On Thursday, May 11, 2017, downtown L.A.’s iconic Clifton’s Republic and Ryman Arts will open create worlds of possibility for Southern California’s young artists at the 27th Annual Ryman Arts Celebration & Fundraiser. Taking place across the upper levels of the historic compound—one of Walt Disney’s original inspirations for Disneyland— Ryman Arts’ Worlds of Possibility 2017 will transport guests to ‘Pandora – The World of AVATAR’ through a dynamic Worlds of Possibility program that explores how Pandora comes to life.
Following a cocktail reception at Pacific Seas for sponsors and VIPs, guests will gather for an insightful conversation, hosted by Kai Ryssdal – host and senior editor of Marketplace – featuring designers who have brought the world of AVATAR to a diverse array of shows, environments, and film, including:
A Disney Imagineer highlighting Pandora – The World of AVATAR opening May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida
Dylan Cole and Ben Procter, production designers for the sequels to James Cameron’s AVATAR film and concept art directors on the original film
Award-winning designer Robin Stapley from the global touring exhibition AVATAR: Discover Pandora
Throughout Clifton’s Tree Tops and Gothic Bar, guests will enjoy a fully immersive experience including sneak previews, displays, and the opportunity to purchase art created by alumni artists whose careers began at Ryman Arts. To browse the Alumni Art Sale catalog please see here.
To RSVP by phone, guests can call 213.629.2787. VIP and General Admission tickets (priced $500 and $175 respectively) are available online at: rymanarts.org/worlds-of-possibility-2017
In addition to Clifton’s Republic, Ryman Arts Worlds of Possibility is sponsored by The Walt Disney Co., Michelle Lund, Comcast NBC Universal DreamWorks, The Sharon D. Lund Foundation, Adirondack, AECOM, Digiscura, Factory 360, Garner Holt Productions, GES, Amy Glad, Robin & Steve Kalota, Kathy Mangum, The Newquist Family, Nolan Heimann LLP, Tania Norris, Sara & Ed Nowak, Larson O’Brien LLP, Partners Federal Credit Union, The Price Families, Leah & Marty Sklar, Thinkwell, and Union Bank.
About Ryman Arts
Ryman Arts is one of the nation’s top youth art programs, offering professional studio art instruction along with college and career guidance to artistic high school youth who are serious about a future in art—all at no cost to the student. Almost all graduates go on to college, many alumni work in the creative industries, and all are poised for personal success. Accepted students choose to attend weekend classes on the campus of California State University, Fullerton or Otis College of Art & Design. Founded in 1990—a year after the death of Herbert D. Ryman (1910-1989), the legendary designer for Walt Disney as well as an artist who encouraged young artists throughout his career—the organization carries on Ryman’s philosophy of teaching the foundational skills of drawing and painting, and commitment to encouraging young artists to reach their full potential. Over the past 27 years, Ryman Arts has engaged over 6,000 Southern California teens in its core program and provided outreach activities to more than 20,000 inner city students.
About Clifton’s Republic
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Clifton’s Republic is the oldest surviving cafeteria-style eatery in Los Angeles, and the largest public cafeteria in the world. Since Clifton’s first opened its doors in 1935, the legendary Downtown Los Angeles compound has undergone 5+ years and multi-millions of dollars in renovations, to enable guests to experience an immersive and truly distinct hospitality experience, by infusing seasonal ingredients with classic dishes. Over the past year, by Proprietor Andrew Meieran has slowly been unveiling new concepts within Clifton’s Republic, including Pacific Seas, a one-of-a-kind Tiki Bar experience, where guests enter the fourth-floor bar by way of a hidden staircase through a secret glass door that transports guests to the Golden Age of Travel. This Summer, Executive Chef Andrew Pastore will reintroduce new menu items at the Cafeteria, as well as launch a grab-and-go pastry program at The Old Mill, featuring artisanal bread, signature desserts like handmade pies, Danishes, and more. Also on the horizon, Meieran is set to unveil Shadowbox, a fully immersive lounge tucked away in the basement of the historic building next Fall.
