Pick of the Week is this Saturday, April 30th. Corey Helford Gallery does it again!

My Pick of the Week is Saturday, April 30th…Corey Helford Gallery once again, stands out from the crowd. 

Their latest exhibition, Blurring the Lines, features the work of graffiti artists, CRASH,  FREEDOM (see image to right) and RISK. This is a spectacular exhibition, a raw presentation of this emerging genre. More info below under Saturday's events.

Wednesday, April 27th

Venice Arts presents a documentary short entitled “The House is Small, but the Welcome is Big” which tells the story of a Mozambican teenager who finds a new home after loosing both parents to aids. The Screening will be held at 7:00 pm at the Venice Arts Gallery 1702 Lincoln Blvd. 90291. http://www.venice-arts.org/.

Tonight at The Santa Monica Place Mall, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will be showing at the “Movies on the Deck” series. Don’t forget to bring a couple of sweaters and a chair or blanket as there are some seats, but you can’t always count on them to be available. See the website for more info. http://www.santamonicaplace.com/events/event.aspx?eid=29207

And of course, 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.

Thursday, April 28th

LA Louver located at 45 N. Venice, right by the beach is having an opening featuring the work of Richard Deacon, Sandra Mendelsohn Rubin. They always offer white wine and some hard liquor as well. Occasionally, there will be passed hors d'œuvres. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 310 822-4955; http://www.lalouver.com.

Paparazzi Comedy happens EVERY Last Thursday of the month at The Canal Club 2025 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, CA. Hosted by Kente Scott, featuring Lou Santini, headlining Perry Kurtz. Come hear the funniest comics on the Westside, such as Henrietta Komras, Eric Deluca, Kristi McHugh, Steven McBride, Janet Rousseau and special guest Stevie Mack. Valet and Street parking available. Come early and enjoy drink and food specials. FREE before 8:00 pm if RSVP at paparazzicomedy@yahoo.com.Produced by Gisele and event coverage by partyby5.com.

UCLA presents Fowler Out Loud, featuring FREE live music every Thursday in the Fowler Museum Courtyard with a reception and refreshments. International students and friends of the Dashew Center gather for a cultural performance night featuring musicians, poets, and those with hidden and diverse talents! This FREE student performance series features up and coming artists and starts at 6:00 pm most Thursday nights.

You can park in lot 4 which is self parking and depending on how long you stay will be no more than $10.00. But be sure that you are in LOT 4. UCLA is located at Westwood Blvd and Sunset. See map for directions. http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/calendar.

Friday, April 29th

Celebrate Duke Ellington Birthday at UCLA’s Fowler Theatre at 7:00 pm. Acclaimed composer, pianist and big band leader Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899. UCLA jazz combos celebrate the Duke’s birthday with an outdoor, all-Ellington program, followed by birthday cake for everyone in the Fowler’s amphitheater. Open seating; please bring a mat or a blanket. Come early to see Jam Session: America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World, with special viewing hours until 7 pm.

You can park in lot 4 which is self parking and depending on how long you stay will be no more than $10.00. But be sure that you are in LOT 4. UCLA is located at Westwood Blvd and Sunset. See map for directions. http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/calendar. See map above.

Venice offers you G2 Gallery (1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd.), who is hosting a concert with songstress, Natalie Azerad, performing standards and originals. Show starts at 7:30 pm. The $5.00 admission will benefit Conservation International. http://www.theg2gallery.com/.

 

Saturday, April 30^th

My pick of the week is one of my favorite Culver City galleries. Corey Helford Gallery celebrates three legendary graffiti artists. This latest exhibition, “Blurring the Lines” is curated by Roger Gastman, co-curator of MoCA's "Art In The Streets" and the co-author of the newly released book, "The History of American Graffiti". This exhibit features the work of graffiti artists, CRASH, FREEDOM and RISK (see image).

Corey Helford Gallery always has an edgy scene happening and offers some tasty treats, wine, beer, etc., so get there early. They are located at 8522 Washington Blvd., 90232. Opening reception is from 7‑10pm; www.coreyhelfordgallery.com.

This one is in the Valley but it does start early 5:00 and it ends pretty early too, but it’s for a great cause. The Art Spotter & Left Coast Galleries are proud to present TURNING ART INTO HOPE: AN EVENING FOR JAPAN, an art auction and fundraiser for Mercy Corps. Over 40 artists have donated their work. These are all original pieces starting between $50-$100. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Mercy Corps. Brooke Harker is one of the many artists who has donated some of her work. She is a wonderful artist (see image) who has contributed to many great causes. You can find out more about her on here website http://brookeharker.com.

Mercy Corps is working in cooperation with their partner agency, Peace Winds, to respond to the massive earthquake that struck the northeast coast of Japan on March 11, killing thousands of people. The 9.0magnitude quake was the strongest to hit Japan in at least 100 years and the fourth-largest worldwide since 1900. It triggered a 30-foot tsunami that swept away everything in its path – houses, ships, cars, buildings – and damaged all six reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. Over the last 5 years, Mercy Corps has used 88 percent of their resources for programs that help people in need.

This event will be held at Left Coast Galleries is located at 12324 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 from 5:00pm till 8:00 pm.  For more info, check out http://theartspotter.com/.

If you prefer to be in Santa Monica, Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave in SM) presents a solo exhibition Summum Bonum by artist Leora Lutz.. Emphasized by her use of text, paint, and thread, Lutz creates an exceptional visual language which explores the human experience. Deriving inspiration from Plato’s Timeaus, Lutz explores human treatment of emotion through her own visual vocabulary. . The opening reception runs from 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm 310 878-2784; http://bgartdealings.com.

Now depending on where you are, or where you need to end up, Culver City has a couple of galleries in addition to MY Pick of the Week….Corey Helford.

You’ll want to pop in this one first, as it ends earlier. Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects hosts an opening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 6006 Washington Blvd. Tonight’s reception will offer new paintings by Nicole Eisenman and Wynne Greenwood (see image). 310 837-2117; http://www.vielmetter.com.

Then right down the street, The Whole 9 celebrates with their 3^rd annual Art Stimulus Show! Why not treat yourself and purchase some incredible art? Located at 6101 Washington Blvd, Gallery 9 will be featuring a group show, with all works under $500.00. Get ready for a fun opening with wine and music from 6:30 pm till 10:00 pm. 310 836-4601; http://thewhole9.com/.

Towards the end of the night, hop over to the Marina, HHeal Gallery presents Intimate Topography and Imaginary Photography' paintings by LA based artist Robin Adsit. Opening Reception starts at 7:00 pm and will continue till 11:00 pm. At 9:00 pm the film 'Powers of Ten' by historical LA contemporary architects Charles and Ray Eames will be screened. (Additional parking south at Maxella shopping center. HHeal Gallery is located at 4115 Glencoe, #102 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. 310.367.0371; RSVP to:acquisitions@HHealGallery.net; http://www.heatherhoeksema.net/.

Yes this one is a bit out of the way, and nowhere near any other galleries…but they do have fun events. Come party at ARATALAND! Walpurgisnacht is a hedonistic celebration of the coming of Spring! Featuring One Night Stand, the party runs from 7:00pm till 10:00pm.: Michael Arata curates what may be his last One Night Stand, a one night group show *names to be announced*  Michael Arata himself will man the Hot Dog Exchange, serving up hot dogs in buns branded with his signature. Make a drawing, get a hot dog, but get here early for the dogs before they're all gone! With live music by Meme Latiff (gypsy dance music) and others, dancing, drinking and good times! This event will be held at the Beacon Arts Building, located at 808 N. La Brea Ave, in Inglewood, 90302, from 7:00pm till 10:00pm.

Sunday, May 1st

UCLA welcomes guest speaker, KJAZZ DJ, Bubba Jackson. The lecture begins at 2:00 pm and Jackson will discuss the role that black musicians played in introducing jazz music to Europeans. Bubba Jackson will focus on Lieutenant James Reese Europe, one of the most influential figures of the phenomenon, and comment on why jazz became so popular with European audiences.  http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/calendar. RSVP required: (310) 267-4007.

You can park in lot 4 which is self parking and depending on how long you stay will be no more than $10.00. But be sure that you are in LOT 4. UCLA is located at Westwood Blvd and Sunset. See map for directions. http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/calendar.

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is putting on a benefit auction celebrating the future of the gallery. Enjoy the work of young emerging artists as well as established artists. Many of whom, got their start at LAMAG. Benefit Tickets will run you $25.00, but it includes cocktails, food, and live music.Patron Tickets: $100 includes a limited edition print. Oohlala! The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is located at Barnsdall Park 4800 Hollywood Blvd., LA, CA 90027. Event runs from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm.

For donations and information contact: Meg Madison, meg@megmadison.com. 213.393.9333. Program Committee Chair, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery Associates. To Purchase Tickets: http://lamag.eventbrite.com. Preview the Auction: www.flickr.com/photos/43399524@N06/sets/72157626246666062; http://lamag.org.