DeWain Valentine exhibit 1970 Pasadena Art Museum
The January 1969 issue of Playboy introduces Connie Kreski as the Playmate of the Year (PMOY), succeeding Paige Young, a Playmate of the Month (PMOM). The PMOY title, akin to a prestigious beauty contest award, offers enhanced public exposure and career opportunities. Kreski had been an actress and dated several prominent figures, including Roman Polanski and James Caan. Her life ended prematurely in 1995 due to cirrhosis of the liver, raising questions about her struggles despite initial success. Connie’s story intertwines with notable 1960s pop culture events, including the Manson family murders.
In November 1968, Paige Young was featured as Playboy Magazine’s Playmate of the Month amidst growing anti-Vietnam War sentiment on college campuses. Playboy donated issues to troops in Vietnam, where centerfolds like Young’s became popular. 1968 also witnessed the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, events that spurred nationwide unrest. Despite her temporary fame, Young aspired to be a painter, struggling financially but relishing her creative independence, often appearing in media as a promotional ambassador for Playboy throughout 1969.
The content explores the LaRocca/Cotterell family’s history, focusing on their move to Studio City, CA, in the early 1950s. It highlights Joseph LaRocca’s profession as a Radio Orchestra Manager and Virginia LaRocca’s role as a Christian Science Practitioner. The narrative details their transition from Gardena, the family’s connections in the area, and their adaptation during post-WWII suburban growth. Notably, Joseph and Virginia’s joint listings in directories become an anomaly and hints at changes in family dynamics, including references to their children and other relatives in the region.