Bold Temporary Art Takes Over Old Pasadena
One day only of oversized, colorful, interactive art in historic alleys, urban spaces, and cultural institutions
Following two colorful, successful editions that brought several thousand art-lovers to the district in 2017 and 2018, BoldPas: A Day of Art & Play in Old Pasadena returns on Saturday, June 8, from noon to 8 p.m. The event, staged in Old Pasadena’s historic 19th-century alleys, is free to the public and offers a one-day-only opportunity to encounter artistic, ephemeral interventions in unique urban spaces.
BoldPas features installations that are bold – showcasing bright colors, surprising scale, and unique materials; all invite direct interaction with event-goers. Seventeen installations will be on view, created by selected artists from the greater LA area who will be on hand throughout the day to present their work to visitors. Event-goers will see art that is innovative and embraces the “wow factor.” Walk under and marvel at a 60-foot canvas suspended high above one alley, meander through a giant sea of balloons, manipulate a serpentine tube made of beach balls, watch live painters transform walls and canvases with graffiti and street art, behold a massive parking garage wall transformed by a cascade of shimmering gold, and so much more.
The entire district embraces the BoldPas spirit on event day. The Armory Center for the Arts welcomes visitors all day with ¡Descubra! and hands-on STEAM-H activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Art, and History). At sp[a]ce gallery at Ayzenberg, visitors get free entry to the eclectic exhibition Robot Remix and can watch artist Sean StarWars demonstrate his printmaking prowess. Merchants across Old Pasadena offer hands-on art activities inside their spaces and showcase fancifully bold installations on their storefronts.
On event day, grab a map at one of three Info Booths to plan your self-guided tour of the installation sites (or use the event Google map – link on website). Then, stroll the unique urban spaces of Old Pasadena, meet artists, snap photos with large-scale and surprising artwork, and connect with Pasadena’s creative community.
BoldPas takes place in multiple locations throughout Old Pasadena. Learn more about site locations, info booths, event maps, and parking at oldpasadena.org/boldpas.