LAUNCH LA / LAUNCH GALLERY
170 S. La Brea Ave., Suite 202
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Thursday – Saturday: 12 - 4pm & By Appointment
James Panozzo, Executive Director
Email info@launchla.org
Phone 323.899.1363
James created the non-profit social enterprise LAUNCH in 2010 to oversee the production of TarFest annually while also providing unique programming and exhibition opportunities to important artists in Los Angeles. He served as the Director of Lawrence Asher Gallery from 2004 – 2010, exhibiting emerging and mid-career painters, sculptors and installation artists. James co-founded TarFest in 2003 and continues to develop and manage its programs which provide opportunities to emerging artists at venues in the Miracle Mile District of LA.
Stephen Kramer is an attorney practicing with the Kramer Law Group in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles. Steve graduated from USC in 1970, after studying at the American College in Paris. He went on to pursue his legal studies at UCLA School of Law and was admitted to practice in 1976. After spending over fifteen years in the “large firm” arena, Steve decided to open his own practice and he and his colleagues have been established in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles for almost fifteen years. Steve’s own practice emphasis is in the areas of Trusts, Estates and Probate, as well as serving as counsel to various non-profit organizations based in Southern California. In addition, Steve serves as President of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Mid City West Community Council.
Peter B. Cury is the Design Director of The Hollywood Reporter. A native New Yorker, he moved to Los Angeles in 2010 for the opportunity to refresh, re-brand and redesign the eighty-year-old entertainment publication. Since joining the magazine, he has helped shape the look and feel of the magazine by focusing his attention on typography, illustration, photography and infographics.
Erica DeBear joined Launch LA in 2018. She was raised in Paris, France, and Westchester, New York. Upon receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and Philosophy at Mount Holyoke College, she worked at an art gallery on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In 2010 she moved to Los Angeles to work as a VFX artist and concept artist for film, television, and commercials; Clients included: Disney, Apple, Marvel, and Activision. In 2015 she made the transition into residential real estate. She is a lifetime lover and creator of the arts and is excited to help expand Launch LA’s reach and impact on the creativite community that is Los Angeles.
Todd Carpenter is an artist based in Los Angeles. His paintings, which examine the role of light in landscapes, have been exhibited in venues across the United States and Asia. He currently teaches painting in the Santa Monica College community education department, and has previously taught photography, environmental science, and the neuroscience of design at the Newschool of Architecture in San Diego. Prior to going into the arts, he worked as a product engineer and head of research and development for CircAid Medical Products. He holds a Master's Degree in Neuroscience from UCSD, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology from UCLA.
Deitra Charles is a visual artist and native of Los Angeles, California. She studied costume design and graphic art at Loyola Marymount University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Fine Arts. Deitra also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University. Early in her career, Deitra supervised call center associates and executive teams for Lexus and Toyota. Just prior to pursuing her art career, Deitra was a Market Research Analyst for Toyota’s Global Knowledge Center where she conducted and presented analyses for national and international distributors. As an artist, Deitra is inspired by nature and her love of family. She strives to evoke a sense of peace and harmony in her work which has been exhibited in numerous galleries as well as print and online publications. In addition to creating new work, Deitra also teaches Drawing, Design, and Art Appreciation at community colleges within Los Angeles County.