December, a Busy Month at Hive Art Gallery and Studios!

December is a busy month for most galleries. Art is a one of a kind gift - perfect for the season. Hive Art Gallery and Studios has stood the test of time and has given many Los Angeles artists – a creative home. Now it’s time to turn the tables and head downtown to HIVE and support local artists.

Cartwright knows how important it is to keep creating. As a gallery owner, he also recognizes the need to adjust with the times. Hive Gallery has done just that in support of its artists.

This month special featured artist will be showcased such as Ty Cummings, Ryan Patterson and Walt Hall, plus two group exhibitions…”ARTRATES JAPAN” and Escoto's "The White Tiger" Project” with special effects artist Ivonne Escoto

Ty Cummings has been creating art since he was a child. He received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2008, as well as an MFA from CalArts in Los Angeles in 2012.

His art is created with everyday items and alternative tools such as glitter spray, puzzle pieces, charcoal etc. His mixed media works begin on canvas or a board and it extends to incorporate found items and unusual objects. Using various techniques, he illuminates the work with varying levels of abstraction and representation. 

Ty Cummings, Pieces - 16" x 20," mixed media

 

He explains the movement that he strives to reveal in his work…“Psychedelic color and noir aesthetics of light and shade create drama to enhance the memory of the experience through arousal.”

He added that the series incorporates DTLA street settings, views from the Hollywood hills, Westside beach towns and multi-narrative characters. Cummings has lived in various parts of LA, such as Venice, Downtown and Santa Monica. Each neighborhood ignited his view of that community.

Cummings explained that the piece entitled Avenue is inspired by channeling and perception. Another work entitled Pieces envisions energy and motion. For more information about Cummings, visit tycummings.com

Ivonne Escoto has worked in the effects industry for over a decade making special effects and suits for movies, commercials, TV and theater. She has worked on projects like Spider-man 2, Alien vs Predator, Tron Legacy, Shrek the musical, Grimm, Sleepy Hollow, The Flash and more.

“I'm a builder working in many different mediums from sculpting to stitching and loving the full process and learning new techniques. My favorite medium is foam, in my industry I'm considered a fabricator which builds the muscle suits or puppets out of soft, reticulate or insulating foam.” http://bluangel13.wixsite.com/bluangel13

Xianpit has been working her entire life as an artist (or in some way or another) as she puts it. “I was lucky enough to have been born into a family of artists so dreams were easier to pursue. My grandfather was a traveling magician so from an early age I was convinced that the world was much more colorful than most people could imagine.”

Xianpitt, Embrace,  6"x9"  2016 Kodak Endura Print

 

Working in various mediums, Xianpit said at one point she considered herself a  serious painter…soon she started focusing on soft sculpture and then combined photography to create magical images of creatures from other worlds or tiny mini realities. She continues, “That exploration got bigger when I made costumes and props for music videos. It was fun to make a giant vagina for the Flaming Lips video Watching the Planets video. I started setting friends in costumes in my backyard and now I work back a forth between both little and big monsters. The artist recently became involved with the Los Angeles Krampus Troupe and has been enjoying making Krampus monster costumes. https://xianpitt.wordpress.com/

The artist reception will be held this Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 8-11pm at The Hive Gallery & Studios, 729 South Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90014. There is a $5 suggested donation. (213) 955-9051; http://hivegallery.com/

December Group Art Exhibit Opens at Beyond the Lines Gallery this Saturday, December 3rd, 2016!

Gallerist Brittany Davis knows a bit about putting on an art show…she has been producing pop-up events and creating fun art parties for the past two years. As of October, she has opened her own permanent gallery called Beyond the Lines Gallery at the legendary Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica.

“Almost every show has a theme so I first look for pieces that match with that,” said Davis. “Then I look for unique, balanced composition, intriguing, uplifting creative works of all kinds,” The December show is open to interpretation...with a broader sense of theme.

Stephanie Visser said she was excited to be back participating in another show at Bergamot Station. She has previously exhibited at bG Gallery and TAG Gallery – both located at the popular arts center.

Stephanie Visser Inception # 6 untitled, 72x48     

Originally from southwestern Michigan, Visser received her BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design. Now a Los Angeles resident, she is a dedicated artist who is continuously creating. Visser works from the inside out and strives to paint every day, allowing her vision to unfold. She is always open to new possibilities. Visser allows her emotions to lead her, using color, light to further complement her abstract paintings. She works in various media such as acrylic, oil, and mixed-media. She recently participated in a group show in her in Lake Michigan. She said she was proud to exhibit work with four artists who grew up in the same area.

Find out more about the paintings of Stephanie Visser on her website http://stephanievisser.com/

Floyd Strickland has exhibited work before with Davis via her pop-up events and said he is excited to show at the new gallery. Working in acrylic pigments and clay sculpture, he creates art nearly every day.

When asked about his inspiration for the work featured in this Saturday’s exhibition, he replied, “For the “Dancer” I wanted to create an image that displayed the grace, beauty and power of dancers. 

Floyd Strickland, Dancer

“Floyd Strickland is a very driven talented painter,” said Davis. “Some of his pieces feature his children and you can see the love within the painting.  Using patterns intertwined with powerful bold subjects usually on a bigger scale. His work will definitely catch your eye as soon as you walk into the room.’  

Davis said she was also excited about another artist. “Rude Calderon is a stone sculptor that transforms beautiful rocks into amazing pieces of art,” said Davis “You can't help but stare and wonder how he achieved these masterpieces in stone from the rougher edges to the smoothest points.” 

Calderon said, “Once art is an integral part of your life and vocation, one creates constantly, even while driving and taking the environment around you. Everything feeds and informs the needs of the artwork.” http://www.rudecalderon.com/

Kristina Ambriz is not a newcomer to the gallery. She was featured in the October grand opening exhibition, as well as the November Portraits exhibition and will once again be featured in the December show. “I have also displayed artwork in one of Brittany’s pop up shows,” said Ambriz, who has been painting for the past fifteen years. The art bug first bit her when she won first place for a book cover contest in first grade. It was until middle school that she seriously thought about art as a career.

Kristina Ambriz    Carissa acrylic on canvas

Ambriz often works in acrylic paint since it’s fast drying and she likes flexibility of the medium. “I also work with oils, watercolor, and colored pencil.  It depends on the project.” Her recent work is in acrylic, with a focus on feminine portraiture. “I try to balance the dichotomy between abstract and realism, developing an authentic yet caricatured portrayal of each of my models.” http://www.kristinaambriz.com/

Come to a fun art party on Saturday December 3rd 5pm-9pm. The closing party takes place on Thursday December 29th 5pm-8:30pm. Beyond the Lines Gallery is located at Bergamot Station, G #8, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, 90404. http://www.beyondthelinesartshow.com/

SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is Back Sunday November 20th!

SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS celebrates ART this Sunday November 20^th. “Auctions are the fun exciting and best value way to collect and buy art that you will love forever," said longtime art dealer and owner, Robert Berman. A successful gallerist, (ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY), he has be a part of the art world for the past forty years, Berman has watched it change around him. He said he appreciates the benefits of the internet, which has made buying art accessible to so many from all over the world. In addition, the live auction has welcomed new collectors and opened up buying opportunities to everyday people who can either start or continue to add to their art collection.

 RETNA
Crooked Just Like You, 2016
Acrylic on canvas
Signed and titled on verso
72 x 72 inches
Estimate: $40,000/$50,000

SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS features a large array of modern and contemporary works and showcases mid-career and established artists of all mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, etc. Works such as “Index”, a first edition Warhol from 1987, and Frank Romero’s 1984 oil on canvas of “Niño y Caballo” are set to be auctioned, along with art from the likes of Ed Ruscha, RETNA, Ed Moses, Patrick Nagel, and more.

The public will also have a chance to bid on artworks by Peter Alexander, Banksy, Bill Barminski, Jonathan Borofsky, Phoebe Brunner, Joe Goode, , Robert Graham,  Keith Haring, Mike Kelley, Jeff Koons, Annie Leibovitz, Joan Miro, Takashi Murakami, Raymond Pettibon, Frank Romero, etc.

This Sunday November 20^th, at noon…find your art treasure and add to your collection….or start a new one at SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS. The auction will run as long as it needs to (around 6pm). Bergamot Station Arts Center is located at 2525 Michigan Ave., in Santa Monica. Be sure to arrive early, as these events are very popular. Enjoy refreshments while having the chance to sit beside avid collectors and learn firsthand the true value of collecting art. SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS has allowed all art lovers, and collectors...both novice and professionals to come together in one inclusive event.

Raymond Pettibon
No Title (A Happy Person), c. 1980
Used for the back cover of the
Minutemen’s album Buzz or Howl Under the Influence of Heat
Ink and white out on paper
Signed on verso
Sheet: 16 x 11 inches; Framed: 25.5 x 20.5 inches
Provenance: Private Collection, Los Angeles; Regen Projects, Los Angeles, CA, tag on verso
Estimate: $25,000/$30,000

 

The SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS Gallery will be open every day from 11-6pm, and this Saturday November 19, 2016 until 8pm. The preview is currently on view now at both galleries A-5 and B-7 at Bergamot Station (Tues-Fri 11-6pm) and will remain open until 8pm on Saturday, November 19th. Visit the website to see the ever changing catalog. If you are unable to attend, online and phone live bidding will be available.

Whether you are new to art or an avid collector, Santa Monica Auctions has something for you. http://www.smauctions.com

Sunday, October 23, 2016, Upper West Restaurant Features the Art of Charlie Patton!

Artist Charlie Patton began painting when he was a mere child. Inspired by his first teacher (a 92-year-old painter) who dazzled the boy with her talent and ease to create a work of art right before his eyes. He has been painting ever since. 

Donia by Charlie Patton, 30'' x 40'' Oil on Linen

Now as a professional artist he has shown in many galleries and said he is especially excited to exhibit his work at Upper West Restaurant. Known for its fantastic cuisine, the Santa Monica restaurant hosts art shows every three to four months. On Sunday, October 23^rd, Upper West presents “Visceral” Intuitive Abstraction featuring over thirteen works by Patton.

The Upper West team has selected an eclectic grouping of paintings from several different painting series. “These range from pure abstract, abstract figurative, collage, to classical paintings like Donia,” said Patton. “I like the approach to this because it all most looks like different people painted these paintings.”

He describes his inspiration… "Donia is a good friend of mine who had a certain profile that was very beautiful so I wanted to paint that. The cup that she is holding is an 18th century bone cup with a metal heart and initials engraved on it. I think it was a wedding cup.”

Patton said he never knows what will emerge when approaching a canvas. He is open to anything. He went on to explain that he will often start a painting with a specific style in mind, then find that the piece is evolving into an entirely different work of art such as Cape Horn, one of the paintings that will be part of “Visceral.” He continued, “Cape Horn started out as a pure abstract painting that evolved into an African influenced color pallet and figure.”

What is love by Charlie Patton, 50'' x 78'' Mixed Medium 

The painting What is Love, is probably one of Patton’s most personal works. He painted the mixed media work at his studio in Santa Barbara. “It represents the pain that we feel when we fall in love with someone and that love is not mutually shared,” said Patton. “It feels like a shot thru the heart.” Art lovers have been especially been drawn to this painting. 

I think that the most important thing about making art for me is that I transform my perspective to a relaxed frame of mind when I am making art or thinking about art or talking to artists about art.

“Visceral” Intuitive Abstraction featuring the paintings of Charlie Patton opens on Sunday, October 23rd at Upper West Restaurant. The artist reception takes place from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Find out more about the artist, Charlie Patton on his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cpattonart/

                                                                     

For additional info about the restaurant, Upper West, visit the website at http://www.theupperwest.com/

Sunday, October 23, 2016, Upper West Restaurant Features the Art of Charlie Patton!

Artist Charlie Patton began painting when he was a mere child. Inspired by his first teacher (a 92-year-old painter) who dazzled the boy with her talent and ease to create a work of art right before his eyes. He has been painting ever since. 

Donia by Charlie Patton, 30'' x 40'' Oil on Linen

Now as a professional artist he has shown in many galleries and said he is especially excited to exhibit his work at Upper West Restaurant. Known for its fantastic cuisine, the Santa Monica restaurant hosts art shows every three to four months. On Sunday, October 23^rd, Upper West presents “Visceral” Intuitive Abstraction featuring over thirteen works by Patton.

The Upper West team has selected an eclectic grouping of paintings from several different painting series. “These range from pure abstract, abstract figurative, collage, to classical paintings like Donia,” said Patton. “I like the approach to this because it all most looks like different people painted these paintings.”

He describes his inspiration… "Donia is a good friend of mine who had a certain profile that was very beautiful so I wanted to paint that. The cup that she is holding is an 18th century bone cup with a metal heart and initials engraved on it. I think it was a wedding cup.”

Patton said he never knows what will emerge when approaching a canvas. He is open to anything. He went on to explain that he will often start a painting with a specific style in mind, then find that the piece is evolving into an entirely different work of art such as Cape Horn, one of the paintings that will be part of “Visceral.” He continued, “Cape Horn started out as a pure abstract painting that evolved into an African influenced color pallet and figure.”

What is love by Charlie Patton, 50'' x 78'' Mixed Medium 

The painting What is Love, is probably one of Patton’s most personal works. He painted the mixed media work at his studio in Santa Barbara. “It represents the pain that we feel when we fall in love with someone and that love is not mutually shared,” said Patton. “It feels like a shot thru the heart.” Art lovers have been especially been drawn to this painting. 

I think that the most important thing about making art for me is that I transform my perspective to a relaxed frame of mind when I am making art or thinking about art or talking to artists about art.

“Visceral” Intuitive Abstraction featuring the paintings of Charlie Patton opens on Sunday, October 23rd at Upper West Restaurant. The artist reception takes place from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Find out more about the artist, Charlie Patton on his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cpattonart/

                                                                     

For additional info about the restaurant, Upper West, visit the website at http://www.theupperwest.com/

Jill Joy Gallery Opens a New Space on La Brea Avenue, Saturday, October 8th!

The Jill Joy Gallery returns to LA...with a brand new gallery located at 456 S. La Brea Avenue. It's first exhibition is entitled “Emotion,” an exhibition of recent paintings by Jill Joy.

“Despite the risk and expense, I’m opening my own gallery out of a desire to share my diverse body of work and spiritual message with the public and to exhibit the work of other artists with a similar message. The gallery system is about 150 years old and works for some artists but not all. Prior to the Impressionists, artists presented their own work in salons. I want to give the viewing public access to a different contemporary art experience, one that is intimate with the art and the artists who make the work. The issues I had with my first space on Wilshire and the resultant setback of having to find a new space served to solidify my commitment to my unique path as artist/gallerist.” – Jill Joy

Jill Joy continues her exploration into spiritual healing and the evolution of consciousness with her solo exhibition “Emotion.” This series of large, impasto oil paintings addresses the temporal, personal, human struggle that includes loss, pain, joy, change, frustration, grief and aspiration. Joy explained that the work addresses the power of emotions to transform us when we open to them versus repressing them. “Emotion” is just one of a three part series…”Consciousness” and “Illumination” will follow featuring bold new bodies of work by the artist.

Joy’s inspiration for the painting, Summoning the Heart of Love (see image below) was first activated by the book/film The Secret. Joy said she has always believed that our thoughts held great power…but she also believes that most of our thoughts are subconscious, beyond our awareness, and so we are often surprised when we get what comes to us. She had a trying moment with her on again off again boyfriend (who will always hold a special place for her in her heart). “It was a perfect sort of day at the beach, as it often was between us, but for the tension of unfulfilled love and attraction, which made it less than perfect. That day ended up sourcing an under painting.” She continued, “It seemed unfinished: raw somehow and one dimensional, or maybe idealized and thus untruthful. So I let it sit. After I saw the Life of Pi a few months later, I finished it the next day inspired by the scene when Pi, shipwrecked, just about gives up in the middle of the ocean, stranded for weeks, and about to be destroyed in a storm. He completely surrenders, embraces chaos, love, death and God. I realized the love I was looking for was not love with a small ‘l’ but Love with a capital ‘L.’ Unconditional. All encompassing. Uncontrollable. This is what I finally decided to do in the painting, and in life.”

Image: Summoning The Heart of Love, oil on canvas, 60x72 

Jill Joy was raised in Arizona, Molokai, Hawaii and Massachusetts under trying financial and emotional circumstances. The transcendence of these circumstances has fed her spiritual and artistic journey. She is self-taught with an intuitive process. She is drawn to spiritual art and chooses to create consciously. She currently works out of her gallery (Jill Joy Gallery) located at on Museum Row. 

Don’t miss the opening reception for “Emotion” at the Jill Joy Gallery (456 La Brea Blvd., LA, 90036), on Saturday, October 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view through October 29th, 2016.  http://www.jilljoy.com/

huZ Galleries Presents "Musicians" Saturday, August 6th, 2016!

On Saturday, August 6th, huZ Galleries is  pleased to present “Musicians” -  photography by Peter Figen with two never-before-seen Elvis Presley photographs by special guest Anthony Bernard.

Image: Willie Dixon

Peter Figen is an established photographer who has been working for over three decades. He got his start in the late 1970’s photographing a Hot Rize concert in Santa Cruz, CA. FRETS magazine saw his work and that was the beginning of his commercial career. His career took off, and he has built an incredible reputation as a musician’s photographer.

In addition to his highly developed skill as a photographer, Figen also prints his own works (along with others) and has become known for his iconic images. His subjects have included: Doc Watson, Willie Dixon, George Harrison, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Scott Weiland and countless others.

Photographer Anthony Bernard’s work will also be on view as part of the exhibition. Bernard had taken shots of a young Elvis Presley, backed up by Scotty Moore, performing in Lubbock, Texas in 1955. For some reason the photographs were never printed or published. Bernard, who was a photographer for the Air Force, shot the images of Elvis just before he became famous. Needless to say when his son, Tony Bernard Jr. found the negatives he knew they were special and approached Huss Hardan, owner of HuZ Galleries for additional help. Hardan suggested Peter Figen, who restored the negatives and printed them in all their glory with a stunning depth and tonal range.

Image:  Lyle Lovett; printed with archival pigmented inks on Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta photo paper; Photographed on top of Westwood Music for the cover of Acoustic Guitar Magazine;

Unfortunately, it has been a bitter sweet story, as Scotty Moore passed this past June, but thanks to Peter Figen and Tony Bernard the exhibition will celebrate the photography and the music of Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Doc Watson, Willie Dixon, etc.
featuring two never before seen photographs of Elvis Presley shot by Anthony Bernard.

An opening reception for “Musicians” will be held on Saturday August 6th, at 7pm at huZ Galleries. You can find huZ Galleries in San Pedro. The gallery is located at 341 West 7th Street, 90731, part of the arts district and participates in the art walk each first Thursday. “Musicians” will be previewed at the August 4th art walk, but the two Elvis Presley works will not be on view until the official opening on August 6th.  For additional info, call 310 428 0275 or visit the website at http://www.huzgalleries.com/

Montana Ave Art Walk and Music Festival is back Thursday, July 21, 2016

Save the Date...Thursday, July 21, 2016 Montana Ave Art Walk and Music Festival takes place once again.

It's summer and it's a great time to head to Santa Monica to enjoy local artists and musicians up and down Montana from 7th Street all the way up to about 17th....

Montana Ave will be buzzing from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with many of the businesses participating in the event as well as bands and local performers.

Shops like Texture: A Sweater Store and More, Partner's Trust, Sweet Lady Jane, Golden Wellness, Ten Women Gallery, and more will all be open late to take part of the FREE art event.

Start on the bottom end of Montana and pop by Texture: the Sweater Store and More.

If you are not familiar with this store, Texture is known for its beautiful scarves (in addition to it's fab sweaters).

The store will be offering some sweet deals...Buy a wrap for the summer....a great accessory item to have while you are spending the day at the beach. Perhaps you'd like to stay for the sunset.? Of course they also have fabulous sweaters...light ones too....perfect to throw in you beach bag for the evening.

TEXTURE: the Sweater Store & More is located at 716 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; (310) 393-0707; See FB page.

Head East up the avenue...

Guitarist Peter Skrabak will be performing at the Shade Store. He'll be playing some classical and standards. A classically trained guitarist, Skrabak starting playing at just seven years of age and played his first professional gig at fourteen. He worked as a bassist early on, and has played just about every style of music.

Skrabak has built a successful career here in the U.S. He has lived and performed in a variety of places, even Hawaii. He is a noted songwriter as well. Skrabak worked with legendary sax player Hollis Gentry, and while in the band, he wrote a song (NO PODRAS) which was performed by Gentry and would later become a huge international hit for the Mexican artist Cristian Castro.  http://www.peterskrabak.com

The Shade Store, 1001 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 - Los Angeles County (310) 526-8611; https://www.theshadestore.com/

Continue East to find the Swinging Cool Cats will be performing just outside Palmetto.

The trio features Rick Bryan drummer and bandleader who has 30 years experience Pro, specializing in reactive spontaneous blues and jazz drumming.

Musician Tadg Galleran (Piano/Organ) will also be featured. Galleran was an original member of the Cast of HAIR. He has played with Peter Tork of Monkees fame and several stints with The King Brothers, Bernie Pearl, Ray Goren and many others.

Palmetto, 1034 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, California 90403; (310) 395-6687; FB Page;

Ten Women Gallery will also be participating....of course. This a vibrant artist's co-operative gallery currently showcases over twenty local women artists. You know they will be out in full force showing all the beautiful art. It's a great place to purchase gifts for birthdays or hostess gifts for all those summer parties.  Come on kids...support the arts!
Ten Women Gallery, 1128 Montana Ave., 310-393-6254; www.tenwomengallery.com

Golden Wellness Rx Pharmacy is featuring a sale on Jewelry and accessories. As well as offering some samples of Republic of Tea (Double Green Matcha Tea & Super Green tea-Serenity). The Pharmacy will showcase the portraits, landscapes, and abstract art of Jenna Cahn; www.jennacahn.com

Golden Wellness Rx Pharmacy, 1202 Montana Ave., Unit C, Santa Monica, 90403; www.GoldenWellnessRx.com

At Lucy, stop by to see performer guitarist Milo Gonzalez. He is self-taught in both classical guitar and flamenco guitar. Gonzalez has performed at well known music festivals such as Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, Electric Picnic, Boom Festival, and Farmaid.  https://soundcloud.com/milo-gonzalez. Lucy, 1230 Montana Ave., (310) 255-9994;

Michael Stars will be open as well...The fashion store specializes in contemporary clothing with luxury essentials for LA's hip beach lifestyle. They will be offering a 30 % discount throughout the store for tonight's event. Michael Stars, 1233 Montana Ave; 310-260-5558; http://www.michaelstars.com/

Kat and the Jazz Birds will be performing jazz standards and some blues as well as some old time swing. The band feature seasoned players, Bob Crickmore on keys, Al Rappoport on Sax, Gary Fitzgerald (subbing for Mike Flick - in photo) and Mitch Montrose on drums.

You will recognize some well known melodies such as All of Me, My funny Valentine, Fever, Fly me to the Moon, Almost like Being in Love and more. We will also be paying tribute to legendary artists such as Peggy Lee, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Wanda Jackson and more.

For more information about Kat & the Jazz Birds, and my four other bands at www.KathyLeonardo.com

Partner's Trust, 1333 Montana Ave Santa Monica, CA; (310) 382-8500; http://www.thepartnerstrust.com/

Of course you may have your favorite store on Montana....so come on out and visit. The event runs from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Enjoy the live music and stroll down the Avenue (from 6th to 17th). See ya out there. http://montanaave.com/

Sunday, June 26, the Art or Eva Montealegre Set to Show at Upper West!

Upper West Restaurant presents “The Cosmic Experience” featuring the art of Eva Montealegre on Sunday, June 26 from 4-7pm. 

The Santa Monica restaurant features new art from local artists every few months. As is the tradition, Upper West hosts an artist reception and a meet and greet with each new artist. Curated by the restaurant and the team at LAArtParty.com, talented artists are selected for a solo exhibition and celebrated at Upper West.

The work of artist Eva Montealegre is set to be featured on Sunday, June 26^th with an opening reception taking place from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Montealegre has shown in galleries across the U.S. In addition to being an artist, Eva is a crime novelist writing under the name, Eva Batonne. Eva’s first novel is titled Resurrection Diva, and has only garnered rave reviews including a blurb by Michael Connelly. It’s available on Amazon and you can visit her crime fiction website @ www.evabatonne.com for more insights. Her next novel is due out late this summer. Eva has been known to work in various forms of art, including writing, filmmaking, singing, dancing and acting, too. She has taught mask and headpiece workshops that often include original writing, music & performance as well as the construction of powerful healing masks that maybe hung on the wall to decorate a home or office.

Montealegre explains a bit about what she will be showing…“I have several paintings from the Deep series: Deep One is the largest at 44” x 70” and all of these are abstract and they have to do with our deeper selves and the meanings that are sometimes elusive and yet so present. The idea is to invite the viewer to imagine going deep into the ocean of their beings or even to propel themselves deep into the outer space of their existence in a sort of self-exploration. We are all in relationship with the cosmos even though we don’t think about it much. Where does that experience begin? At the tip of our nose.

Spirit Horse  36" x 48" mixed-media with oil on canvas

Spirit Horse is about staying connected to one's youthfulness and playfulness.  It's about unbridled energy and sensuality and personal power. It is a delightful expression of a joyful oneness with life.  All the gold symbols are very happy, sunny and healing type symbols. Both Spirit Horse and Bear Spirit and many of my paintings resonate with mankind's cave paintings which are all over the planet.

For additional information about Eva Montealegre, visit her website at http://www.evamontealegre.com

Upper West is known for its incredible cuisine, provided by Chef Nick Shipp who hails from Fort Worth, Texas. Adding his own special flair, Shipp has been cooking since he was just fifteen and graduated from the Culinary Institute of Dallas.

The opening reception for “The Cosmic Experience” will take place on Sunday, June 26 from 4-7pm at Upper West Restaurant located at 3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, (310) 586-1111; http://www.theupperwest.com