This is the seventh show presented by LA Tribal since its founding in 2001. The organization has continued to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all levels of those interested in (or curious about) tribal art. Avid collectors of a wide range of tribal (as well as modern) art, Martha and Avrum Bluming discovered and bought their first textile from the Li ethnic group of Hainan Island (China) at an LA Tribal show in 2002. "That purchase led us to more interest in Chinese minority textiles and the acquisitions of many more pieces from across the region."

Both adventure travelers, they notably add, "Travel to the cultures that produce these pieces adds a different level of understanding, opening doors to the ways in which they tell a story of a group's history and beliefs. Purchasing and living with this art then enhances our surroundings as well as connects us more intimately to the rest of the world. The objects become cultural ambassadors."

Assuring buying confidence for the vast range of collectors was one of the key factors behind the formation of LA Tribal (www.latribal.com), a trade association for tribal arts dealers specializing in the arts of Africa, Asia Oceania, and the Americas (Native American, Pre-Columbian).

Membership is vetted and limited to reputable and professional dealers of authentic material. LA Tribal is committed to providing the best local sourcing for the highest quality works of art, including: wood and stone sculptures, ceramics, bronzes, masks, textiles, beadwork, basketry, jewelry and architectural pieces.

"Every member of LA Tribal has decades of experience exhibiting domestically and internationally, and has garnered a vast expanse of both quality material and of knowledge in his/her specific area of expertise. No doubt, it's always exciting to go to the source country and purchase something, but it is often difficult now to be able to (a) find quality material, (b) verify authenticity without the proper experience and knowledge, and (c) afford it after travel expenses."

Says Joshua Dimondstein, President of LA Tribal. "Our show provides an opportunity to ask questions of people who have great passion and knowledge, to learn, and then to feel confident in investing in something you love that will most likely be a good investment."

Cultural Crossroads III will continue to provide the highly popular offering, a Tribal Art Appraisal Clinic, for a third year. The clinic will take place on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 from 1:00 - 5:00pm only. The clinic will provide a verbal-only appraisal. The cost per person--with a limit of three items--will be $20.

The association's mission is to advocate for cooperation within the Los Angeles area art community; to promote related arts events; to provide resource/contact information; and to maintain an organization where only art dealers who adhere to the highest standards of quality and authenticity may be members. (www.latribal.com)

The Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH) mission is to improve the life experience of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender seniors by developing affordable housing, providing comprehensive care, and ensuring, through advocacy and education, a brighter future for the LGBT elder community.

GLEH is the nation's first and premier developer of affordable housing that specifically addresses the needs of the ever-growing elder community who are low-income and living at or near the poverty line. This includes those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and who are living with HIV/AIDS and/or homelessness. (www.gleh.org)

5900 Wilshire, also known as the Variety building, is a 31-story tower with 360 degree views of the city located in Los Angeles' Miracle Mile district. 5900 Wilshire is owned and operated by The Ratkovich Company, a Los Angeles development company with a mission to profitably produce developments that improve the quality of urban life.

Located at the heart of Los Angeles' cultural, entertainment and business districts, 5900 Wilshire boasts a contemporary and creative atmosphere and is home to many of the city's emerging and established leaders in media and entertainment.

Cultural Crossroads III will host a Preview benefit evening supporting the Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing organization (GLEH), which advances change in housing, care and community for low-income seniors. GLEH develops affordable housing, provides comprehensive care, and ensures, through advocacy and education, a brighter future for the LGBT elder community. Open to the public, 100% of the Preview night ticket sales will be donated to GLEH. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance through www.gleh.org.

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DETAILS:
Hours: Thursday, June 2, 7:00 - 10:00pm PREVIEW BENEFIT
Friday, June 3, 12:00 - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 4, 12:00 - 8:00pm
Sunday, June 5, 12:00 - 5:00pm

Location: 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 (across from LA County Museum of Art)

For further show information, please check www.latribal.com, or contact [email protected] or 888-980-2662.

For more information, visit www.5900wilshire.net or www.Ratkovich.net