‘Objects of Affection’ to Serve as Palisades Fire Fundraiser

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Three Palisadians have organized “Objects of Affection: A Palisades Fire Fundraiser,” which will take place on Sunday, June 1, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Come join us for a heartfelt afternoon of art, music and community as we raise money for our Palisades community and honor the cherished objects lost in the fires,” read the event website. “There will be a communal art exhibit, music, nostalgic Palisades lore, dancing, drinks and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re here to reconnect, support or just hang, you’re in the right place.”

All ticket sales and donations from the “grassroots fire fundraiser” and “communal art show,” organized by Kristen Goldberg, Liz Madden and Josie Washburn, will go toward Together Palisades, which Goldberg described as a “community-led initiative dedicated to rebuilding” places like small businesses, parks, gathering spaces and others.

“While the fires may have happened months ago, the need for support and rebuilding is very much ongoing—and this event is a beautiful example of how our neighbors are continuing to show up for each other,” Goldberg wrote. “Through our art show, we’re creating space to transform our collective grief into something connective and healing. We’re also spotlighting local businesses like the Sunset Smash burger truck and Paliskates, whose presence helps weave the fabric of our community back together.”

“Objects of Affection” pieces are designed to explore the “emotional, spiritual and sentimental” weight that is placed on objects.

“In the wake of loss, losing these objects can feel like losing a piece of ourselves,” read the website. “It can even feel irretrievable … until however, we remember art.”

Ahead of the event, people were invited to choose an object that holds “deep personal significance” to them—whether that was an item that they still have, was lost or only exists in memory.

“Express this object and its meaning in any medium that speaks to you—painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, poetry, mixed media, an … iPhone photo that you framed, an audio excerpt of you talking about your item or something else entirely,” read the website. “You may choose to depict the object as it was, as it is now, or as something transformed by memory and feeling. You may even choose to abstract its essence into colors, textures and shapes. The options are endless, and we welcome them all.”

The June 1 event will take place at 3376 Robertson Place in Los Angeles. Tickets to attend start at $35.