Stop Telling Women to Smile, the art series created by Brooklyn-based artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh that is quickly gaining momentum, comes to Los Angeles Wednesday.

Aimed at addressing street harassment, an all too common experience for girls and women everywhere, the series utilizes the scene of the crime in the form of murals and other forms of street art.  The works are direct statements that women are not walking entertainment–they’re people walking down the street.  People you have no right to catcall, force into conversation, condescend, or touch.

I used to think I was the only person who got told regularly by men to smile–I have that horrible condition known as Chronic Bitch Face or Bitchy Resting Face, otherwise known as an expression of concentration or indifference that seems to be an affliction only if you’re female–but it turns out it’s something many women experience.

This week, Fazlalizadeh will be participating in discussions and exhibiting her work around Los Angeles, starting with the LA Chapter of UN Women on Wednesday.  She will also be doing a lithograph signing at Nopal Press at 109 W. 5th Street on Thursday March 13th.  Check the website for the full schedule and to see how you can get involved!