Armory Center for the Arts Executive Director Leslie Ito and Gale Kohl at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Armory Center for the Arts Executive Director Leslie Ito, United States Representative Judy Chu, and Armory Center for the Arts Board Chair Katharine Harrington at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Scott Ward, Shannon Ward, Patrick Ward, Gale Kohl, Colin Ward, and Keiko Wei at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gale Kohl, Armory Center for the Arts Executive Director Leslie Ito, Natalya Romo-Jones, and Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sandra Augustin and Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Heather Hilliard-Barnes, Aldonia Bailey, and Chantrese Wright at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Nick and Karen Taylor at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Amber Hawkins, Melanie Nakaue, and Terry Chatkupt at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Austin De Lugo-Liston and Lakyn Carlton at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Katie Shapiro, Elana Mann, and Andrew Gould at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Emily Theil and Daniel Mansfield at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Grant Hagen, Denise Hagen, and Sigrid Burton at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gina Ender and Rebecca Demeter at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jorge Jarrín, Maggie Jarrín and Jaime Jarrín at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Katiana Basanez and Luis Grané at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kathy Mangum, Amber Hawkins, and Catherine Arias at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ron Dederian and Grant Dederian at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Max Brennan, Sally Miller, and Bob Miller at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jessica Kohn and Tia Acosta at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gina Stegemoller, Cynthia Chou, and Mary Chou at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Scott O’Connor and Karen Anderson at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gary Tsay, Mary Chou, and Maria Khader Karp at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Betty Aguilar and Noelle Ito at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gale Kohl, Susan Delany, and Tim Delany at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Janny Mulholland and Peter Leber at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Erin O’Brien, Nick Gallo, and Keiko Gallo at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jennifer Liu, Michael Berger, and Andi Lee at the Armory Center for the Arts Off The Wall biannual art auction [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Creativity, community, and generosity was on full display Saturday evening at “Off the Wall,” the Armory Center for the Arts’ biennial art auction and spring benefit, held at the newly named Gale Kohl Center for Creativity.
Hundreds of supporters, artists, and civic leaders gathered for the sold-out event, to raise critical funds for the Armory’s teaching programs and recovery efforts, following January’s devastating Eaton Fire. The evening’s proceeds will directly benefit teaching artists and staff impacted by the disaster.
“This is an organization that I admire so much,” said U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, (D-Pasadena), as she addressed the crowd. “You are doing so much to help creative minds. Despite the destruction the Eaton Fire caused, the vibrant history of arts and culture in Altadena and Pasadena will survive — thanks to you.”
Chu also praised the Armory’s vital role in her Congressional Art Competition, which recently saw over 220 entries judged by Armory staff. She also presented a certificate of Congressional recognition, applauding the Center’s resilience and ongoing impact.
Guests mingled over a wine and food truck dinner, bid on artwork from more than 40 artists in various media, and raised their glasses in celebration of a major milestone: the Armory’s purchase of its longtime home.
“For three and a half decades, this has been our creative home,” said Executive Director Leslie Ito. “Now, we’re proud to say — it’s permanent.”
City officials, including Pasadena Councilmembers Justin Jones, Tyron Hampton, and representatives from Councilmember Steve Madison’s office, joined the celebration, alongside county and state leaders.
In a heartfelt toast, Ito emphasized the dual mission of the Armory — not just as a creative hub, but as a force for healing and equity. “In the wake of the fire, we stepped up — offering shelter, launching relief funds, and providing free art classes for displaced families,” she said. “We’ve become a center for creative care.”
“Your support tonight is essential,” Ito urged. “We’re asking you to help us raise an additional $50,000 to stabilize and rebuild.”
That goal inched closer thanks to a surprise $20,000 match pledge from longtime supporter Gale Kohl, in a bid to reach $500,00 for the evening.
“We already have $20,000,” said Kohl. “Let’s keep going.”
Attendees were invited to scan a QR code to donate, participate in a wine raffle, and take a selfie to document the fun.
“This isn’t just a party,” said Ito. “It’s a promise — that no matter what comes our way, we’ll keep showing up for our artists, our students, and our community.”
