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Last Friday, the third annual BOLD (Beverly Hills Open Later Days) Summer officially kicked off with a larger-than-life installation by world- renowned artist, Janet Echelman, as well as the unveiling of various works of art by famed street artist and Banksy protégée, Mr. Brainwash.Spanning nearly 85 feet in length and suspended above North Santa Monica Boulevard between
the Wallis Annenberg Center of Performing Arts and Beverly Gardens Park, Echelman’s piece,
titled 1.78, transforms each minute with the changing wind and light. Inspired by fishing nets in
India, Echelman combines ancient craft with modern technology to create fiber sculptures in
vibrant colors. At night, the sculpture lights up the sky with specially designed LED lights.
On Friday, visitors listened to the artist speak in person during the Janet Echelman Talk.
Echelman spoke about her experimental sculptures that have brought her recognition around the
globe.

Known for his “Life is Beautiful” sculpture that debuted in 2008 on Sunset Boulevard, Mr.
Brainwash has since become an international street art phenomenon after the release of 2010’s
Banksy-directed film, Exit Through the Gift Shop.

On Friday, Mr. Brainwash was on the 200 block of Rodeo Drive where he unveiled a custom
sculpture for BOLD Summer. In addition, he has also created two other sculptures which can be
found in other city locations: The first, titled, “Beverly Hills is Beautiful,” is located in Beverly
Canon Gardens, and the second, titled, “Beverly Hills is Life,” is placed outside of Wells Fargo
on Santa Monica Boulevard at Camden Drive.

 

The official Rodeo Drive Kick-Off celebration kicked off on Friday, hosted by Sam Rubin and
Jessica Holmes of KTLA’s Morning News, Southern California’s number one newscast.
Music was by MISS DJ BLISS, followed by a dueling piano performance and an eclectic concert
by Spanish opera and rock singer, Cristina Ramos, winner of Spain’s Got Talent. The evening
finished up with a fireworks show.

Additional highlighted activities to take place during BOLD Summer include: curated art walks,
the Louis Vuitton X Exhibition, Beverly Hills Proms, Concerts on Canon, architectural tours on
Rodeo Drive and an interactive hashtag mosaic wall. For a full calendar of events, please visit:
lovebeverlyhills.com/boldbh.

On August 24, the BOLD festivities will conclude with “Next Night-The BOLD Finale,” presented
by the Next Beverly Hills Committee. The festivities will take place on the 200 block of South
Beverly Drive from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and include live entertainment, dancing, interactive art and a
beer and wine garden.

All events taking place during BOLD Summer are free to attend and open to all ages. Attendees
are welcome to join the social conversation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by sharing their
favorite photos and experiences with the hashtag, #BOLDBH.