L.A.’s art world was rocked less than a year ago when the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) was on the brink of financial ruin, facing the sale of some its masterpieces. It is a completely different picture today. The Museum of Contemporary Art previewed its new exhibit, “Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years.” A big exhibit celebrating big news: MOCA is out of the red. And on Sunday it will open a major exhibition of its collection, more than 500 pieces of art by 200 artists. Philanthropist and arts patron Eli Broad kicked in $30 million. The museum raised another $30 million to get out of the red. They brought in former UCLA chancellor Charles Young to run things. “No 30-year journey is without bumps,” said Broad. “Many of you, I’m sure, recall a year ago, MOCA had a financial crisis.” MOCA began in 1979 by acquiring one major collection, then adding to it. “This is a world-class institution, among the best anywhere in the world,” said L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. As big as this exhibit is, this is just a tenth of MOCA’s collection, which is showing its earlier pieces on South Grand Avenue, and work from 1980 to the present at its Geffen Contemporary space nearby. A shuttle takes visitors between the two. Even with two spaces, how did MOCA’s chief curator choose what to exhibit to celebrate its 30 years? “Quality; the unique vision of the institution; and to tell the history of post-war art from the standpoint of Los Angeles today,” said MOCA Chief Curator Paul Schimmel. The celebration continues with a gala Saturday night. A thousand arts patrons from around the world will be entertained by headliner Lady Gaga, backed by the Bolshoi Ballet. MOCA is not the only L.A. museum displaying contemporary art. Broad has his name on one at the L.A. County Museum. So where does his heart lie now? “It lies in Los Angeles; to make Los Angeles the contemporary art capital of the world,” said Broad. The exhibit will be on display through May.

Celebs aren’t the only ones able to celebrate MOCA’s 30th anniversary, LAist reports that admission to the museum will be FREE to the public all week long:

MOCA–the Museum of Contemporary Art–opened 30 years ago in Los Angeles. To celebrate the anniversary, the museum opens its largest installation tomorrow, featuring more than 500 works from more than 200 artists from its own permanent collection … The new exhibition features a comprehensive look at contemporary art history from the past 70 years, including pop art, abstract expressionism and photography. Highlighted artists and works include: Jackson Pollock’s Number 1, 1949 (1949); Willem de Kooning’s Two Women with Still Life (1952); Alberto Giacometti’s Tall Figure II and Tall Figure III (1960); Roy Lichtenstein’s Man with Folded Arms (1962); Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Six Crimee (1982) and Edward Ruscha’s Chocolate Room (1970-2004).

Amazing!! If you have not been to the MOCA and you live in the area, you must check out this exhibit. I’m hoping David and I can take advantage of this FREE offer sometime this week … the MOCA is a great museum. Congratulations on 30 years!!

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source, Source]

While it’s plainly obvs that Gavin party-pooped out by NOT wearing a costume, Gwen’s costume (Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl from Toy Story 2) is cute enough for the both of them … if you add the little lizard brothers, well, cuteness abounds. I’m so bummed that Hallowe’en is already over this year … pics as cute as this make me wish Hallowe’en was at least a week long :)

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin]

We haven’t been able to see much of the Stefani-Rossdales here on the blog lately … mainly because Gwen was touring with No Doubt for much of the Summer. I believe her family was on the road with her but that left no time for them to just relax and play on the weekends. It’s crazy that little Zuma Nesta is already 1 years old! It seems like the cute little guy was just born and now he’s already 1. To be honest, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Gwen and Gavin decided to have another child soon … I bet she is desperate for a girl. Whatever the case may be, it’s hard to imagine this little family getting more perfect … but I’m sure they’ll do it.

[Photo credit: X17]

It’s been really dang hot here in SoCal in the past few days (temps have exceeded 100°F in many parts of the area) so it would make sense that the family would want to spend as much time as possible at the beach. While I would encourage that the little tykes wear some kind of head covering in all that sun, I’m certain they have been swathed in überprotective sunscreen. I’m curious to see how long this little family stays a foursome … cuz I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they began working on their next addition to the family.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Aww … looks like good, clean family fun for all. I’m constantly impressed with how well Gwen handles the pitfalls of her fame even while she is juggling her role as mother and protector. She never seems to shy away from providing as normal a home life for her children as she can even tho she is constantly under the watchful eye of the public. She handles her celebrity with grace, it’s very commendable. It’s nice to see that her family was able to get in some Easter fun with her family this weekend. It really looks like Zuma’s first Easter was a great one.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

I gotta say … I was very bummed to see that Madonna showed up at the VF party sans her much younger beau Jesus Luz. I was really hoping she and her boytoy would walk the red carpet together and set the gossips afire with her brazen brash & sassiness. Boo. On the plus side, tho, Jennifer Aniston was happy to cozy up to her beau John Mayer for the cameras … tho, the couple did not make a scene on the red carpet in full view of all of the cameras … they saved their canoodling for inside the shindig. While many folks make the rounds on Oscar night and hit up as many parties as they can, the folks who get an invite to the Vanity Fair party make sure to make an appearance and some end up staying all night long … it’s that good. I’m sure a great time was had by all … now that we’ve got the 81st Academy Awards in the can, I’m sure many folks were rearin’ to get to the celebratin’ (or the drownin’ ones sorrows in free booze … like Brangelina). See, there really ain’t no bizznazz like showbiz.

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Considering how much of a fashionista Gwen Stefani is, I wouldn’t be surprised if the family made a short pit stop in NYC to partake of the NY Fashion Week activities going on there this week. I’m not sure if her L.A.M.B. fashion line is showing or not but I’m sure there are many other things going on this week for her to enjoy. I just really love this family … everything about them. I cannot wait to see where they show up next.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

Little Zuma is really starting to develop distinctive features … he is really starting to look like his mum while Kingston is the spitting image of his dad. These little guys are so lucky to have parents of different nationalities … I mean, they’re also lucky that their folks are insanely wealthy but that they’ll be able to grow up spending time in both SoCal and London — sounds nice. I’m sure the folks in Londontown will make little Zuma feel welcome … mebbe with some figgy pudding or some fish & chips or something ;)

[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin]

First, Gavin shot a photo with a cellphone and then used a videocamera to, presumably, make a home movie. Clearly the Stefani-Rossdales were not at all interested in partaking of the SuperBowl hubbub yesterday … a nice quiet afternoon/evening on the beach was all they were up for. Cute!!

[Photo credit: X17]

I don’t know if this means that ID bracelets are gonna make a fashion comeback but Gwen Stefani does have a knack for starting new fashion trends … I wouldn’t be surprised if her kiddies ended up possessing the same powers of persuasion. We’ll have to see if other kiddies in Hollywood start rockin’ the bling.

[Photo credit: Splash News]