Lia Halloran is an artist who often incorporates science and nature to create projects that draw from scientific materials, flying, skateboarding, historical influences, and identities. She has participated in a wide range of interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists and architects, including a book with Nobel Laureate Kip Thorne about the ‘Warped Side of the Universe’. She lives in Los Angeles where she is represented by Luis De Jesus Los Angeles, and is a Professor in the Art Department at Chapman University, where she teaches courses that explore the intersection of art and science.

SEE

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Mount Wilson Observatory - One place I find endlessly grounding is Mount Wilson Observatory. You take the long, winding road up into the Angeles National Forest and walk the historical grounds to see the massive white domes set against the wilderness. It is a powerful reminder of the engineering feats that represent our deep longing to understand the universe. The Cosmic Café is a solid stop if you are there during the day, but if you can catch one of the summer lectures or concerts and observe at night through the telescopes, do it. I have never been up there and not walked away in complete awe.

Museum of Jurassic Technology - One of the most unique and special museums in any city is the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City. You can try to figure out if it’s a science museum, an art museum, or something entirely different, and don’t leave without having Moroccan tea and crackers on the roof with the birds.

Live Steamers Railroad in Griffith Park - Another go-to of mine for taking out-of-towners is the backside of Griffith Park. There are so many great trails, and you can explore the old cages in the abandoned zoo and walk through old trains at Travel Town Museum. I admit I have some tunnel vision because I have small kids, but on Sundays, you can visit the Live Steamers to ride an electric train through the park and see a bunch of miniature towns, bridges, and tunnels. Your ticket includes entry to the barn next door where Walt Disney first started his workshop. It is such a specific, cool piece of local history.

The Huntington Gardens and Museums - The Huntington Gardens and Museums is an iconic Los Angeles spot that rewards repeat visits. The gardens are evolving and shift throughout the year, so there’s always something new to catch depending on the season. Alongside the landscapes, they’ve been doing a strong job bringing in contemporary exhibitions and rotating objects from their collections and research library, so it never feels static. I just saw the new Laura Aguliar exhibition up now in the American Wing, its not to miss. I’ve been spending time in the Munger Research Center in their extensive and mind-blowing archives and am looking forward to presenting an exhibit there in 2028. There are also several great lunch and café options throughout the grounds. My go-to is an affogato with ube ice cream from the Red Car Café- worth building your afternoon around.

Cycle down the LA River in Frogtown - Los Angeles has these wonderful moments where the city collides with nature, and a favorite experience of mine is riding a bike or a skateboard along the LA River in Frogtown. You can pull off at La Colombe for a draft latte or grab breakfast on the patio at Spoke. If I need a moment of real quiet, the Self-Realization Fellowship center in Mt. Washington is a treasure. It has a stunning garden with small, secret vignettes where you can sit and take a breath with a panoramic view of downtown. Plus, as a bonus, you can sometimes catch the nuns playing a competitive match on the tennis courts.

EAT & DRINK

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Restaurante Tierra Caliente - There are so many fantastic options to eat near my studio in Glassell Park that it is hard to narrow it down! For lunch, I frequent Tierra Caliente in Cypress Park for their potato tacos. If you feel a cold coming on, the Caldo de Papa is my standard order, I’m convinced you’ll be back on your feet the next day.

1886 at The Raymond - 1886 at The Raymond in Pasadena has a fantastic speakeasy back bar, with unique and outstanding craft cocktails, and you’ve got to put in an order for the tater tots on the happy hour menu. Gorgeous outdoor patio as well.

Bub and Grandma's Restaurant - My studio is right across the street from Bub and Grandma’s, and you can never go wrong with their French dip or the Greens and Eggs breakfast sandwich. Or any pastry. Or any bread item. This place is pretty much bulletproof.

Glassell General - Glassell General; they have an eclectic variety of snacks and ice cream, and they have an extensive selection of super unique and classic candy to go with your afternoon espresso. They are joined with Park Pizza, which I think is one of the best and most underrated pizza’s in the city. The Marcella is my fav.

Colombo's Italian Steakhouse & Jazz Club - At Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, you go for the atmosphere as much as anything- the red leather booths, the low lighting, the faded landscape paintings, and the sense that it hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1954. The icy cold martini’s come with your own side shaker, and the mozzarella sticks are a must, and easy to justify ordering even if you claim they’re for the kids.

SHOP

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Block Shop Textiles - Block Shop is a fantastic spot in Atwater Village for one-of-a-kind handmade textiles of all kinds; robes, scarves, rugs, and gifts. Their tablecloths and napkins will elevate any dinner party, making it feel special and maybe like you’ve been transported to Tuscany for an evening. They have a wonderful collection of hand-painted, stunning ceramic serving platters from Sienna, which have the symbols and animals of the historic Palio teams from Siena’s Piazza del Campo. They just released an incredible collaboration with Sunbrella, featuring the most gorgeous patterns that would transform any outdoor patio.

The Rug Shop - The Rug Shop is a masterclass in fair-trade sourcing. The owner, Alia, has spent a decade building direct relationships with women’s weaving cooperatives in Morocco, and it shows in her outstanding selection. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind vintage piece or working with Alia’s phenomenal eye to commission a custom size and design, the quality is unmatched.

MIDCENTURYLA - For the best mid-century furniture treasures in town, hands down MidcenturyLA off of Cahuenga in the valley is an absolute must. David, the owner, gets containers from Italy and Norway for truly one-of-a-kind pieces that you can’t find anywhere else. From soft leather couches to refurbished wooden consoles, he’s got impeccable taste and a vast inventory to select from.