Fairfax High School AP art students will participate in a live painting collaboration with local artists at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Melrose Trading Post. (photo courtesy of The Melrose Trading Post)

On Oct. 23, the Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax High School will present its 25th anniversary celebration from 11:30-1 p.m.

While most everyone in Los Angeles is familiar with the Melrose Trading Post, what most people don’t know is that it is not just a flea market; it’s been an ongoing mega-fundraiser for students at Fairfax High School and other LAUSD schools for 25 years. Founded in 1997 by local artists, Pierson Blaetz and Whitney Weston, MTP and its parent non-profit Greenway Arts Alliance are nationally recognized models for successful public/private partnerships in public education. To date, the MTP has awarded more than $10 million worth of grants directly to Fairfax High student programs and provided close to 30,000 students with access to arts education they might not have had otherwise.

The celebration will feature a live painting collaboration between renowned Melrose Ave. street artists Corie Mattie, Amy Smith, Juliano Trindade and Fairfax High School AP art students. The painting will take place in the art walk across from the main stage; pre-show doggie costume contest; an address by West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, and Nick Melvoin, LAUSD Board Member; and a Fairfax High School student song performance from “Hamilton.”

Parking is available by the N. Fairfax Ave. and Clinton St. entrance to the Melrose Trading Post, which is located at 7850 Melrose Ave.