Since 1952, West LA United Methodist Church has hosted an Asian Cultural Bazaar, featuring Asian cuisine, entertainment, and cultural presentations. In recent years, the bazaar has also included a silent auction filled with unique Japanese art objects.
The silent auction is a way of providing an opportunity to purchase beautiful cultural items that can be enjoyed for many years to come. This year’s auction includes vases, figurines, prints and paintings, traditional tableware, restaurant certificates, live performance tickets, holiday décor, and collectibles. A sneak peek of many of this year’s items can be found on the West LA UMC website at www.wlaumc.com.
This year’s bazaar will also feature handcrafted necklaces from the Nozomi Jewelry Project. West LA UMC member Kay Yang explains, “Our church’s partnership is helping to bring hope, dignity, and livelihood to the women who make these pieces in Ishinomaki, Japan. Holding a beautiful necklace that has been made from a broken tsunami shard is a wonderful reminder to each of us that beauty does come from brokenness. The women of Nozomi are encouraged by our willingness to sell their products, raise awareness of their ongoing struggles, and pray for their future.”
In addition to the silent auction, attendees can purchase garden plants, fresh baked goods and produce, and gently used items from the Second Chance Store.
Everyone will enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, including taiko drumming, hula, traditional Chinese lion dancers, and rock and jazz ensembles. Children will have fun with games, crafts, and face painting.
The Asian Cultural Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The church is located at 1913 Purdue Ave., Los Angeles. Free parking and a shuttle service to and from the church will be available at the Trident Center Office Building on Purdue Avenue and Olympic Boulevard. All proceeds support the outreach and mission work of the church.
For more information, call (310) 479-1379 or visit www.wlaumc.com.