Join Karen Maness, Hollywood scenic painting expert and author of The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop for a discussion on the Scottish Rite Freemason backdrop currently featured in Sci-Fi, Magick, Queer L.A.: Sexual Science and the Imagi-Nation. Maness will provide insights into the backdrop's significance and her artistic journey in the recreation of the piece.

About the exhibition:

Sci-Fi, Magick, Queer L.A.: Sexual Science and the Imagi-Nation considers the importance of science fiction fandom and occult interests to U.S. LGBTQ history. Science fiction and occult communities helped pave the way for the LGBTQ movement by providing a place for individuals to meet and imagine spaces less restricted by societal norms. The exhibition focuses on Los Angeles from the late 1930s through 1960s and looks both forward and backward to follow the lives of writers, publishers, and early sci-fi enthusiasts, including progressive communities such as the LA Science Fantasy Society, the Ordo Templi Orientis at the Agape Lodge, and ONE Inc. Spanning fandom, aerospace research, queer history, and the occult, Sci-Fi, Magick, Queer L.A. reveals how artists, scientists, and visionary thinkers like Jim Kepner, Lisa Ben, Margaret Brundage, Morris Scott Dollens, Marjorie Cameron, Renate Druks, Curtis Harrington, and Kenneth Anger worked together to envision and create a world of their own making through films, photographs, music, illustrations, costumes, and writing.