On December 22nd we lost artist and friend Liz Young. The art community and her family are mourning the loss of a powerful, brilliant, and devoted artist. Besides her memorable installations, sculptures, and performances, she was a much beloved teacher at L.A. County High School for the Arts. This was especially clear when many of Liz’s former students pilgrimaged to the gallery to see her powerful installation piece at Track 16 this fall. They were all so grateful to know her and felt privileged to have her as a teacher and mentor. Liz exhibited with Track 16 many times over the past 18 years, including three times in the past year. This last exhibition, The Naked Mind, was curated by Georganne Deen, and Liz designed the beautiful catalogue for it. We were about to deinstall her piece last week when we received news of her passing. Her installation was powerful – and telling. A figure floats above a small sea of sewn leather balls. Or maybe the figure is falling. The balls underneath the figure are scattered below and possibly left behind. When Liz installed the balls, she began by tossing them randomly under the figure. At the beginning of the exhibition she visited 2-3 times a week to share the show with friends, colleagues, and former students. She loved her students. I could tell by the way she spoke about them. She’d talk about their strengths and their wonderful naiveté. She paid attention to them and respected them. She thrived through the challenge of being paraplegic. Nothing could stop her. When I met her 18 years ago at Track 16, I was intimidated by her. At the time, maybe I thought she was “bad ass,” which is true, but it was her boundless dedication and strong will that showed through. When I wanted some private art lessons for my own 17-year-old daughter, I asked Liz because I liked the idea of Liz as a mentor. She leaves an indelible mark and legacy. Goodbye, Liz. We miss you so much already.

Sean Meredith
Director, Track 16



“Put me on the dance floor Jimmy, I want to dance,“ said Liz in that unforgettable, sweet, excited voice. She was looking up at her best friend, artist Jim Reva, as the music pounded at the L.A.C.E. ten-year-anniversary party in downtown L.A. in the late 80s. Jimmy swooped her out of her wheelchair, placing her on the crowded dance floor where she continued to dance. He dropped to the floor next to her, and they danced among the hundreds of party revelers who were compelled to join in on the floor action. Lizy, you left with such a powerful piece still hanging in THE NAKED MIND. Too much sadness for us down here today, you beauty. You are free now. You have done your work. 

Rhonda Saboff
(aka Parker Pine)