Perhaps one of the most underrated institutional advocates of local art in this city, the Central branch of the LA Public Library occasionally runs exhibits, lectures, and shows that bring attention to art and artists that Los Angeles can call its own.

Organized by the Getty Research Institute and “partially funded by Park Fifth,” the Central Library’s spotlight shines on Julius Shulman’s Los Angeles, an exhibit documenting some of the photographer’s least-known works, through January 20, 2008.

Julius Shulman proved instrumental in projecting the Midcentury Southern California lifestyle to the world during a pivotal period in our history, as well as providing a photographic record of the urban evolution of Los Angeles.

The exhibit will explore over 150 rarely seen photographs taken by Shulman from 1936, through post-War sprawl, ’50s Modernism, ’60s Urban Renewal, and up to the present day.

Most have seen Shulman’s work in the Stahl House/Case Study 22 (pictured above) and the Richard Neutra-designed Kun House. Specific to Downtown Los Angeles, several photographs of the birth of the Civic Center and Bunker Hill will be showcased.

-The Central Library is located at 630 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, 90071, and is accessible via the Pershing Square Station on the Metro Red and Purple lines. The exhibit can be found in the second-floor Getty Gallery. Admission to the event is free during the library’s open hours.

-If Park Fifth can preserve the legacy of local artists by funding exhibits, sponsor new art, and redesign Pershing Square, we wonder what else it can do. The luxury condo building still isn’t blogging, though it isn’t yet in existence. We’ll give it time.