Weekend Update with new events added!

Mardi Gras time is here! Grab your beads and Go! My Pick of the Week is this SATURDAY, FEB 26….What can I say? I can’t turn down a party!!! And this will be a great party!  An evening of entertainment & special guests, Mardi Gras Style! They say it’s gonna be COLD and RAINY on Saturday….so come indoors, turn up the heat, while you dance the night away. Sounds like a plan right?  At last year’s event, I danced my little booty off, all night…..Fun times!

Miss Jessica and the Sugar Shack Attack present The King's Ball at Dannys Venice (23 Windward Ave.) This is a FREE event with drink specials and a yummy happy hour till 7:00 pm. So get there early for some good cheap grub and great music.

Event starts at 6:30 pm. Miss Jessica starts with some cool jazz, then later some, R&B. Special guests include Kathy Leonardo (yes, I am singing my Strong woman blues) and the remarkable Suzy Williams, Then the Gumbo Brothers take the stage and the beads start flyin’…dance the night away….ok only until 10:00 pm when they kick us out….The King and Queen will be crowned too….so don’t forget to get into the groove, put on some wild attire and funk out with us!

Friday February 25^th

Tonight, MB Boissonnault will be having an opening at the Cadillac Hotel. MB Boissonnault is part of the artist in residence series at the Cadillac Hotel, located at 8 Dudley Ave. right off the Venice Boardwalk. Enjoy breathtaking art while having the chance to meet this talented Venice Artist. The reception runs from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Refreshments served. www.mbboissonnault.com.

The G2 Gallery (1503 Abbot Kinney) an ecologically responsible gallery and organization hosts the sounds of Ragas of India with Paul Livingstone and Debasish Chaudhuri at 7:30 pm. A free evening of world music.

You may want to wander over to Beverly Hills for to renowned artist Ed Rusha’s latest show “Psycho Spaghetti Westerns” at Gagosian Gallery (456 N. Camden Dr. 90210) This opening runs from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 310.271.9400;  http://www.gagosian.com/.

Then be sure to stop in at ACME at 6150 Wilshire Blvd., 90048 for “An Evening of Sound” featuring Connie Walsh and Kathleen Johnson. Event begins at 7:00 pm and goes till 8:00 pm. 323-857-5942; http://www.acmelosangeles.com.

Saturday, February 26^th

Back to my PICK OF THE WEEK! Hey, I can’t miss a Party… what can I say? Mardi Gras time is here! Let’s celebrate The King's Ball with Miss Jessica and the Sugar Shack Attack. An evening of entertainment & Special Guests, in honor of our new Mardi Gras Royalty!

This is a FREE event at Dannys Venice with drink specials and a yummy happy hour till 7:00 pm. So get there early for some good cheap grub and great music.

Miss Jessica starts with some cool jazz, then later some, R&B. Special guests include Kathy Leonardo (yes, I am singing my Strong woman blues) and the remarkable Suzy Williams, Then the Gumbo Brothers take the stage and the beads start flyin’…dance the night away….ok only until 10:00 pm when they kick us out….The King and Queen will be crowned too….so don’t forget to get into the groove, put on some wild attire and funk out with us!

Dannys Venice is located at 23 Windward Ave between Pacific Ave and the beach. 310-566-5610;  www.dannysvenice.com/

Ok so if music and dancing all night doesn’t do it for and you are craving to see some art, check out 'Second Helping', A One-Week Exhibition, at LeBasse Projects (6023 Washington Blvd. 90232) Opening receptions runs from 6-9pm. 310.558.0200;  www.lebasseprojects.com

LeBasse Projects presents a one week opportunity to view artwork from some of the most intriguing names in contemporary art such as Banksy, KAWS, Shepard Fairey, Faile, BAST, Aiko, Miss Bugs, Camille Rose Garcia, Laura Keeble and more.

Also, Robert Tilton is having an opening at 5801 Washington Blvd, 90232 from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm. This one features the work of Eberhard Havekost. 323.549.0223
http://www.robertsandtilton.com

Then traipse over to Corey Helford at 8522 Washington Blvd. 90232 for “UK Street Art Print Nite”, a selection of fine art prints from the streets of England. This opening reception runs from 7:00pm till 10:00 pm. 310-287-2340; www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

OR you can start early, at Bergamot Station (2525 Bergamot Station)…..there are just a couple events happening here, though it does seem silly that the times are totally off for these two. Craig Krull Gallery (B-3) 310.828.6410; http://www.craigkrullgallery.com from 4-6pm featuring a panel discussion with Dan McCleary. As usual, some galleries do stay open, so if you do go, make sure to look for other galleries that will be open.

You can always save this one for the end of the night, since it goes till 11:30 pm. Copra Gallery, (T-5) is having a group show from 8:00 pm till 11:30 pm. 310 829-2156   http://www.copronason.com/. This is also at Bergamot.

Sunday February 27^th,

Now this one will be fun. If you have never been to Barnsdall Park, it’s really beautiful. Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is putting on a fun event. The exhibition, a daytime event 2-5 pm) is called FRAMING ABSTRACTION: MARK, SYMBOL, SIGNIFIER with guest co-curators Peter Selz, Marlena Doktorczyk-Donohue. Artists include Lita Albuquerque, Jordi Alcaraz, Gary Edward Blum, Hans Burkhardt, Meg Cranston, Mark Harrington, James Hayward, Charles Christopher Hill (art shown above), Kevan Jenson, Naomie Kremer, Manfred Müller.

Opening Reception hosted by the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates: Sunday, February 27 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 from 2 to 5 pm. 323.644.6269;  http://www.lamag.org/

OH MY ….don‘t forget about the Oscars!!! Better get yer butts over to the most lavish Oscar Party you can find…..sorry I can’t invite you to where I’m going. Happy Oscar Night!!!

See ya next time!

Mardi Gras Time....Pick of the Week is this Saturday, The Kings Ball

Mardi Gras time is here! Grab your beads and Go! My Pick of the Week is this SATURDAY, FEB 26….What can I say? I can’t turn down a party!!! And this will be a great party!  An evening of entertainment & special guests, Mardi Gras Style! They say it’s gonna be COLD and RAINY on Saturday….so come indoors, turn up the heat, while you dance the night away. Sounds like a plan right?  At last year’s event, I danced my little booty off, all night…..Fun times!

Miss Jessica and the Sugar Shack Attack present The King's Ball at Dannys Venice (23 Windward Ave.) This is a FREE event with drink specials and a yummy happy hour till 7:00 pm. So get there early for some good cheap grub and great music.

Event starts at 6:30 pm. Miss Jessica starts with some cool jazz, then later some, R&B. Special guests include Kathy Leonardo (yes, I am singing my Strong woman blues) and the remarkable Suzy Williams, Then the Gumbo Brothers take the stage and the beads start flyin’…dance the night away….ok only until 10:00 pm when they kick us out….The King and Queen will be crowned too….so don’t forget to get into the groove, put on some wild attire and funk out with us!

Before we start the week off ….let me just talk about Live Theatre. Theatre has changed the lives of many people (it definitely saved me) and inspired all types of art, music and poetry. Growing up in NYC, I saw tons of shows and started my acting career by singing and dancing and touring with some incredible Broadway productions by famous composers such as Charles Strouse (Annie) and got the chance to tour for over 9 months with Anthony Newley (Actor, Singer, i.e. My Fair Lady and composer of Stop The World, I Want to Get Off). As you can imagine, live theatre has always been dear to my heart. So I am asking for your help.

Here in Venice we have a gem of a theatre called Pacific Resident Theatre, (PRT) and they are currently raising funds for one of their shows, Julia, which was its 2010, premier play. Julia has been offered a 4 week run in New York. Please help make this dream a reality. Whether your gift is $10 or $1000, anything will help. Email Marilyn Fox at prtmarilyn@earthlink.net for more info.   SUPPORT LIVE THEATRE…Every little bit helps!

Wednesday, February 23^rd

Tonight, Jodi Siegel is guest hosting along with Mark Shark this week’s Guitarology at the Melody Bar & Grill (9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 90045) from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm. Jodi happens to be a friend of mine. We have performed together many times. She is an awesome talented musician. Plays a mean slide guitar and has a sultry smooth voice. Guitarology has become a musical haven for incredible musicians. If you’re into music, gotta check it out!

This series has picked up "Best Live Music Event of The Year" from Los Angeles Magazine (get there early-reservations suggested) 310 670-1994

Or you can always head down to the Venice Boardwalk to enjoy live music at The Venice Bistro (323 Ocean Front Walk 90291). Rock out with The Venice Street Legends who play every Wednesday from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm. Happy hour specials and dancing.

If food is more of a priority, go to Figtree’s Café, to have dinner (delicious happy hour specials), only a ½ block away on the boardwalk, at Paloma Ave, then pop back in the Bistro.

Every Wednesday, Join deyermond art + books, 2801 Main Street, in Santa Monica, for an evening of spoken word, music, song and dance. 8:00-11:00 PM. http://www.deyermondbooks.com/. Check out their site for Thursday Scrabble night too. They always put on fun events. Refreshments served.

Thursday, February 24th

Santa Monica Museum of Art presents a discussion with acclaimed artist Terry Winters. Winters will discuss the work of Al Taylor. Learn more about Taylor's artistic process and the New York art world that spawned it. You can see Taylor’s show “Wire Instruments and Pet Stains at SMMOA through April 16^th.

Free Admission, starts at 7:00 pm. RSVP: rsvp@smmoa.org or 310.453.9184; Mention KTR Promo. . http://www.smmoa.org/. Santa Monica Museum of Art is located at Bergamot Station G-1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Janet’s Circle, a business networking company is having their 4 year anniversary party. This one does have a $20 charge, RSVP Pre-paid ONLY - List Closes Feb. 23, 7pm - $30 at Door (cash/check only)  http://www.janetscircle.com/

This months circle will be held at Mariner's Village Clubhouse (4600 Via Marina, Marina del Rey, CA 90292) from 6:30 till 9:30 pm and features networking, as well as successful entrepreneurs sharing their insights on succeeding in this economy. Enjoy light appetizers and wine while making new business contacts!

Entrepreneurs Panel Featuring: Lorenda Phillips,Business Coach, The Essential Entrepreneur; Justin Krane, Financial Planner, Krane Financial Solutions; David Marchese, Personalized Wine Tours, WineWorldtours.com; Tiffany Bradshaw, Brand Strategy, Bradshaw and Company

Paparazzi Comedy is having another fabulous comedy show. Hosted by "Kente Scott" with headliner Kristi McHugh This Thursday’s event will be held at The Canal Club from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm and has a great lineup of comedians:  Janet Rousseau, Jonas Garvin, Jason Hadley, Fire Fighter Billy Barnes and Chris Dunham

The Canal Club is located at 2025 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA, Arrive early, limited seating. FREE with RSVP. $5.00 if you don’t rsvp. 310-823-3878 or visit http://www.canalclub.com./

And we’re off to the weekend….

Friday February 25^th

The G2 Gallery (1503 Abbot Kinney) an ecologically responsible gallery and organization hosts the sounds of Ragas of India with Paul Livingstone and Debasish Chaudhuri at 7:30 pm. A free evening of world music.

You may want to wander over to Beverly Hills for to renowned artist Ed Rusha’s latest show “Psycho Spaghetti Westerns” at Gagosian Gallery (456 N. Camden Dr. 90210) This opening runs from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 310.271.9400;  http://www.gagosian.com/

Then be sure to stop in at ACME at 6150 Wilshire Blvd., 90048 for “An Evening of Sound” featuring Connie Walsh and Kathleen Johnson. Event begins at 7:00 pm and goes till 8:00 pm. 323-857-5942; http://www.acmelosangeles.com/

Saturday, February 26^th

Back to my PICK OF THE WEEK! Hey, I can’t miss a Party… what can I say? It's Mardi Gras time! Let’s celebrate The King's Ball with Miss Jessica & the Sugar Shack Attack. An evening of entertainment & special guests, in honor of Mardi Gras!

This is a FREE event at Dannys Venice with drink specials and a yummy happy hour till 7:00 pm. So get there early for some good cheap grub and great music.

Miss Jessica starts with some cool jazz, then later some, R&B. Special guests include Kathy Leonardo (yes, I am singing my Strong woman blues) and the remarkable Suzy Williams, Then the Gumbo Brothers take the stage and the beads start flyin’…dance the night away….ok only until 10:00 pm when they kick us out….The King and Queen will be crowned too….so don’t forget to get into the groove, put on some wild attire and funk out with us!

Dannys Venice is located at 23 Windward Ave between Pacific Ave and the beach. 310-566-5610;  www.dannysvenice.com/

Ok so if music and dancing all night doesn’t do it for and you are craving to see some art, check out 'Second Helping', A One-Week Exhibition, at LeBasse Projects (6023 Washington Blvd. 90232) Opening receptions runs from 6-9pm. 310.558.0200;  http://www.lebasseprojects.com/

LeBasse Projects presents a one week opportunity to view artwork from some of the most intriguing names in contemporary art such as Banksy, KAWS, Shepard Fairey, Faile, BAST, Aiko, Miss Bugs, Camille Rose Garcia, Laura Keeble and more.

Also, Robert Tilton is having an opening at 5801 Washington Blvd, 90232 from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm. This one features the work of Eberhard Havekost. 323.549.0223
http://www.robertsandtilton.com/

Then traipse over to Corey Helford at 8522 Washington Blvd. 90232 for “UK Street Art Print Nite”, a selection of fine art prints from the streets of England. This opening reception runs from 7:00pm till 10:00 pm.  See image.

310-287-2340; http://www.coreyhelfordgallery.com/

OR you can start early, at Bergamot Station (2525 Bergamot Station)…..there are just a couple events happening here, though it does seem silly that the times are totally off for these two. Craig Krull Gallery (B-3) 310.828.6410; http://www.craigkrullgallery.com/ from 4-6pm featuring a panel discussion with Dan McCleary. As usual, some galleries do stay open, so if you do go, make sure to look for other galleries that will be open.

You can always save this one for the end of the night, since it goes till 11:30 pm. Copra Gallery, (T-5) is having a group show from 8:00 pm till 11:30 pm. 310 829-2156   http://www.copronason.com/. This is also at Bergamot.

Sunday February 27^th, 

Now this one will be fun. If you have never been to Barnsdall Park, it’s really beautiful. Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is putting on a fun event. The exhibition, a daytime event 2-5 pm) is called FRAMING ABSTRACTION: MARK, SYMBOL, SIGNIFIER with guest co-curators Peter Selz, Marlena Doktorczyk-Donohue. Artists include Lita Albuquerque, Jordi Alcaraz, Gary Edward Blum, Hans Burkhardt, Meg Cranston, Mark Harrington, James Hayward, Charles Christopher Hill, Kevan Jenson, Naomie Kremer, Manfred Müller.  Image to left is by Charles Christopher Hill.

Opening Reception hosted by the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates: Sunday, February 27 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 from 2 to 5 pm. 323.644.6269;  http://www.lamag.org/

OH MY ….don‘t forget about the Oscars!!! Better get yer butts over to the most lavish Oscar Party you can find…..sorry I can’t invite you to where I’m going. Happy Oscar Night!!!

See ya next time!

WEEKEND UPDATE! Culver City creates a impromtu mini art walk this Saturday

Friday, February 18^th

G2 is one of my favorite galleries here in Venice. An environmentally conscious gallery, G2 always chooses to show exhibitions with a cause.

G2 Gallery presents photographer Garth Lenz with his latest exhibit, Boreal Future: Our Last Great Forest and the Threat of the Tar Sands from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm which focuses on the Canadian Boreal Forest. This ecosystem is now under threat by the development of the Alberta Tar Sands, the largest oil reserves outside of Saudi Arabia.

RSVP required to events@theg2gallery.com. Complimentary valet and passed hors d'oeuvres provided.

Venice MoZaic is Celebrating Black History Month at The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd Venice 90291 from 7pm on. Expect a FREE and festive multi-media event, paying homage to African American Contributions to our society with Art, Music, Poetry, and Comedy!

If you feel up to heading to Silverlake….La Luz de Jesus Gallery is always happening and this one sounds like a blast, with bands too. Located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd.,  the openings here always go later than most. This group show runs from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm. 

This will be a very special book signing & live concert event! 
La Luz de Jesus is celebrating Henry Rollins' belated 50th birthday in the least conventional way possible. Some might call it an art roast, but guest curators The Igloo Tornado call it The Henry & Glenn Gang Bang: a Henry & Glenn Forever tribute exhibition.  Tom Neely, Gin Stevens and cohorts have assembled some of lowbrow's finest, from original punk rock cartoonist Kaz, alternative comix stars Johnny Ryan and Ed Luce, and art rock royalty Coop to the highbrow Clayton Brothers and conceptual realist Eric Yahnker in a post-Valentine's Day tribute to the hilarious zine that dares ask the question, "What if Henry Rollins and Glenn Danzig were more than just friends?"   323.666-766  http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

Saturday, February 19^th

This appears to the Saturday night to head towards Culver City, to La Brea, La Cienega and Washington Blvd, where you will find a host of wonderful galleries having receptions that start as early as 5:00 and run till 10:00 pm. Yet another unorganized mini little Art Walk in Culver City. There are so many these days….Very Cool!

First at 5:00 pm stop in to Jack Rutberg Fine Arts (357 N. La Brea Ave. bet Melrose and Beverly, 90036) for the opening reception of Some Assembly Required, Assemblage and Collage which runs till 8:00 pm.  http://www.jackrutbergfinearts.com/; 323 938-5222.

“Some Assembly Required - Assemblage & Collage” features some of the most widely acknowledged contemporary and modern artists associated with the ascent of collage and assemblage. Included in this exhibition of more than 50 works are artists most identified with these disciplines, including Joseph Cornell, Man Ray, Louise Nevelson, Romare Bearden, Hannelore Baron, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and others.

Caporale/Bleicher Gallery located right next door (355 N. LaBrea Ave.) is having an opening reception for “The Alchemist of Pfaueninsel” featuring Ann McCoy from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm.  310 237 6423  http://CaporaleBleicher.com

Then drive over to La Cienega Blvd. and park between Venice and Washington. Enjoy a stroll down La Cienega Blvd. Starting at Venice Blvd you’ll find François Ghebaly Gallery (2600 S La Cienega Blvd.) Event runs from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm. 310-280-0777;  http://ghebaly.com/

Then right next store Honor Fraser will be open at 2622 La Cienega from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm.   (310) 837-0191;  http://www.honorfraser.com/

And continue on to Walter Maciel Gallery 2642 S. La Cienega Blvd., featuring the work of Greg Mocilnikar (image to the left) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.839.1840;  http://www.waltermacielgallery.com/

Taylor De Cordoba 2660 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.310.559.9156;  http://www.taylordecordoba.com/

Cherry and Martin, 2712 S. La Cienega Blvd.  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.   310.559.0100;  http://www.cherryandmartin.com/

Blum & Poe 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  310-836-2062;  http://www.blumandpoe.com/

George Billis Gallery LA at 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd, 90034. This one starts a bit earlier, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. 310 838-3438;  www.georgebillis.com

Angles Gallery 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd.  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.396.5019; http://www.anglesgallery.com/

Western Project 2762 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.838.0609; http://www.western-project.com/

Now you may prefer to walk to Washington, however these next two galleries are in different directions. The Mark Moore Gallery is located at 5790 Washington Blvd bet La Cienega and Fairfax 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  310 453-3031; http://www.markmooregallery.com/

Cardwell Jimmerson Contemporary Art is the complete opposite way at 8568 Washington Blvd., West of La Cienega  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310-815-1100;  http://www.cardwelljimmerson.com

If you prefer to stay in Santa Monica, there are several openings at Bergamot such as Shoshana Wayne Gallery, B1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm; Patrick Painter Gallery, B2 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm; Copro Gallery, T-5, goes later from 8:00 to 11;30 pm….party on!

For more info check out their websites at http://www.shoshanawayne.com/ ; http://www.patrickpainter.com; http://www.copronason.com/


Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave) will be having an opening reception which features the work of Stephen Anderson. 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm.
310 878 2784;  http://bgartdealings.com

Another Santa Monica art scene is 18^th Street Arts which always puts on a fun party. 18^th Street kicks-off its 2011 Legacy theme with the debut of the exhibitions, Richard Newton’s Have You Seen My Privacy and Vincent Ramos’ Outsider Art: Others From Elsewhere Doing Something Altogether Different…Sort of. In the spirit of the Getty Foundation’s sponsored project, Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980, 18th Street has declared 2011 its “legacy” year. Artists chosen to activate the galleries will create projects to commemorate or pay tribute to California’s influential Contemporary Art Movement.  18^th Street Arts is located at 1639 18^th Street 90404, and the event runs from 6pm-10:00pm.  (310) 453-3711 http://www.18thstreet.org

Sunday, February 20^th

Now here’s an romantic free date for two young lovers….What about experiencing music and art while gazing at the sunset?  Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave) boasts a wonderful view of the setting sun, so why not enjoy it while listening to the sounds of guitarist Barry Dubin. Their recent exhibition which opened yesterday features the work of Stephen Anderson. Event runs from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm.
310 878 2784;  http://bgartdealings.com


So those are your choices kids…..Have fun and be safe!

Pick of the Week....THE VENICE ART CRAWL! RAIN OR SHINE!!!

My Pick of the Week is tomorrow, Thursday, February 17^th The Venice Art Crawl! The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly event that continues every third Thursday of each month in Venice. It runs from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm sometimes later. All kinds of galleries, restaurants and stores will stay open late and display local artists an music too.….yes you will bump into some right on the sidewalks too! So come on out….RAIN OR SHINE…..grab an umbrella and go!

Wednesday, February 16^th

Here’s something different. Enjoy a Lunchtime Art Talk every Wednesday at 12:30pm at the Hammer Museum located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd., 90024. This Wednesday’s talk will be led by Ali Subotnick, curator. The Hammer's curatorial department leads free and insightful 15-minute discussion about works of art currently on view or from museum collections. It’s a great place to meet other art lovers. For more info call  310-443-7000.   http://www.hammer.ucla.edu

What to do at night…..you may ask?

The Venice Street Legends play every Wednesday from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm at the Venice Bistro (323 Ocean Front Walk in Venice, 90291. These guys know how to rock out. Happy hour specials available. No cover charge

If it does rain…..boohoo…you may want to head inland and see The Bruce Sanborn Band who plays at Brennan’s Pub located at 4089 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA  90292 this Wed from 8:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Bruce is a wonderful songwriter and guitarist. This will be a fun show of original music. No cover charge

And don’t forget….Every Wednesday, Join deyermond art + books, 2801 Main Street, in Santa Monica, for an evening of spoken word, music, song and dance. 8:00-11:00 PM. www.deyermondbooks.com. Check out their site for Thursday Scrabble night too. They always put on fun events. Refreshments served.

Thursday, February 17th

The Pick of the Week is Tomorrow. Yes this Thursday happens to be the third Thursday AGAIN!!!….Venice Art Crawl time. Yes it many not be the best weather, but grab and umbrella, put on your walking boots, and funky party clothes. Be adventurous; let’s not let a little rain dampen our spirits. Most events run from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm. However some go later, and don’t forget about the after party….see info below.

Some fun events going on. Start off the Crawl at Figtree’ Cafe. Dine on some tasty appetizers on happy hour specials for as little as $3.50.. The bar will be open with drink specials too!

 

Enjoy live music at Figtree’s with Mountains of the Moon and inspiring art from Brenda Dyk (image featured on right) and Jessica Nicol. Right next door at Su Casa Venice Beach (431 Ocean Font Walk) See the work of abstract artist, Sona Mirzaei (image featured below)

Figtree’s Café is known for their healthy delicious food, located right on the Venice boardwalk 429 Ocean Front Walk Venice, at Paloma Ave, two blocks south of Rose. Figtree’s has been voted the best restaurant on the boardwalk since 1978. www.figtreescafe.com. 310 392-4937.

Just in case you have not heard, The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly event that continues every third Thursday of each month in Venice. Make sure to stop into the Venice Ale House, (2 Rose Ave on the Venice Boardwalk) where the famous artist and sculptor Attaway will be featured. The Venice Ale House offers a happy hour from 6:00 pm till 7:00 pm with $3.00 beers and sliders.

Also the Cadillac Hotel has a lovely show in the lobby featuring artist MB Boissonnault. The Cadillac Hotel is located at 8 Dudley Ave. right off the Venice Boardwalk. http://www.mbboissonnault.com/. You'll will want to stop by Treeman's pad...you can't miss it, right next to the Venice Bistro....he always has something fun happening.

Stroll South down the boardwalk, and stop into Reiter Photography at The Gingerbread Court (in the back) at 517 Ocean Front Walk and enjoy the incredible photography of Mitch Reiter; Refreshments;  www.reitergallery.com

Make sure to stop by that fabulous building with the gargoyles at 20 Westminster where Brian Mylius shows his oil paintings on canvas and wood.

Then keep heading south and look for the laser light show at Ocean Blue (1313 Ocean Front Walk) will be having snacks, wine and live entertainment with The Venice Street Legends and will feature photographer Nicole Fournier.   http://www.nicolefournier.com/

There you will see, The Sidewalk Café, who is also participating as well as Small World Books, right next store at 1407 Ocean Front Walk and catch Michele McManmon’s photography (310) 399-2360   smallworldbooks.booksense.com/

You may want to continue on the boardwalk to Venice…I have heard  Maui & Sons at 1415 OFW, between Horizon/Market has an opening and further north, you’ll see some pop up galleries such as Schulzies, however nothing is confirmed however, The Leila Levi Gallery is always open and offers a variety of art, jewelry an accessories. Snacks and wine as well. 18 North Venice ….right down the street from James’ Beach.   http://www.leilalevi.com/

And don’t forget to stop in at James ’ Beach at 60 North Venice and the Canal Club right across the street. Then circle around to Pacific Ave. to Santinos at 1611 Pacific Ave where they sell yummy empanadas and will be showing photography by Graham Gilmore  art by then next store you can’t miss  Hotel Erwin who will be showing the work of Grant Buckerfield in the driveway.

There are some great Art Crawl events with food and drink specials happening at Hama Sushi 213 Windward Ave. Danny’s Venice at 23 Windward, and across the street check out the Townhouse.

You don’t want to miss 57 Market for the Momentum Champagne party….cause this will be the last after party….the landlords (Elley Nesis) just rented it boo hoo. Had some great after parties there….so you won’t want to miss this one. Nikki’s right across the street will be hoppin’ as well.

Maps will be available at most of the participating galleries/venues. Check out the website at http://www.veniceartcrawl.com/.

Friday, February 18^th

G2 is one of my favorite galleries here in Venice. An environmentally conscious gallery, G2 always chooses to show exhibitions with a cause.

G2 Gallery presents photographer Garth Lenz with his latest exhibit, Boreal Future: Our Last Great Forest and the Threat of the Tar Sands from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm which focuses on the Canadian Boreal Forest. This ecosystem is now under threat by the development of the Alberta Tar Sands, the largest oil reserves outside of Saudi Arabia.

RSVP required to events@theg2gallery.com. Complimentary valet and passed hors d'oeuvres provided. 

If you prefer to stay west of Lincoln, Venice MoZaic is Celebrating Black History Month at The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd Venice 90291 from 7pm on. Expect a FREE and festive multi-media event, paying homage to African American Contributions to our society with Art, Music, Poetry, and Comedy! 

If you feel up to heading to Silverlake….La Luz de Jesus Gallery is always happening and this one sounds like a blast, with bands too. Located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd.,  the openings here always go later than most. This group show runs from 8:00 pm till 11:00 pm. 

This will be a very special book signing & live concert event! 
La Luz de Jesus is celebrating Henry Rollins' belated 50th birthday in the least conventional way possible. Some might call it an art roast, but guest curators The Igloo Tornado call it The Henry & Glenn Gang Bang: a Henry & Glenn Forever tribute exhibition.  Tom Neely, Gin Stevens and cohorts have assembled some of lowbrow's finest, from original punk rock cartoonist Kaz, alternative comix stars Johnny Ryan and Ed Luce, and art rock royalty Coop to the highbrow Clayton Brothers and conceptual realist Eric Yahnker in a post-Valentine's Day tribute to the hilarious zine that dares ask the question, "What if Henry Rollins and Glenn Danzig were more than just friends?"   323.666-766  http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

Saturday, February 19^th

This appears to be the Saturday night to head towards Culver City, to La Brea, La Cienega and Washington Blvd, where you will find a host of wonderful galleries having receptions that start as early as 5:00 and run till 10:00 pm. Yet another unorganized mini little Art Walk in Culver City. There are so many these days….Very Cool!

First at 5:00 pm stop in to Jack Rutberg Fine Arts (357 N. La Brea Ave. bet Melrose and Beverly, 90036) for the opening reception of Some Assembly Required, Assemblage and Collage which runs till 8:00 pm.  http://www.jackrutbergfinearts.com/; 323 938-5222.

“Some Assembly Required - Assemblage & Collage” features some of the most widely acknowledged contemporary and modern artists associated with the ascent of collage and assemblage. Included in this exhibition of more than 50 works are artists most identified with these disciplines, including Joseph Cornell, Man Ray, Louise Nevelson, Romare Bearden, Hannelore Baron, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and others.

Caporale/Bleicher Gallery located right next door (355 N. LaBrea Ave.) is having an opening reception for “The Alchemist of Pfaueninsel” featuring Ann McCoy from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm.  310 237 6423  http://CaporaleBleicher.com

Then drive over to La Cienega Blvd. and park between Venice and Washington. Enjoy a stroll down La Cienega Blvd. Starting at Venice Blvd you’ll find François Ghebaly Gallery (2600 S La Cienega Blvd.) Event runs from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm. 310-280-0777;  http://ghebaly.com/

Then right next store Honor Fraser will be open at 2622 La Cienega from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm.   (310) 837-0191;  http://www.honorfraser.com/

And continue on to Walter Maciel Gallery 2642 S. La Cienega Blvd., featuring the work of Greg Mocilnikar (image to the right) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.839.1840;  http://www.waltermacielgallery.com/

Taylor De Cordoba 2660 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.310.559.9156;  http://www.taylordecordoba.com/

Cherry and Martin, 2712 S. La Cienega Blvd.  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.   310.559.0100;  http://www.cherryandmartin.com/

Blum & Poe 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  310-836-2062;  http://www.blumandpoe.com/

George Billis Gallery LA at 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd, 90034. This one starts a bit earlier, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. 310 838-3438;  www.georgebillis.com

Angles Gallery 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd.  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.396.5019; http://www.anglesgallery.com/

Western Project 2762 S. La Cienega Blvd. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310.838.0609; http://www.western-project.com/

Now you may prefer to walk to Washington, however these next two galleries are in different directions. The Mark Moore Gallery is located at 5790 Washington Blvd bet La Cienega and Fairfax 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  310 453-3031; http://www.markmooregallery.com/

Cardwell Jimmerson Contemporary Art is the complete opposite way at 8568 Washington Blvd., West of La Cienega  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310-815-1100;  http://www.cardwelljimmerson.com

If you prefer to stay in Santa Monica, there are several openings at Bergamot such as Shoshana Wayne Gallery, B1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm; Patrick Painter Gallery, B2 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm; Copro Gallery, T-5, goes later from 8:00 to 11;30 pm….party on!

For more info check out their websites at http://www.shoshanawayne.com/ ; http://www.patrickpainter.com; http://www.copronason.com/


Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave) will be having an opening reception which features the work of Stephen Anderson. 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm.  310 878 2784;  http://bgartdealings.com



Another Santa Monica art scene is 18^th Street Arts which always puts on a fun party. 18^th Street kicks-off its 2011 Legacy theme with the debut of the exhibitions, Richard Newton’s Have You Seen My Privacy and Vincent Ramos’ Outsider Art: Others From Elsewhere Doing Something Altogether Different…Sort of. In the spirit of the Getty Foundation’s sponsored project, Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980, 18th Street has declared 2011 its “legacy” year. Artists chosen to activate the galleries will create projects to commemorate or pay tribute to California’s influential Contemporary Art Movement.  18^th Street Arts is located at 1639 18^th Street 90404, and the event runs from 6pm-10:00pm.  (310) 453-3711 http://www.18thstreet.org

Sunday, February 20^th

Now here’s an romantic free date for two young lovers….What about experiencing music and art while gazing at the sunset?  Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave) boasts a wonderful view of the setting sun, so why not enjoy it while listening to the sounds of guitarist Barry Dubin. Their recent exhibition which opened yesterday features the work of Stephen Anderson. Event runs from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm.
310 878 2784;  http://bgartdealings.com


So those are your choices kids…..Have fun and be safe!