Creative Energy Fuels VADC's 'NO KINGS' Sign-Making Party

More than 100 energized community members gathered Wednesday afternoon, June 11, for the Venice Area Democratic Club’s (VADC) “NO KINGS” sign-making party at PaperSource, the downtown Venice art studio owned by VADC President Frank Mowery.

The studio buzzed with creativity as residents used markers, paint, and imagination to design protest signs for this Saturday’s “NO KINGS” demonstration, which will take place at Biehl Park, next to the Venice Theatre. The local protest is part of a nationwide movement, with more than 1,800 events planned across the country—coinciding with former President Trump’s extravagant $45 million military-style parade.

Frank Mowery, who hosted the event, is not only an engaged community leader but also an internationally renowned paper conservator. He is currently working on the restoration of archival papers from the Hawaiian Episcopal Church—precious historical documents that were nearly lost in the devastating 2023 wildfires in Maui, which claimed over 100 lives and caused millions in damages.

The event combined art, activism, and solidarity—proof that when people come together with purpose, powerful messages can emerge.