Artist Lauren Halsey on the red carpet at the LA Commons "Colors of Connection: Rooted and Rising" gala on Oct. 15, 2026, at the Skirball Center. (LaMonica Peters/The LA Local)

Acclaimed artist Lauren Halsey was honored at the LA Commons “Colors of Connection: Rooted and Rising” gala at The Skirball Cultural Center on last week.

Halsey has been making a name for herself in the art world with one of her latest sculptures “sister dreamer” in South LA, according to the city of LA’s website.

The sculpture is located at Western Avenue and 76th Street in South LA.

“It’s just really cool to be around people who really understand my context, so I’m excited to celebrate the honorees and everyone here tonight,” Halsey told The LA Local at the gala.

Other honorees included philanthropic leader Dr. Robert K. Ross and advocate and entrepreneur Prophet Walker, who were recognized for their impact in the community.

The gala also celebrated the official state designation of South LA as a Black Cultural District.

LA Commons is an arts and culture nonprofit organization founded by Karen Mack and based in South LA’s Leimert Park Village.

My background: I was raised in LA’s Crenshaw District and spent nearly a decade as an educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District before starting my journalism career in TV news. I was a broadcast news reporter for 14 years.

What I do: I cover Inglewood and South LA as a reporter for The LA Local. I’m honored to be a part of community-powered news in Los Angeles and helping people tell their stories.

Why LA: LA is my home and after living all over the country, there’s no other place I’d rather be. The weather, the diversity, the global appeal and the laid-back vibe is just what I need.

The best way to contact me: My email is lamonica@thelalocal.org.

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