Artist and writer J. Michael Walker, whose giant art endeavor “All the Saints of the City of Angels” (NOT the Motley Crue album) first started out with a tiny show in Highland Park’s Avenue 50 Studio, and then before I knew it he was showing at the Autry Museum. His realistic and mystical depictions of each of the saints associated with every “St.” street in the city are haunting, beautiful and steeped in local legend as well as the original stories of the individual saints. Honestly, this was a project I’d always wanted to do but I’d never really fleshed out the idea, so when I saw his work it was this shock of recognition & appreciation.

And now his catalogue/nonfiction work that goes along with the project has been nominated for the nonfiction book of the year award by the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association! The awards are voted on only by indie booksellers. He’s one of five finalists.

Word up to our boy J. Michael, and to all the other awesome local finalists. You are literary rock stars. No matter who wins, hats off to you all!