It wasn't hard for Amy Inouye to put it together to make a point.
"Just kind of understand that it's part of the L.A. culture, economy and social fabric," she said.
Councilman Mitch O'Farrell saw his portrait at the show for the first time.
"I've never been caricatured before so I think it's hilarious, and it's great, and it just makes me think about how art helps people think differently," he said.
Artist Peter Shire smiled for a photo with the councilman, who he drew on a stage both political and theatrical.
The officials in the portraits could easily talk about the art of politics. But in this art show, politics is art.
Mayor Eric Garcetti posed next to a long-ago predecessor for an artistic photograph.
"I hope he thinks about the arts and his participation in it," said photographer Gary Leonard.
Councilman Paul Krekorian was sketched in chambers by a court artist whose work you've seen on Eyewitness News, Mona Edwards, and like so many others, she contributed to the show out of civic pride.
"I am a native of Los Angeles, I love my city, I love everything to do with city government," she said.
The show opens this weekend, and for each elected official, like City Controller Ron Galperin, it will be a new window to their office.
"It gives us another perspective of ourselves, and another perspective of what we're doing here in the city," he said.
He hugged artist Cidne Hart, who like the others, hope their picture says more than 1,000 words for their art.
"We Love L.A.: Please Make It Better" will be open every Saturday through Sept. 13, or by appointment, at the Future Studio Gallery in Highland Park.
