Baker's Dozen is an annual survey round-up of 13 artists who we think have made an impression over the past year and reflect the strengths of contemporary practice as seen at various galleries and spaces throughout Los Angeles. Brought together under one roof for the first time we see this exhibition as an excellent reader for becoming familiar with current rising stars of the SoCal art scene.

Origin

The oldest known source and most probable origin for the expression "baker's dozen" dates to the 13th century in one of the earliest English statutes, instituted during the reign of Henry III (r. 1216-1272), called the Assize of Bread and Ale. Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers could be liable to severe punishment. To guard against the punishment of losing a hand to an axe, a baker would give 13 for the price of 12, to be certain of not being known as a cheat. Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was to prevent "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt, or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original dozen. The practice can be seen in the guild codes of the Worshipful Company of Bakers in London.

Especially in America, tradition suggests some customers see it as a sign of appreciation from the baker for continued patronage. During the Depression especially, bakers often gave 13 items to those purchasing an "even dozen", out of generosity and compassion. In societies using 12-base systems, the number 13, as represented by a "longer measure" or "baker's dozen", is seen as auspicious and lucky. -edited from Wikipedia