About the Artwork

Dance Potty is an original sound artwork created by renowned artist and musician Mekala Session. As a key member of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, Session continues the ensemble's mission to preserve and present the music of Black composers. Since its founding in 1961 by Horace Tapscott, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (P.A.P.A.) has been a beacon of artistic innovation and community empowerment in South Central Los Angeles. This installation serves as a testament to the Arkestra’s enduring impact and its dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural community.

About the Performance

On December 7, 2024, a celebration at A C Bilbrew Library was held to commemorate the unveiling of Los Angeles County’s first-ever permanent sound art installations. Commissioned artist Mekala Session together with Diego Gaeta and Jesse Justice of Human Error Club performed a set responding to the historic collection of works by Black artists from the Golden State Mutual Collection on display at the library.

The celebration also featured a curated slideshow of the artworks, with talks about the collection and the Arkestra's history, showcasing the vibrant contribution of Black artists in Los Angeles and continuing the legacy of rich cultural interchange of jazz and visual art for an intergenerational audience.

Sound Art Location

Self-cleaning restroom in Athens Park, 12603 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061