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  • LAPA
  • "IRON: ERECTING THE WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL"
  • Dec. 7, 2002
  • Meet Former DA Gil Garcetti at Bowl Store Book-Signing
    and View His Behind-the-Scene Shots of Ironworkers
    Building the Highly Anticipated Walt Disney Concert Hall

    Saturday, December 7, 2 - 4 PM

    On December 7, the Bowl Store, located at the world-renowned Hollywood Bowl, opens its doors to former District Attorney and photographer Gil Garcetti for a signing of his acclaimed book of photographs documenting the artistry of ironworkers as they labored to create the highly anticipated Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. IRON: Erecting the Walt Disney Concert Hall marks Garcetti's debut as a professional photographer. He has spent the past year capturing the grit and skill of ironworkers erecting the landmark building, scheduled to open next fall. Walt Disney Concert Hall is the future home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

    Welder on Walt Disney Concert Hall"It was just an accident," Garcetti says of his inspiration for IRON. "One night I was driving home. I was between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Walt Disney Concert Hall and I see this one ironworker on all fours on a high-arched beam, crawling. I instinctively reached for my camera, which I carry with me most of the time. I didn't have it, so I came back the next day and took a few photos."

    Walt Disney Concert Hall workerAfter seeing Garcetti's photos, the ironworkers and the Los Angeles Philharmonic provided the photographer unparalleled access to the construction site. Months later, more than 100 of Garcetti's images, culled from the more than 1,500 shots, reproduced in rich duotones, bring to life the ironworkers' amazing strength, daring acrobatics, grace, and will as they clambered over the curved still of the skeleton of Walt Disney Concert Hall.

    In Frank Gehry's foreword for IRON: Erecting the Walt Disney Concert Hall, he writes, "As Walt Disney Concert Hall nears completion, the structure erected by the ironworkers will all but disappear behind exterior panels of stainless steel. … Erection stories tend to be overlooked and it is my hope that this book will draw attention to the forgotten heroes of architecture. For them, ironwork is more than a job. It is a calling. Ironworkers know, and I know, that most people would never think twice about doing their work." Gehry goes on to write, "I am delighted that Gil's book will honor the workers that make our designs a reality."

    A Los Angeles native, GIL GARCETTI attended the University of Southern California, London School of Economics, and the UCLA School of Law. In November 1968, he joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office and in 1992, was elected Los Angeles County District Attorney. In his eight years as District Attorney, his staff handled numerous high-profile cases, including LAPD Rampart, Enis Cosby, the Menendez Brothers, and O.J. Simpson. A frequent lecturer and guest on national news programs, he is currently a Fellow at the Institute of Politics, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Gil and his wife Sukey live in Los Angeles and have two children, Dana and Eric.

    ABOUT THE BOWL STORE:

    Nestled in the heart of Hollywood's historic and scenic glory, the newly designed BOWL STORE provides tourists and Angelenos a one-stop shopping experience every day, all year-round. In May 2002, The Bowl Store re-opened its doors, boasting an updated, hip look, and completely new products. From goods reflecting the historic amphitheater's diverse musical offerings to fashion-forward Hollywood Bowl brand apparel sold exclusively at the retail shop, this renovated Bowl Store offers merchandise reflecting the "best of" southern California living. This Hollywood gift store is open year-round from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., even when the Hollywood Bowl is not in its regular concert season. For more store information, please call 323.850.2085. The Bowl Store is located on the Plaza at the Hollywood Bowl (2301 N. Highland Avenue, Hollywood).

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  • Contact:

    Elizabeth Hinckley, 323/850-2047; Melanie Gravdal, 323/850-2021