Make jam not war! Fallen Fruit — the L.A.-based artist collective that combines de-car-ing with local foodie-ism by informing Angelenos that fruit overhanging public property’s yours for freely taking — is hosting its 4th annual Public Fruit Jam!
All are welcome to show up — if possible, with empty jars and local fruits, preferably foraged, in hand — and start jamming.
When: Sunday, Aug 2, 2009, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Machine Project, 1200 D N. Alvarado, Los Angeles
How much jam are we talking? “We typically make around 500 jars in about 3 hours, dozens of different varieties,” says Fallen Fruit in an announcement. “We encourage people not to follow recipes and think of it as a collaboration between citizens of the same town. It’s really fun and delicious!”
More than 300 jammers are expected. See photos from past events here!
Whether or not you make it to Fallen Fruit’s official Jam, you can answer the National Call for a Summer of Public Fruit Jams. Fallen Fruit wants everyone to organize their own jamming sessions — an especially helpful idea for those with overproductive fruit trees in their backyard.
Fallen Fruit’s the same collective that encouraged participatory play at its banana exhibit last month. After the jam, Fallen Fruit will move the party to Another Year in LA, 2121 N. San Fernando Rd. #13, Los Angeles., to mark the closing of the collective’s solo show, Fresn ‘n’ Easy. That party happens from 3 pm – 7 pm.
Photo via Fallen Fruit
I watched something on TV about people who managed to walk around LA picking fruit that overhanged onto public property. They ended up with a ton of fresh ripe fruit, free of charge, all in one area! I am very jealous! Not nearly the selection of people growing fruit in Cleveland, even if we did have a similar law…
Comment by Robert Stockham — July 28, 2009 @ 10:25 am
How fun! Thanks for posting this!
Comment by Katrina — July 28, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
I live in a similar climate, but a totally different culture. Actually, I have lived in two distinctly different cultures in the same region. When I was on the island of Gozo, I saw fruit trees around public buildings and the fruit was often left to fall and rot. The boys in secondary school made good use of the oranges, but they used them as weapons rather than food. I haven’t seen this in Tunisia. Mulberries were abundant a few months ago and various people, young and old were gathering them to use for themselves and also to sell. It’s not unusual to see an individual selling food on the sidewalk in an ad hoc fashion near the established street vendors.
Comment by Martin — July 29, 2009 @ 7:11 am
I hear the event was super crowded — Hope those of you who went had a fun jam :)
Comment by Siel — August 4, 2009 @ 6:21 pm