How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Betye Saar - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Leigh-Ann JacksonFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Betye Saar, a 99-year-old icon in Los Angeles’ art world, shares her ideal Sunday routine, offering a glimpse into how she inspires creativity and connects with her city’s cultural offerings. Known for her groundbreaking assemblage work, which often incorporates found objects to explore themes of slavery, racial injustice, and the resilience of African American women, Saar has spent decades collecting materials from flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales. Her process involves transforming discarded items into powerful works of art, a practice that remains central to her creative output even as she approaches her centennial birthday.
Saar’s perfect Sunday begins at the Pasadena Community College Flea Market, where she searches for hidden treasures like rusty metal birdcages or unique fabrics. This activity ties back to her roots in Pasadena and reflects her lifelong passion for foraging materials that inspire her art. Afterward, she visits the Huntington Library and Art Museum, a place deeply meaningful to her as it houses some of her work. Her day concludes with lunch at Saladang Garden, a Thai restaurant on Fair Oaks Avenue, where she enjoys dishes like chicken sate and green papaya salad.
Saar’s story is not just about art but also about the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles. Her routine highlights the city’s diverse attractions—flea markets, museums, and restaurants—that serve as both inspiration and sustenance for her artistic practice. By sharing her Sunday habits, Saar offers readers a window into her world, emphasizing the importance of creativity, connection to place, and the joy of discovery. For anyone interested in art, culture, or the hidden gems of L.A., her approach to Sundays provides a blueprint for living artistically and fully.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026