community Partner Andrea Yarletz.
Why Topanga Canyon’s energy remains an inspiration for artists
With over 50 participating artists in this year’s annual Open Studios of Topanga, we wanted to tap in the inspiring energy that this canyon holds. If you have ever had the opportunity to escape to Topanga, you gain that getaway feeling the canyon holds. Tucked in between the Santa Monica mountains with Pacific Ocean views, away from the city lights, you are able to unplug and connect with your surroundings.
Canyon History
There has always been a special pull to this magical canyon from artists and creators alike. According to Los Angeles cultural historian, Emmeline Summerton, in an article for the Topanga New Times, Topanga went through an emerging rock scene in the mid-1960s. Legends such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison and The Doors all found roots and melodies within the canyon walls and frequented the venue, Topanga Corral. By the 1970s, Marvin Gaye made his way to the canyon and recalls it being the happiest time of his life,
“With enough time, I was sure this was the place where I could create my masterpiece,” Gaye stated in the book, Divided Soul: The LIfe of Marvin Gaye. While many musicians continue to call the canyon home, the rock era built notoriety in the 1960s and formed part of the rich history Topanga maintains today.
Artististry
Topanga Canyon remains a sacred place for artists, wellness spaces, musicians and creators. Termed as a “bohemian enclave” by the Los Angeles Times, the canyon has a long creative history as the home for artists as diverse as Will Geer, Pete Seegar, Joni Mitchell, Chris Burden and the writers Carolyn and Lisa See. An LA Times spotlight article on Topanga explains, “in the canyon, there is time to write, time to paint, time to take in the short mountain sunsets and think about what it all means.” That is exactly why the pull and lure of the canyon still exists today, it is an escape from Los Angeles while still close enough to get into the City of Angels and access all that you need. Plus, Topanga maintains its bohemian charm with flying pig statues, The Great Wall of Topanga, and an array of vintage vendors.
As artists continue to draw inspiration and live amongst the canyon walls, two local artists, Danielle Huchtens (abstract painter and ceramicist) and Trudy Perry (fiber artist), have reimagined a 20-year tradition that invites visitors into artists studios and homes. Open Studios of Topanga seamlessly weaves together art and architecture as participants explore a curated selection of artists’ studios, connect with artists and the process behind it. This annual event gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that has inspired artists, musicians and writers for generations.
Meet the Artists of the Canyon
This year’s Open Studios of Topanga, taking place October 5 & 6th, welcomes over 50 artists and artisans who will open their studios to the public. It’s sure to be the typical Topanga vibe you read about. A ticket to the two-day self-guided tour gives visitors a map of the open studios, guiding them through the beautiful winding roads of the historic canyon. Come be a creative soul for the day and immerse yourself amongst artists that include painters, mixed media, photographers, sculpturists, textile artists, ceramicists, poets and more.
About the Co-Founders: Danielle Hutchens and Trudy Perry are two artists who both live and work amongst the canyon. Danielle is a painter and a ceramicist of CanyonCeramics Co, and Trudy Perry is a fiber artist and founder of Old Canyon Stables. The two were connected by a member of The Topanga Gallery to work together to take on this beautiful tradition of Open Studios in a way reimagined outside of the gallery walls. Danielle and Trudy started from scratch to build a vision together that brought over 800-attendees and 40 participating artists to Open Studios in 2023, they anticipate this turn-out and more for 2024 with over 50 participating artists in this year’s line-up. Their north star continues to be keeping this tradition alive and instilled within the beautiful canyon while bringing eyes into the canyon for visitors to gain an understanding of the rich, artistic history this special place holds.
