The Highland Park man behind Mountains & Myths

The future role of the Southwest Museum remains unclear amid an ongoing dispute between the Autry Museum, which controls the Southwest, and residents. But the historic Mt. Washington cultural center remains open - on a limited basis - and continues to stage exhibitions. This weekend, artist Raoul de La Sota closes an exhibit of paintings - Of Mountains & Myths - in the museum's Plains Gallery. The exhibit of about three dozen paintings is a good opportunity to explore the work of De La Sota, a long time Highland Park resident, whose work has been exhibited in 15 countries.

The show at the Southwest Museum came about after De La Sota staged a smaller exhibit at museum's Casa de Adobe on Figueroa Street. The Mountains and Myths show focuses on the connection between the mountains and myths and believes of Native Americans, said De La Sota, who has lived in Highland Park since 1977.

De la Sota will be at the museum on Saturday after 1 pm to discuss the show and his work.

Photo by Katrina Alexy