Tonight, is the Pick of the Week, V-Scape's Latest Exhibition at Joe's Restaurant

My Pick of the Week is tonight, Wed, April 20^th; V-Scape teams up with Joe’s Restaurant to host their latest exhibition featuring Charles Christopher Hill and Peter Ladato. Reception runs from 6 to 8 pm.


To RSVP, please visit: http://v-scape-venice.blogspot.com/. See more info below.

Wednesday, April 20^th

Created by the well known art dealer and consultant, Aldis Browne, V-Scape hosts inventive yet classic art exhibitions featuring incredibly talented local artists. The torch for V-Scape was recently passed to Mark Farina who now curates the events, though Aldis does attend most receptions and is always on hand for any needed assistance. Image to the right is by Charles Christopher Hill. http://v-scape-venice.blogspot.com/.

In addition to dazzling art, you will also be treated to wine, refreshments and tasty appetizers. Now if you have ever been to Joe’s, you know the food is simply sumptuous. Come to the event and stay for a wonderful dinner. http://joesrestaurant.com/.

You’re kidding me? Are you telling me that you have not checked it out yet? The “Movies on the Deck” series happens every Wednesday at Santa Monica Place Mall. Tonight’s movie is Raiders of the lost Ark and once again will be held on the rooftop. Take advantage of a cheap date…what are you waiting for?

Artist Palooza is a fun free music night and jam. If you are a musician, or just love music, head on over to Club Fais Do Do at 5253 W. Adams Blvd. I have played this event before and the bands have been really great, so you are in for a treat. The new home to Club Fais Do Do, boasts a large stage, for the many bands that are set to jump up on it.  Though, it is a large space, there is still a cozy at home feel with couches and chairs and tables. Food and spirits are available for sale. If you do want to perform, get there early; sign up starts at 7:00 pm and the show runs from 7:30 pm till midnight. www.artistpalooza.org.

There is a new Spring Art and Wine Walk in Culver City…..but something is strange about it, oh no, what?…you have to pay?…What’s going on here? Wine tasting and Art….Hey, it’s not two buck chuck right?  Sounds like a good way to weed out the freeloaders. You know who I am talking about. There are five galleries participating and they have some excellent wines (see list on their website) that will be available for tasting at each gallery. So if you choose to, you can get pretty tanked. Just make sure to pick a designated driver. Check out their website for full details and how to purchase a ticket $20.00. http://www.thegallery9.com.

Thursday, April 21^st

If you are in the downtown area, hustle down to Hive Gallery. Hive Movie Night & Graphation Presents short film, "The Man Who Knew How to Fly." The screening starts 8:00 pm, followed by "Brazil". Director Robi Michael who will be speaking about the film and available to answer all of your questions.The Graphation Film Festival is a traveling festival and publishing house that adapts short films into comics and graphic novels. Hive Gallery 729 South Spring St,. http://hivegallery.com/.

It’s a lovely Thursday Spring evening…You may want to hang near the beach. We have the Venice Art Crawl and a Santa Monica Artist Talk. Take your pick! You know where I’ll be.

Bleicher/Golightly Gallery (1431 Ocean Ave in SM) presents a solo exhibition Summum Bonum by artist Leora Lutz. Now be aware that this is NOT the opening…that will be happening April 30^th. Tonight, the artist will be speaking from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm. 310 878-2784; http://bgartdealings.com.

Just in case you have been living under a rock…The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly event that continues every third Thursday of each month in Venice. It runs from 6:30 pm till 9:00 pm, however, some events go later. This Art event was inspired by the very successful Downtown Art Walk.

 
Still in its infancy stage, the Venice Art Crawl continues to grow at a “crawl.” But remember, it is just the first year. Though, it started in August of this year, the commitment and passion, local venetians feel for their art community is definitely paying off. Some fun events are going on and I have listed my favorites. 

Start off the Crawl at Figtree’s for some tasty appetizers on happy hour specials such as Empanadas and Potato Latkes for as little as $3.50 and Quiche for $4.00. The bar will be open with drink specials and also complimentary wine and appetizers will be served.

Enjoy live music at Figtree’s with Dustin Blank, and inspiring art from Michael Jerzy Jacyna (see image to right), Barbara Mastej and Mark Satterlee (image to below, left).

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. Figtree’s has a wonderful happy hour, Monday thru Friday and also has FREE delivery. www.figtreescafe.com. 310 392-4937.

Also the Cadillac Hotel has a lovely show in the lobby featuring artist MB Boissonnault (see imgage). The Cadillac Hotel is located at 8 Dudley Ave. right off the Venice Boardwalk.

  

Make sure to stop into the Venice Ale House, (2 Rose Ave on the Venice Boardwalk) where the famous artist and sculptor Attawaywill be featured. The Venice Ale House offers a happy hour from 6:00 pm till 7:00 pm with $3.00 beers and sliders.

 
Now if you haven’t heard of Treeman, he is a very popular Venice local, who is also part of the Venice Art Crawl. Treeman is his own walking sculpture/art installation. Wearing an incredibly life like tree costume, complete with leaves, Treeman strides through Venice on his stilts above the chaos of the boardwalk. Occasionally you will find him sitting or leaning on a building, blending in with the other foliage, until suddenly he stirs and says hello. He is disarming yet, very charming. You’ll want to stop by Treeman’s place, where he always has something fun going on.(South of Dudley, right next to the Venice Bistro). Photo by Victoria Graham.

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. There will be some live music too. This one is right off the boardwalk…take a left on Westminster, on the left side of the street.

Then keep heading south to Ocean Blue (1313 Ocean Front Walk) a very fun store that sells jewelry, gems, candles and all kinds of neat trinkets. Ocean Blue will be having snacks, wine and live entertainment with The Venice Street Legends and will feature the amazing photography of David Healey, http://www.shopoceanblue.com/.

A few steps away, you will see, The Sidewalk Café, who is also participating with an artist lounge that includes drink specials for sale, as well as Small World Books, right next store at 1407 Ocean Front Walk and catch the intricate work of Kati Simek, a textile artist. (310) 399-2360; smallworldbooks.booksense.com/.

Continue on the boardwalk to Venice, Maui & Sons at 1415 OFW, between Horizon/Market always has a scene brewing and presents the work of Billy Dunlap. Then pop by the Pop up Gallery at Jay's Rentals, at 1501 Ocean Front Walk with work by Sara Amanda Jones.

Keep walking on the boardwalk to South Venice Blvd, then hook a left and on the left side, you will find The Alkaline Water Gallery, exhibiting art by local teens. Help celebrate the next generation of artists. The teens of Westchester High have created politically conscious art about our food supply. They are focusing on raising awareness about the dangers of Aspartame and GMO foods. This charming little gallery, curated by Leila Levi will also have on display a variety of wearable art, jewelry and accessories. Snacks and wine will be served. The Alkaline Water Gallery is located at 18 North Venice.   http://www.leilalevi.com/ 

Then continue towards Pacific Ave., and saunter into James Beach at 60 North Venice, who will be showing the street artist, Skount. Also the Canal Club right across the street, always has a yummy happy hour (all night on Thursdays) and will be offering a group photography show in their back room entitled “Land of the Lost Angels”. http://www.jamesbeach.com/canal_index.php.

   

Then circle around to Pacific Ave. to Santinos at 1611 Pacific Ave where you can buy some yummy empanadas (at a great price) and see more local art. Next store you can’t miss Hotel Erwin, which has two venues, one, on the fifth floor, showing Liza Gizaro, Larry Shapiro, etc. They also showcase artists in the driveway. Next to their café, Hash, you can view the talents of Lisa Rosso, Tommy Serrato and more. http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/losangeles/erwin.

  
 

There are some great Art Crawl events with food and drink specials happening at Hama Sushi 213 Windward Ave who will be featuring the work of Kevin Fitzgerald and Angel FLows (Alina Virtas) paintings. Brianna Falcone will be performing an acoustic set.. http://www.hamasushi.com/.




At Danny’s Venice at 23 Windward, check out the incredible art of Rip Cronk. For this special occasion enjoy their art crawl drink special, Twisted Marg! http://www.dannysvenice.com/. Skip right across the street to the Townhouse, where there is always a party.

  
 

You definitely want to stop in at 57 Market St., where Momentum presents renowned photographer, Sunny Bak. In celebration of the Beastie Boys release of their latest CD, Bak, has agreed to show her exclusive rarely seen photographs of The Beastie Boys from the 80’s. Sunny toured with the Beastie Boys on their first World tour. Sunny Bak is passionate about releasing these images now, so that young fans may also have the opportunity to experience what their parents did, 25 years ago. This now iconic rap band influenced a generation and introduced hip hop to the masses.



Music from their career will be featured that night along with other old school hip hop favorites. A limited edition of 50 signed and numbered prints will be available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Prop 8 Films (www.prop8films.com).

 

Additional artists featured at 57 Market will include: street artist El Fatom (Rage Against the Machine), and Venice local Joe Ravetz (hip hop dance images), Santa Barbara artist Bobbi Bennett (Superheros) and Nic Adams.

 

Don’t forget Nikki’s (72 Market St.), right across the street, they will be hoppin’ as well, showcasing artist Bea Lamar.

 

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

Friday, April 22^nd

There are a couple openings on Abbot Kinney in Venice that may interest you.


The Gebert Gallery (1345 Abbot Kinney)  is a beautiful gallery and always offers a classy opening with very tasty cocktails. Tonight’s reception from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm features a group show with over 20 artists. Show runs through May 25th. http://www.gebertgallery.com/.

The G2 Gallery is one of my favorite galleries here in Venice. An environmentally conscious gallery, G2 always chooses to show exhibitions with a cause. Yes they have started to charge $5.00 for entry, but they do serve wine, beer and appetizers, so why not? It is 100% donated to an environmental charity. Tonight they are presenting an Eco Runway for Earth Day. This event will be featuring the eco-conscious active wear of Zavella, a socially responsible clothing company as well as Ladjili Jewelry, and the GoodMakers Street Team. The GoodMakers Street Team will promote chemical free makeup and Venice-based artisan Veronica Brigitte Rose with Ladjili jewelry will showcase her handmade crystal jewelry. The event runs from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Tasty treats by Chipotle. RSVP required to events@theg2gallery.com; G2 Gallery is located at 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice.  http://www.theg2gallery.com/.

 Saturday, April 23^rd

 

Earth Day is upon us and the Whole Foods in Venice celebrates with an Extravaganza. There will be all kinds of free giveaways. Local artist Ruth San Pietro offers a workshop from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in front of Whole foods. The actual event continues till 4:00 pm. http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/venice/store-calendar/. http://www.sanpietropaper.com/.

ACME Gallery, at 6150 Wilshire Blvd., 90048 will be having a very special opening featuring Allison Miller (see image) and Julie Haft Candell.  Event begins at 6:00 pm and goes till 8:00 pm. 323-857-5942; http://www.acmelosangeles.com

Steve Turner Contemporary, located at 6026 Wilshire Blvd, just east of Fairfax, 90036, presents Camilo Ontiveros and Dai Toyofuki. Reception will be held from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm. 323 931-3721; http://steveturnercontemporary.com

 

Well tonight you'll find several fun openings at Bergamot Station at 2525 Michigan Ave in Santa Monica.

 

Here are some more earlier events Ruth Bachofner Gallery (G-2), presents Michel Alexis and Jennifer Faist from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, ; 310 829 3300; http://www.ruthbachofnergallery.com.

Rosamund Felsen Gallery (B-4) showing works by Andrew Falkowski. The opening reception runs from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. 310 828-8488; http://www.rosamundfelsen.com.

Then don’t forget to stop into Track 16 (C-1) to see the work of David Kuntz and Gail Greenfield Randall. This opening starts at 6:00 pm but does go till 9:00 pm. 310-264-4678; http://track16.com.

If you are up to going to Culver City…LeBasse Projects presents the opening reception of 'Outside/In' The New Street Art featuring: Herakut, Case, Alexandros Vasmoulakis,hark Toof and Bumblebee. LeBasse Projects (6023 Washington Blvd. 90232) Opening receptions runs from 7-10:00 pm. 310.558.0200;  www.lebasseprojects.com.

Since you’re in Culver City already, may as well pop into Parker Jones from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm to celebrate the opening of their latest exhibit, Viola, featuring the work of Phil Wagner. 213.618.6464; http://www.parkerjonesgallery.com/.

 

How about some music???

Stay in Culver City, since The Cinema Bar will be serving up some funky music with The Sugar Shack Attack, who will be teaming up with the Edgy John Abella Band (Honey Pie Jones) for a set of his BadAss Swingin' Blues with sultry singer Amy Cottone, 9:00-10:00 Followed by Miss Jessica, featuring bassist Greg Spann and Matt Herman on conga's! Cocktails, Beer and some Funky Live Music!  10:30-1:30. The Cinema Bar is a fun dive bar located at 3967 Sepulveda Blvd. north of Washington Place, 1 block south of Venice Blvd. (310) 390-1328. No Cover.

Or in Venice, stop into the Talking Stick, to hear Stefani Valadez and Steve Moos play a night of folk-Rock N Blues featuring Freedom Songs at The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd Venice 90291 from 7:30pm till 10:30pm. Stevie Gurr will be playing as well with special guest, Al.’sPeace. There is an $8.00 cover on thei one.

The Talking Stick offers delicious, reasonably priced salads, sandwiches, hummus & pita, tasty desserts, and an array of smoothies, coffees and teas in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. 310.450.6052; www.thetalkingstick.net; www.stefanivaladezmusic.com;

Sunday, April 24^th

Go hunt some eggs, (God knows it's been a long time since I've seen mine) and let me know, if you find a white rabbit!  



Have a great Easter!