Daughter of John Outterbridge retreives artwork discovered at Altadena ruins, aided by his acquaintances
The "Diggin' Bridge" project, a unique initiative spearheaded by Tami Outterbridge, daughter of the late artist John Outterbridge, is underway to preserve and celebrate her father's artistic legacy following the devastating Eaton fire that claimed their Altadena property.
The project, set to culminate in an exhibition titled "DIGGING BRIDGE", aims to salvage found art and archival materials from the fire debris, transforming them into tribute artworks [1][2]. The initiative has attracted a diverse group of artists, including Dominique Moody, John and Connie Trevino, Betye Saar, Charles Dickson, La Monte Westmoreland, Stanley C. Wilson, George Evans, Ben Caldwell, and many others [1][2].
The US Army Corps of Engineers has scheduled a firm date for the removal of the rubble from the Outterbridge property, marking a significant milestone in the Eaton Fire recovery zone [1]. Tami Outterbridge and her team of approximately 25 collaborating artists have been given temporary access to search through the burned remains and salvage materials for artistic reuse [2].
In the coming months, preparations for the exhibition will begin, showcasing the rescued materials and artworks created by the participating artists. The project also includes documentary work, with photographers and artists documenting the debris excavation process, turning the devastated site into a source of creative material and memory preservation [2].
The Altadena property of John Outterbridge was a treasure trove of his work, correspondence, photographs, and echoes of gatherings. Tami Outterbridge has been delaying the removal of the rubble as long as possible, hoping to salvage as much as possible from the ashes [1]. A remnant of a thought-to-be-long-lost piece by Curtis Tann was miraculously found in the rubble, adding to the significance of the project [1].
John Outterbridge, a central figure in the Black assemblage arts movement, was also the former director of the Watts Towers Arts Center. His loss was beyond heartbreak for Tami and her family [1]. However, she has found solace in the support of her friends, including Dale Davis, an old friend of John Outterbridge, who has promised to assist Tami and her mother [1].
To further the project's reach, Tami Outterbridge has partnered with Plain Sight Archive to assist with the creation of a community-sourced archive [1]. The "Diggin' Bridge" project encompasses archive-building, documentary production, and exhibition, aiming to create something new from the remains of John Outterbridge's work [1].
[1] - "Diggin' Bridge Project: A Tribute to John Outterbridge's Legacy" - The Art Insider, August 2025 [2] - "The Eaton Fire Recovery: The Diggin' Bridge Project" - Los Angeles Times, August 2025
- The "Diggin' Bridge" project, under the leadership of Tami Outterbridge, is focused on preserving and celebrating her father's artistic legacy after the Eaton fire, which devastated their Altadena property.
- Despite the US Army Corps of Engineers scheduling a date for rubble removal from the Outterbridge property, Tami and her team of artists have been granted temporary access to salvage materials for artistic reuse.
- The "Diggin' Bridge" project has attracted a diverse group of artists, such as Dominique Moody, John and Connie Trevino, Betye Saar, Charles Dickson, La Monte Westmoreland, and many others.
- The upcoming exhibition, titled "DIGGING BRIDGE", will feature the rescued materials and artworks created by the participating artists, along with documentary work that captures the debris excavation process.
- Tami Outterbridge, hoping to salvage as much as possible from the ashes, has delayed the removal of the rubble and was pleasantly surprised to find a remnant of a thought-to-be-long-lost piece by Curtis Tann.
- The art works and materials salvaged from John Outterbridge's Altadena property offer a glimpse into his work, correspondence, photographs, and the memories of gatherings.
- In addition to the exhibition, the "Diggin' Bridge" project includes archive-building, partnership with Plain Sight Archive, and aims to showcase the creativity born from tragedy.
- Tami Outterbridge found comfort in the support of her friends, including Dale Davis, an old friend of John Outterbridge, who promised to help Tami and her mother throughout this challenging time.
