News + Notes from the January/February Issue

Spread the Love

In 2008, Los Angeles–based artist (and former ArtCenter College of Design adjunct professor) Alexandra Grant created grantLOVE, a one-of-a-kind philanthropic art experiment to help raise awareness and funding for various arts-based nonprofits through the sale of her “LOVE” artwork. In addition to paintings and prints, Grant produces jewelry, apparel, and home goods based on her signature symbol. To date, she has donated over $300,000 in artworks and funds to organizations including Project Angel Food, The Art of Elysium, and 18th Street Arts Center.

Need a present for Valentine’s Day? Grant’s new book, LOVE: A Visual History of the grantLOVE Project, provides a visual compilation of the project’s 14-plus years of history—complete with paintings, prints, sculptures, textiles, and jewelry—and collaborations with Oscar de la Renta, andSons Chocolatiers, and nonprofit Heart of Los Angeles. $85

Otherworldly Experience

The world’s first extraterrestrial convention, AlienCon, returns to Pasadena March 4–5. The two-day event at the Pasadena Convention Center explores the mysteries of the universe and includes panel discussions and presentations, screenings, and autograph and photograph sessions. Past star-studded lineups have featured celebrity guests from alien-centric television shows and films like Star Trek, The X-Files, Stranger Things, and Doctor Who.

For the ultimate upgrade, opt for the “Infinity” ticket package, a new offering for 2023 that includes a limited-edition NFT by artist Raúl Urias, access to an exclusive cocktail event with AlienCon speakers, and reserved seating for main and second-stage programs, along with a few other perks that are out of this world. Tickets start at $65

The Future Is Female

This fall, ArtCenter College of Design inaugurated Karen Hofmann as its sixth—and first female—president. Hofmann has close ties to the ArtCenter community as both an alumna and educator and has served for more than 20 years as a faculty member, department chair, provost, and now president.

After an extensive international search that included more than 100 candidates, Hofmann won over the presidential search committee unanimously with her commitment to accessible and inclusive higher education and her passion for developing the next generation of global talent. “I come into this role with a lens of being here as an ArtCenter student, a teacher, a department chair, and a provost,” says Hofmann. “While those experiences inform my approach, what really drives me is the desire to empower the future generation of creatives who will shape our world.”

Sustainable Scents

Botanical-based Kiyani offers a sustainable solution for a cleaner body and planet. Founded in 2022 by Miranda Mullett, a descendent from the Navajo tribe, Kiyani was created with the intention to respect the earth and its resources. With Mullet’s Navajo upbringing in mind, Kiyani products are formulated to be quickly biodegradable, plant-based, and low waste.

Kiyani just released its first body soap: a rejuvenating essential oil blend of wild mint, eucalyptus, and tea plant with subtle, floral undertones and a gentle, cleansing lather that helps the body maintain its natural moisture. The vegan formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and each soap refill comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle so you can keep your conscience clean too. $18 to $36 

Wellness Retreat

Malibu’s health-minded hotspot Rafi Lounge just launched the world’s first NFT wellness and fitness space, with plans to expand to Miami and Newport Beach. Geared toward mindful digital nomads, the Bali-inspired outdoor retreat combines co-working spaces with a variety of wellness classes and experiences, such as meditation, cycling, boxing, yoga, and breathwork, for a strong mind-body connection.

Through the lounge’s digital-membership model, members have access to co-working spaces, weekly guru nights, networking opportunities, and wellness workshops. The lounge’s “Mindful Tier” has only 111 spots available at the Malibu location and offers plenty of perks for its NFT members, including lifetime membership and unlimited access to all classes and in-house events. $222 to $5,555

Wake-Up Call

Lose the snooze button with OneClock, a handcrafted analog timepiece with science-backed sounds that gently lift you out of sleep in a peaceful, more natural way. The “anti-alarm” design omits startling, stress-triggering beeping in favor of original waking music by Grammy-winning composer Jon Natchez and DJ/recording artist Captain Planet. The music compositions mimic natural awakening, gradually building in melody, tempo, and intensity to wake most sleepers (heavy sleepers can test-drive a clock at home through the 30-day return program).

OneClock is manufactured in the U.S. with sustainably sourced materials and comes in several timeless colorways (black, white, red, and a new walnut-paneled brass edition) that are designed to work—and look good—for generations to come.

$299

Eco-Friendly Fashion

Entrepreneur Dominique Side is founder of The Luxury Vegan and Vgn Bae Music Group, which earned her the nickname “The Vegan Queen” and cemented her reputation as a leading authority on the luxury vegan lifestyle. Side’s latest venture is Nikki Green, a Los Angeles–based brand that is launching its first collection in January.

The inaugural Nikki Green collection is a collaboration with Side’s long-term stylist, Christian Allen, and includes ready-to-wear gowns, tops, pants, denim, and accessories. Every step of the process, from design to production to packaging, is responsibly sourced. Each piece combines earth-friendly materials, custom hardware, and figure-enhancing cuts for a new generation of chic, environmentally conscious shoppers. $400 to $8,000