Shepard Fairey and Lara Bergthold | Now at The Ebell of LA

Due to a scheduling conflict, this event has been moved to The Ebell of Los Angeles - Lounge at 741 S. Lucerne Blvd. Los Angeles 90005.

Artists and the leaders of social and political change walk hand in hand, and have done so throughout history. Think about Picasso's Guernica, or the street artist Banksy. Keith Haring. Basquiat. The AIDS quilt. Innumerable examples. One such leader of social and political change is the street artist Shepard Fairey, whose OBEY posters and Obama HOPE posters resonated throughout the nation, throughout the world.

People For the American Way, a nonprofit group created in 1980 by Norman Lear to preserve democracy, promote justice, and fight extremism, has created a toolkit with 20 great American artists. The Art of Saving Democracy is a practical guide to activism, complete with mini posters, stickers, postcards, and instruction.

Shepard Fairey is one of the artists who contributed to the toolkit. You've seen his art on public buildings in Los Angeles, and when you think of Obama's message of HOPE, you'll remember Shepard Fairey's Obama poster. When you think about the 2017 Women's March, you'll remember his public art and posters. His art is unique and globally recognizable, and is synonymous with art as an electrifying vehicle for change.

Lara Bergthold is an independent strategic communications consultant, working to solve big, intractable problems that require legislation, advocacy, communications, and other creative solutions. As a founding principal partner at RALLY, she directed high-stakes social impact campaigns for organizations such as March for Our Lives, NARAL, and Sandy Hook Promise, and advised foundations and corporations. Before joining RALLY, she worked with Norman and Lyn Lear as executive director of their private family foundation for nearly 20 years. She serves as board chair of People For the American Way, the progressive advocacy organization founded by Norman Lear, and as a board member of Rock the Vote. Among her many honors, she was recognized as a Woman of Impact by the City of Los Angeles in 2025.

Limited parking available onsite. We recommend rideshares and carpooling. Please allow time to find parking.

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