Each year, the City of West Hollywood's Arts Division commissions an artist to create an image to celebrate the holidays, West Hollywood style. These images are printed onto street banners which decorate Santa Monica Blvd, La Brea, and Melrose Ave. in the City of West Hollywood, along with banners from prior years which feature artwork by the artist Shag (Josh Agle).

This year's artist is Mosa Tanksley. Mosa Tanksley is an Italian-born artist living and working in Santa Monica. She has illustrated several published children's books, freelances regularly for a local magazine, and enjoys taking on new and creative projects. More information at https://mosatanksley.com.

The City also invited West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace to write a poem for our digital holiday card.

Ode to Return

Winter mist hugs streetlights 

close, the murmur of strangers

under a red marquis, laughing

with the wind. I pack my shadow,

coax him home to feast. 

Time bullies her way to the gravy, 

babbling all our secrets: 

How a family breaks and how 

far cinnamon can go

in the absence of sugar.

The dog can’t stop barking. 

Me neither. I have nothing

to teach anyone about love

when you’re gone. I wrap

my time and attention, as gifts.

Gather the ragamuffin crew

of lost aunts and remembered friends.

Drain fear from our touch. 

This year, I promise to make 

no demands. Even of myself.

Sway each light to carry us

a little longer.

-Written by West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Brian Sonia Wallace 

The City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station are partnering to give back to those in need this holiday season with the annual West Hollywood Toy and Food Drive. The 31st Annual West Hollywood Toy and Food Drive will be accepting monetary donations until Friday, December 17, 2021 with the goal of providing nearly 1,000 families with toys and holiday gift cards. Donations may be made online at www.weho.org/holidaydrive. 

Save the dates for upcoming free winter WeHo Sounds concerts (online) beginning in January. www.weho.org/wintersounds

For more information about City of West Hollywood arts programs please visit www.weho.org. @wehocity  @wehoarts

For more information about the City of West Hollywood's holiday banners, please contact Mike Che, Arts Coordinator at mche@weho.org.