There's plenty going in Venice after the Labor Day holiday, including art events, meditation and a green workshop. Oh, and don't forget that kids go back to school!
Last week, this column started a series on local non-profits, starting with the Mildred Cursh Foundation, while this week features the Kids Venice Basketball League, KVBL.
KVBL is a non-profit that sprouted from the Venice Basketball League (VBL), "the NBA of street basketball" according to founder Jon Nash, also co-creator of TV’s Ballin', which airs on Los Angeles Television Network. The league's mission is to unite the diverse cultures of L.A. through a love of basketball.
The kids league, founded in 2007, empowers underprivileged children in L.A., with the "Natural Leaders Camp for Kids,” where it brings inner-city kids to the legendary Venice courts every Sunday morning for a 10-week health and leadership program before the VBL games begin.
It teaches basketball skills with lessons from the leagues' star players and celebrities, yoga instruction, training and fitness facts for a healthy lifestyle along with organic meals served on site by gourmet chefs to further instill what a healthy lifestyle is all about. To donate directly or learn about other ways to get involve, see the website.
Tuesday evening, the will host a "Mindful Meditation" from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to relax your mind and restore inner peace. Breathe in and breathe out...
Wednesday is the first day of school for many Venice students. Here's to a healthy, happy, and productive year! That evening there will be a VNC Land Use and Planning Committee meeting. The agenda can be found here, and includes a full alcohol permit for Rose Cafe and a(nother) parking debacle on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Thursday night brings both art and fashion to Venice. There will be a reception at from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for artist Tony Berlant's "Works From 1962 to 1964." The British-born Santa Monica resident is known for his metal collages, in which tin is hammered onto a wood backing. The opening also includes artist Leon Kossoff's recent art work, from 1999 to 2010, with 25 paintings and drawings.
Venice boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard are participating in Fashion's Night Out, which takes place throughout L.A. The Harlot Salon and Bohemian Exchange participating with fashion shows and related activities. Bohemian Exchange will host fashion shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and The Harlot Salon will host a live photo-shoot and serve champagne and finger foods starting at 7 p.m.
Be sure to fan Venice Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more local news.
