Our collective has had the pleasure of working with some amazing individuals, organizations, and institutions in a short time. Click through to see some highlights from our collaborations and what various partners have had to say about Narrated Objects and what we do.
"The creative collective Narrated Objects first came to my attention last summer through the Center for Cultural Innovation's announcement of them as one of last year’s award recipients. . . . Last fall the LACE team had the opportunity to meet Teena and Andrea in person, and the minute they walked through LACE’s doors, we all knew we wanted to work with together. They shared memories of their favorite shows here, were grateful for our support, and shared many ideas on how we could collaborate in the future. So I presented them with a unique opportunity: to take over our 3,500 sq. ft. gallery space in Hollywood for one day.
Teena and Andrea took this offering, and created a memorable 'L.A. Makers' pop-up that drew a diverse crowd: tourists wandering in from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as friends of the participating artists who experienced LACE for the first time. We also appreciated that Narrated Objects and the L.A. makers donated a percentage of profits from their day’s sales to our nonprofit organization. I look forward to seeing what Narrated Objects does next, as I’m confident that whatever form it takes— through books, events, or other products—it will impact a variety of communities in positive ways. LACE is committed to work with them again." —Sarah Russin, Executive Director, LACE: Los Angeles
Contemporary Exhibits
"I first learned about Narrated Objects and their innovative, fun, and educational book We Heart P-22 through the Creative Economic Development Fund grants program. After having the opportunity to meet with Teena and Andrea in person, and learn more about their creative approach and motivation behind the P-22 book, we were excited to include them and this book as part of our Spring/Summer 2018 LA Original product collection.
I am also very much looking forward to their next two endeavors, the L.A. street mural art and activity book and their seeds project. These are sure to not only be visually dynamic but also educational and informative. . . . These new projects are sure to be beneficial to the community and will help celebrate L.A. as a creative an conscientious global capital.
Teena and Andrea are talented, thoughtful, creative Angelenos who are dedicated to developing creative AND meaningful projects." —Ashley Jacobs, Director, Brand LA and LA Original
We and other We Heart P-22 contributors and supporters were interviewed by Frances Anderton, the host of KCRW's DnA, at the P-22 Festival in October 2017. Here DnA's coverage of the festival and our book on the February 20, 2018 "Wildlife Crossing" episode as part of the series "Bridges and Walls."
"I first met Teena Apeles and Andrea Richards through one of my colleagues who was working with Narrated Objects on an event at the Museum. They collaborated on a family friendly event called 'NHMLA Hearts P-22' to celebrate our special exhibition, The Story of P-22 L.A's Most Famous Feline. I was in the middle of planning workshops for one of our three tier festivals, L.A. Nature Fest, and she felt Narrated Objects would be a perfect fit for our festival. I couldn't have agreed with her more.
L.A. Nature Fest is a weekend-long festival that celebrates urban wildlife in and around Los Angeles. Narrated Objects brought the story of P-22 to life by sharing pages from the We Heart P-22 Coloring Book. Contributing artists to the coloring book led drawing workshops for guests on both days. The teaching artist's knowledge and expertise in art and working with guests of all ages was a huge advantage to our program. Their kind demeanor helped make this story accessible, approachable, and interesting. They also provided P-22 temporary tattoos for guests to wear and helped us promote the story of urban wildlife further.
At the Museum we strive to provide new ways of sharing stories that are connected to our mission of 'inspiring wonder, curiosity and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds.' Partnering with organizations like Narrated Objects helps us further enrich the experience of people who visit the Museum because they too find creative ways of sharing stories about wildlife and people. I would readily invite them again in the future to participate in the festival or other related programs. The impact they had on guests during L.A. Nature Fest was obvious." —Marisol R. Jara Program Manager, Public Programs, Education & Programs, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
"Friends of Griffith Park had the privilege of working with Narrated Objects in 2017/2018 on the We Heart P-22 coloring book they produced. The purpose of the coloring book was to educate children—and their parents—about mountain lions and the challenges they face trying to survive in the urban environment of Los Angeles.
We Heart P-22 allows Friends of Griffith Park to expand our outreach throughout the city to bring awareness to the critical need for preserving habitat and connectivity for all wildlife. It is a fun and engaging way to reach our most essential audience, the children who will become the future stewards of Griffith Park and of open space. Friends uses the book at environmental events to promote our mission.
The professionalism of Narrated Objects is unparalleled. It is topped only by their enthusiasm for the project and their commitment to its success." —Marian Dodge, President, and Gerry Hans, Vice President, Science and Conservation