Palisades Exhibit Turns Survivor Stories into Meaningful Art
Wildfire Survivors Turn Trauma into Art in Downtown Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – A year after the devastating wildfires that struck Altadena and Pacific Palisades, survivors are channeling their experiences into artistic expression at an immersive exhibit in downtown Los Angeles. The "With Us" event aims to transform the pain of the January 2025 wildfires into a powerful medium of healing and connection.
Hosted by the Department of Angels and Extreme Weather Survivors, the exhibit opened at City Market Social House, telling the personal stories of those affected by the disasters. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the trauma still present in the community as it encourages collective memory and healing.
"My thing was to get a cup of coffee in the morning, go sit on my porch and look at the mountains and see how many birds I could identify," shared Sam Pace, an Eaton Fire survivor. Jenny Weigle-Bonds, another survivor, reflected on her time living in a cherished community, saying, "Living on that legendary street in a community I had been part of for four years always felt a little magical." Another survivor poignantly recalled, "I remember the woman who died at the end of my street."
The exhibit, which began earlier this month, utilizes sights and sounds to illustrate the stories of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. Evan Spiegel, co-founder of the Department of Angels, highlighted the city’s deep connection to storytelling: “Los Angeles is a city that understands story. We make movies, we make music, we make art, and we build things from imagination. And the story of the past year is something that we’ve lived together."
The initiative collaborates with local artists who were impacted by the fires, fostering community bonds while connecting survivors with trauma experts and support networks. Rabbi Daniel Sher, also a survivor, emphasized a poignant Jewish tradition of mending clothing after loss, suggesting that rebuilding is an essential part of healing.
Weigle-Bonds offered practical advice stemming from her experiences: "Take time to get to know your neighbors." This sentiment reflects a deeper lesson learned from the fires, emphasizing the importance of community.
According to Miguel Santana, co-founder of the Department of Angels, the recovery process remains challenging, with more than 70% of fire survivors still displaced. "Nearly half have depleted their savings, and 40% have taken out debt just to survive,” Santana noted, underscoring the ongoing struggle many face.
Sierra Kos, co-founder of Extreme Weather Survivors, voiced the frustrations of those still affected, stating, “They have all said these exact statements. I want to be heard. Where is the federal government? Where is insurance that I paid for on time for decades that I am owed? Please do not forget about us."
The "With Us" exhibit stands as a testament to resilience, providing a platform for voices that continue to seek understanding and support amid the scars of recent history.
