Feast for the Eyes

By sheer scope, the Artists’ Salute to Black History Month qualifies as one of the city’s biggest annual events recognizing the contributions of African Americans.

Works by more than 150 black painters, sculptors and other visual artists from 22 states--the largest exhibit of African American art in the country--have filled both levels of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza for the better part of a week. Besides the wealth of visual art on display, the salute boasts a schedule of special exhibit-related events.

This year’s salute, titled “Our Children . . . Our Hope,” includes a parade and ceremony at 11 a.m. today for elementary school children who have shown exceptional effort in their artwork.

Other events today, which conclude the salute, are an 11 a.m. forum with poster artist Sylvia Walker; a 1 p.m. forum with artists Tina Allen, Varnette Honeywood and Cheryl A. Moody, and a 4 p.m. forum with artists Michael Brown, Charles Dickson and Paul Goodnight. The exhibit closes at 6 p.m.

Among other Black History Month events in Central Los Angeles this month:

* “Sweetwater Blues,” a musical exploration of African American blues and jazz artists; 4 p.m. today; The Theatre of Arts, 4128 Wilshire Blvd.; (213) 883-1508 ($15).

* The LALA Festival, celebrating the cultural heritage of Louisianians; entertainment, food, arts and crafts; 9 a.m. parade from 60th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard to Leimert Park; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; (213) 485-2437 (free).