The Los Angeles River is currently undergoing a revival. Recent greening efforts and state funding for a river park have revitalized this neglected historical, ecological resource in the heart of the city. River Alchemy was designed as part of that transformation, held in conjunction with the Earth Alchemy exhibit at Avenue 50 Gallery in Highland Park. River Alchemy celebrates the River and educates visitors by presenting the River in a new context.

In conjunction with FoLAR’s (Friends of the Los Angeles River) annual Gran Limpieza (Big Cleanup) artists’ site-specific, temporary installations were exhibited along the banks of the River, from the area between Gateway Park at Knox Ave. & the River to Oros Park. From proposals received, 20 artists each received an honorarium of $200.

Jurors for this event were: Tran T. Kim-Trang, artist, Lewis MacAdams, Board member, FoLAR, Nancy Buchanan, AAC Board member.

The closing reception was held at Frank Romero’s Lil Frogtown Gallery, 1625 Blake. This reception featured a screening of “Los Angeles River” (2000), a documentary film shot by Daniel Marlos near Fletcher Drive over the course of a year.