Arts & Entertainment

'Bard of L.A.'s Papers Going on View at Huntington

The Huntington Library opens an exhibition of papers and archives of longtime Los Angeles Times columnist Al Martinez this weekend.

Anyone who has lived in the Los Angeles area long enough is familiar with the work of longtime Los Angeles Times columnist Al Martinez, who chronicled the lives of Southland residents for more than five decades.

What you may not know is that Martinez's archive of papers lives right here in San Marino, part of the collection of the

You'll have a chance to sample the trove of letters, documents, cartoons, notes and manuscripts of the prolific writer starting this weekend, when the Huntington unveils "Al Martinez: Bard of L.A.," in the library's West Hall.

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Here's how the Huntington describes the exhibition on its official website:

Al Martinez: Bard of L.A.

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March 17–June 25, 2012

Library, West Hall

Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author Al Martinez (b. 1929) has covered Los Angeles and the nation for more than five decades.  Los Angeles residents know him best as a columnist for the Los Angeles Times from 1984 to 2009. In his columns, Martinez chronicles the foibles, peccadilloes, accomplishments, and, sometimes, sad plights of those around him. He also has written several books, including The Last City Room, a novel; Reflections, a compilation of his 100 favorite columns; Barkley, A Dog’s Journey, based on his most popular series of columns, and Rising Voices, recognizing the accomplishments of prominent Latinos. Martinez also wrote scripts for television series, including “Hawaii Five-O,” and for television movies, earning a 1992 Emmy nomination for the CBS TV movie “Out on the Edge.”

The Huntington, which houses Martinez’ archive of papers, presents “Al Martinez: Bard of L.A” to celebrate his life and career. Among approximately 75 items displayed are letters between Al and his wife, Joanne, during his service as a Marine infantryman and correspondent during the Korean War as well as columns from the Oakland Tribune and the Los Angeles Times; newspaper cartoons and ads depicting Martinez and promoting his columns; notes, corrected typescripts, and first editions of his books; examples of his magazine publications; scripts and call sheets for his television writing; travel articles and maps; and photographs. The exhibition also features an audio kiosk where visitors can hear favorite columns read by Al and Joanne.

Will you check it out?


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