VOA标准英语2012--Downtown Art Walk Provides New View of Los Angeles

 

Downtown Art Walk Provides New View of Los Angeles

Central Los Angeles is undergoing a renaissance¹ - at least one night every month.

It is both a party - and an artistic² pilgrimage. One evening each month, nearly 50 downtown galleries open their doors to thousands of visitors who sample the local art scene on a self-guided tour.

Artist and gallery owner Noboru Mishima shows art by Californians inspired by Asian themes. 

“Most of the people are very interested in Japanese culture…,” Mishima said.

At a gallery around the corner, an artist who comes from Thailand displays her abstract sculptures, and artist Gonzalo Algarate, who comes from Uruguay, shows one of his works.

“For an artist, it's really rewarding because you have the chance to show what you do, and a big amount of people see it," Algarate said.

The monthly art walk brings thousands of people into the street. It is part of the revitalization of this city center. Once vacant buildings are now home to young professionals. Many artists live and work in downtown lofts³. Mexican-born artist Miguel Osuna says he’s inspired by scenes he sees on the L.A. freeways.

“These are images that sometimes you see with the corner of your eye when you're driving,” Osuna said.

A gallery and shop called SubUrban⁴ features textiles from around the world, says curator Ellen Schinderman.

“Mostly Western Europe and the U.S., but it's so lovely to have pieces from as far afield as Finland,” Schinderman said.

Photographer Jaimee Itagaki says the art walk has brought new life to the city center.

“It's very exciting. It's revitalizing downtown,” Itagaki said.

And month by month, visitors are surprised to see how lively and international downtown L.A. is becoming. 

1 renaissance   

n.复活，复兴，文艺复兴

参考例句：

• The Renaissance was an epoch of unparalleled cultural achievement.文艺复兴是一个文化上取得空前成就的时代。
• The theme of the conference is renaissance Europe.大会的主题是文艺复兴时期的欧洲。

2 artistic   

adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的

参考例句：

• The picture on this screen is a good artistic work.这屏风上的画是件很好的艺术品。
• These artistic handicrafts are very popular with foreign friends.外国朋友很喜欢这些美术工艺品。

3 lofts   

阁楼( loft的名词复数 )； （由工厂等改建的）套房； 上层楼面； 房间的越层

参考例句：

• He lofts it into the air, and hugs his head in the deep secret embrace. 他抬手甩了出去，然后赶忙把头紧紧的抱了个密不透风。
• Spring Loaded Bed Loft-Lofts bed, freeing up extra storage space underneath. 弹性床铺抬高器---抬高床铺，释放更多床底下的空间。

4 suburban   

adj.城郊的，在郊区的

参考例句：

• Suburban shopping centers were springing up all over America. 效区的商业中心在美国如雨后春笋般地兴起。
• There's a lot of good things about suburban living.郊区生活是有许多优点。