Hyper SoCal is a region-wide program that challenges the status-quo about where art belongs by spotlighting unexpected, under-the-radar spaces across Southern California. The program includes more than 40 spaces.

Included is “Convergence: Contemporary Artists of Armenian Descent,” which will end its exhibition at the Forest Lawn Museum on Aug. 9. 

From bold experiments in abstraction to thought-provoking conceptual installations,“Convergence” features the work of more than 20 artists who push the boundaries of traditional mediums and challenge conventions with their daring visions. The exhibition does not attempt to cover the entire spectrum of Armenian narratives. Rather, its cohesive element is the heritage of the featured artists. 

With diverse backgrounds – ranging from those born in the United States to immigrants from various regions – these artists contribute individual perspectives to their work. 

Defining Armenian identity is inherently complex. It encompasses a sense of belonging that surpasses simplistic definitions, rooted in historical connections that often evoke profound and abstract emotions.  

“Convergence” is curated by artists Alina Mnatsakanian and Kaloust Guedel, in collaboration with James Fishburne, director of Forest Lawn Museum. Guedel will lead an Armenian-language tour of “Convergence” immediately after the artist talk on Sunday, Aug. 9. The tour will begin at approximately 3 p.m.

Free admission.

Forest Lawn Museum is located at 1712 S. Glendale Ave. in Glendale. For more information, call (323) 340- 4782 or visit Museum.ForestLawn.com.

Another exhibition is at the Martial Arts History Museum at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road in Glendale on Aug. 1. The “Dragonfest Expo” is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket costs range from free to $50. Visit https://martialartsmuseum.com/dragonfest-expo/ for more information. The expo features vendors, performances and Q&A seminars.

According to its website, Dragonfest is the Martial Arts History Museum’s premier cultural odyssey – a tapestry of Asian heritage designed to illuminate the profound artistry and philosophies that have shaped generations. At its heart, the event acts as a bridge of understanding, inviting the community to move beyond the surface of martial arts and immerse itself in the living soul of these ancient traditions.

Attendees will enjoy the energy of Chinese Lion Dancing, a ritual of luck and lineage that for centuries has warded off negativity. The atmosphere vibrates with the thunderous, disciplined pulse of taiko drumming, representing the communal heartbeat of Japan, while the storytelling grace of Okinawan dancing offers a window into the peaceful, elegant heritage of the islands.

Every contribution to this fundraising event goes directly toward the museum’s mission in Glendale. By celebrating the uniqueness of these diverse customs, the spirit of cultural discovery and the preservation of these ancient legacies continue to thrive for the next 20 years.

For more information, email martialartsmuseum@hotmail.com or visit https://martialartsmuseum.com/dragonfest-expo/.