Latin American art gets new home

By Ruth Williams, On-line Forty-Niner

June 11,1998

Some may remember it as the old Hippodrome Skating Rink of the '20s. Others may remember it as the old FHP medical building. But, now, this old landmark houses the new Museum of Latin American Art.

MoLAA was founded in November 1996 by Latin arts collector Dr. Robert Gumbiner, according to Susan Golden, manager of public relations. It was Dr. Gumbiner's dream to have a museum dedicated to the study of contemporary Latin American art, and it is the only museum in the Western United States committed to the exhibition, interpretation and study of Latin American art.

"Kids love it here because it is not the typical stuffy museum," Golden said.

The workshops are $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Art supplies are included. The workshops are usually based on the museum's current exhibit. For example, upcoming sessions will center around the "Pinturerias: The Art of the Bullfight" exhibit. "It's a time for parents and children to come, relax and have fun," Martinez said.

MoLAA is located at 628 Alamitos Ave. in downtown Long Beach's East Village Arts District, an area of the city undergoing redevelopment as an arts community.

Admission fees are as follows: members and children under 12, free, non-members, $3.50, and senior citizens and student, $2. Students must have school I.D. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:30-7:30 p.m. and Sundays 12-6 p.m..