Benchmark Arts Inc.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Benchmark Arts will be closed Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27. We wish everyone a safe and gratitude-filled long weekend. (Image Credit: Roy Lichtenstein, Turkey, 1961)

Thank you to all who have and continue to serve our country. Our troops serve in all different roles and we honor all of them. If you have a moment, scroll down to read this piece from the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution about soldier artists in WWI. Happy Veterans Day!

Congrats to Kelly Akashi on having her work "A Device to See the World Twice" included in the The Clark's first outdoor exhibition Ground/Work. You can read more about the show here: https://www.berkshireeagle.com//the-clark-art-institutes-g

An incredible art history lesson about Los Angeles since the 1970s is contained in this conversation between Margo Leavin and Shaun Caley Regen from Regen Projects. Can't wait for part 2 next month

With so much of our attention (rightly) taken up with the craziness of the moment, please take a minute today to remember everyone we lost 19 years ago today (and all of the workers and first responders we've lost since due to exposure to the WTC site). 9/11. Never Forget.

If you are in Boston I hope you had an opportunity to check out AREA CODE ART FAIR this past month. An amazing team of folks developed the Fair to build visibility, community and some financial stability for New England artists since the pandemic. It's not too late for that final sale or to make a donation! https://www.areacodeartfair.com/support-areacode

Congrats to Gary Simmons Studio and his very timely new show Screaming into the Ether at Metro Pictures Gallery. Short video on Artforum w/ Gary here

I know we're all a little burned out looking at screens right now but there is a great event going on right now-- 'An Evening of #SolLeWitt Readings' organized by the Paula Cooper Gallery and Artifex Press

Over the weekend we came across the exhibition catalog for Kerry James Marshall's show, Mastry. In his essay, Marshall notes that "none of us works in isolation. Nothing we do is disconnected from the social, political, economic, and cultural histories that trail behind us." We are an art fabrication firm not a political organization and social commentary is not in our wheelhouse so to speak. That said, we feel it is important that we add our small voice to the ongoing civ...ic dialogue. Like many of us, we watched the events of the past week, particularly the sickening killing of George Floyd and the ensuing outpouring of grief and anger here in Los Angeles and nationally, with tremendous sadness. Here, at the beginning of the second decade of the new millennia, it is clear that our society continues to experience the literally suffocating effects of long standing racism against our fellow citizens. This must end. It is our hope that in the days and weeks that follow, all of us, including and particularly our civic leaders create a path forward that recognizes these histories while guiding us towards a more just future for everyone. (Installation view of 'Kerry James Marshall: Mastry' at MOCA | The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Photo credit: Brian Forrest)

On this day when we stop and remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country we also want to acknowledge all of the front line medical workers who have lost their lives due to the pandemic. We owe all of you a debt that can never be repaid. We hope everyone stays safe this Memorial Day. (photo credit: LA National Cemetery)

Catch the wave! Some pretty cool public art water effects by d'strict at SMTOWN in Seoul. http://www.dstrict.com/arttec//65-Public_Media_Art_1.html

In light of the Governor's shelter in place order issued last night, Benchmark Arts has suspended all fabrication operations until mid-April. Staff who have the ability to work from home will continue to do so and will be responding to emails. We are dedicated to meeting your needs with minimal disruption in service. We thank all of our families, clients, and vendors for their continued support during these unprecedented times. Please stay safe.... The Benchmark Arts team See more

And some excellent press too (thank goodness for google translate)

Congrats to Walead Beshty on his current show at Kunst Museum Winterthur!

Happy Holidays everyone! We're so thankful for our friends (inside and outside Benchmark), families, vendors, and clients as well as for the opportunity to make a lot of interesting stuff every day. See you when we reopen on Monday, Jan 6th.