May 18, 2017: 
Palos Verdes Art Center hosts a special luncheon, talk, and book signing with Ari Seth Cohen, author of Advanced Style: Older and Wiser. The event begins at noon. Guests will be treated to a meal by Chef Brett of Stripe Café and are encouraged to dress up for this charming occasion. $45 includes Lunch and Trunk Show; Lunch: 12pm – 4pm; Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 West Crestridge, Rancho Palos Verdes CA, 310.541.2479, http://www.pvartcenter.org

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May 18, 2017: 
Meet local artists at the Venice Art Crawl (which happens quarterly on the third Thursday of the month).

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Enjoy art, culture and entertainment from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. The events runs from Venice Blvd, from the beach to Oakwood Blvd., and surrounding areas. Visit the VAC website for more details. http://www.veniceartcrawl.com/

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May 19, 2017: 
Kohn Gallery is pleased to present Bay Area artist Dean Byington’s first solo show at the gallery, titled “Theory of Machines.” This exhibition will feature nine complex new oil paintings in the main gallery space. On view: May 19 – June 30, 2017; Reception: 6-8pm; Kohn Gallery, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 90038; http://www.kohngallery.com/

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May 19, 2017: 
Kayne Griffin Corcoran offers an opening reception for “The Courtyard,” an exhibition of new sculptural works by Los Angeles based artist, Rosha Yaghmai. This will be the artist’s second solo show with the gallery.  Also South gallery…”Early Work 1964-1975,” an exhibition by Tatsuo Kawaguchi. This will be Kawaguchi’s first solo exhibition in Los Angeles and with the gallery. On view: May 19 – July 8, 2017; Reception: 7-9pm; Kayne Griffin Corcoran, 1201 South La Brea Ave., LA 90019;

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May 19, 2017: 
David Kordansky Gallery celebrates “12 Paintings,” an exhibition of new work by Lesley Vance and “Féminaire,” a new exhibition by Mai-Thu Perret. On view: May 19 – July 1, 2017; Opening reception: 6-8pm; David Kordansky Gallery, 5130 W. Edgewood Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90019; http://davidkordanskygallery.com/

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May 20 & 21, 2017:
The Beverly Hills artSHOW takes place today and tomorrow. (*LAArtParty.com is a proud sponsor). Celebrating 44 years, the artSHOW featues over 240 artists and all types of media such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, drawing, printmaking, glass, two and three-dimensional mixed-media, painting, photography, sculpture and watercolor.

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The FREE event takes place from 10am to 6pm and runs along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford. See our Upcoming Event Feature for additional info or visit www.beverlyhills.org/artshowinfo

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May 20, 2017:

The Craft in America Center celebrates the art of Kazuki Takizawa. Los Angeles artist Kazuki Takizawa captures human emotions in the shimmering, fragile form of glass. Passion, turmoil, self-expression, and mental health are driving forces behind Takizawa’s articulate approach to sculpture; for the past decade, Takizawa has been using the medium of glass to bring awareness to suicide prevention, bipolar disorder, and therapy The artist uses blown and shaped glass to shed light on the darkness that can overwhelm those who face depression, disorder, and mental illness in their lives. His powerful bulbous shapes and vessels encapsulate these taboo topics and provide a personal catharsis to the artist. Art Talk 4:pm; Art Reception 5-7pm; Craft in America Center, 8415 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90048; http://www.craftinamerica.org/

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May 20, 2017:
In Miracle Mile…TAG Gallery has MOVED and hosts its grand re-opening. tonight. Enjoy the photography of Donn Delson, Bone Sculpture by Jerry Hardin, Mixed Media by Gary Polonsky, and Neon Sculptures by Linda Sue Price. Though married to the earth, Donn Delson finds himself perpetually drawn to the sky for the unencumbered, unfamiliar, and consistently wondrous perspective it provides. Fortunately, Delson has no fear of heights and loves the adrenalin rush as he shoots from ‘doors off’ helicopters. Artist Jerry Hardin’s debut exhibition at TAG Gallery entitled Bone Sculpture showcases Hardin’s mastery over the complex yet sublime medium of bone. Our favorite munchies, whatever they might be, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, are all represented in Gary Polonsky’s latest work from his on-going food series. In “Enlightened Systems,” Linda Sue Price represents elements that make up the whole from healing plants, chemicals that destroy and the out of control—weeds. Respect is the bottom line. Save the date…June 3, 2017 for an artist panel discussion: On view: May 16 – June 10, 2017; Art Party: 5-8 pm; TAG Gallery, 5458 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; http://www.taggallery.net

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May 20, 2017: 

Whiskey lovers head Downtown….miro Restaurant celebrates World Whisky Day with its new Whiskey Lounge. Enjoy carefully-curated food and beverage experience – tastings from distilleries around the world, as well as distinct gastronomic creations infused and paired with whiskey, such as Whisky-Cured Ham, Chicken and Wafflesf, etc.. Tastings will be provided by Alexander Murray & Co. LLC, Benromach Whisky, WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, Teeling Whiskey Co., Glen Grant, Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve. Tickets include passed appetizers and tasting stations from seven brands with more than 20 featured expressions. Limited tickets are available. ADMISSION: $40 per person – CLICK HERE to purchase tickets; 5-8pm; The Whiskey Lounge at miro in DTLA, 888 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90017;

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May 20, 2017: 
In Santa Monica…There are several art parties taking place.

Skidmore Contemporary Art presents “Black, White, Sparkle, and Pop!” featuring the art of Robert Charles Dunahay, and The opening reception takes place on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 4-6pm. Dunahay’s new paintings are black and white and appear at first glance to be completely abstract. The artist chose shapes which “are purposely suggestive of things, so that the resulting image has a vague yet familiar feel to it.” The imagery references nature, architecture, art deco patterns, and textiles from many different cultures. In contrast to the black and white shapes, the surfaces sparkle like diamond dust and are peppered with a shifting rainbow of holographic colors. On view: May 20 – June 17, 2017; Reception 4-6pm; Skidmore Contemporary Art, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, B-4 Santa Monica, 90404; http://www.skidmorecontemporaryart.com/

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May 20, 2017: 
Also at Bergamot Station…several other galleries are hosting art parties…such as dnj (J-1), these listed below.
bG Gallery (G-8) will be featuring a group show. “Word Jumble” is an exhibition of art made out of words. Each artist was assigned a word to create a unique piece of work. Each week a poet will arrange the words into a new poem. Bergamot Station Arts Center 2525 Michigan Ave. Unit F2 Santa Monica CA 90404; http://www.santamonica.bgartdealings.com/

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May 20, 2017: 
Building Bridges Art Exchange presents “20/21: The marriage of minors between denial and melancholy,” a solo exhibition featuring the work of Mostapha Romli. Romli’s latest body of conceptual work takes us on a dramatic journey inside the increasing number of children weddings that have taken place in Morocco in the last ten years as a result of the 20/21 law. Art Party:6-9pm; Building Bridges Art Exchange, Bergamot Station Arts Center 2525 Michigan Ave. Unit F2 Santa Monica CA 90404; http://www.buildingbridgesartexchange.org/

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May 20, 2017: 
In West LA…Giant Robot 2 Gallery is proud to host Drifter, a solo exhibition by Sean Chao. On view: May 20-June 7, 2017; Art Party: 6:30pm-10pm; Giant Robot 2 (GR2), 2062 Sawtelle Blve., LA, 90025; https://www.giantrobot.com

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May 20, 2017: 
In Culver City…Edward Cella Art & Architecture presents “Vernacular Environments, Part 1,” a group exhibition of works selected from the 1960s through present day that explore the diversity of tensions between built environments, bodies, and narratives. Among the artists featured in this exhibition are Stephen Berens, Jennifer Bolande, Raúl Cordero,William Leavitt, John Mason, Alex Schweder, Robert Smithson, Clarissa Tossin, and MICA-TV (Michael Owen/Carole Ann Klonarides) in collaboration with Dike Blaire, Dan Graham, and Christian Marclay. On view: May 20 – July 15, 2017; Art Party: 6-8pm; Edward Cella Art + Architecture, 2754 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 90034; http://www.edwardcella.com/

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May 20, 2017:
In Playa Vista…THE Party is the concluding event of the 2017 Venice Design Series: Architecture + Arts. The VDS consists of six personalized events between April 29 and May 20, taking place in locations from Venice to Malibu and Culver City, led by leading architects and art patrons.
THE Party, on May 20 is the culminating event of the Series, which raises funds for the non-profit Venice Community Housing, a 29 year old nonprofit, which owns and operates fifteen apartment buildings for low income families and individuals. www.vchcorp.org  THE Party will take place at ad agency 72andSunny, in the former HQ of the Howard Hughes corporation in Playa Vista. ADMISSION $500.00; FOOD AND DRINK WILL BE SERVED; 310-505-4220; 7-10pmhttp://venicedesignseries.org

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May 20, 2017: 
In Miracle Mile…A couple in the same building….LAUNCH LA celebrates Christine Weir’s new exhibition titled “QUALIA.” On view: June 17, 2017; Art Party: 6 – 9pm; RSVP Essential to: rsvp@launchla.org; LAUNCH LA, 170 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036; http://www.launchla.org/

AND downstairs….KP Projects presents “GREG ‘CRAOLA’ SIMKINS NO STRINGS.” Art Party 7-10pm;  KP PROJECTS, 170 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036; https://kpprojectsgallery.net/ 

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May 20, 2017: 
Then just down the street…the Loft at Liz’s host an art party to celebrate the art of Anna Dusi “Ardumman House Project – Drawings And Sounds.” Anna Dusi absorbed the magic of Ireland and she “blended” with the soul of Ardrumman House. Sound May 20, 2017:  by Giuseppe Patanè. Curated by Kio Griffith. In collaboration with Instituto Italiano Di Cultura; Artist talk June 14, 7- 9pm; Artist Reception: 7-10pm; The Loft at Liz’s, 453 S. La Brea Ave (upstairs), Los Angeles 90036; http://www.theloftatlizs.com

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May 21, 2017
It’s the second day of the Beverly Hills artSHOW (*LAArtParty.com is a proud sponsor). The annual artSHOW featues over 240 artists and all types of media such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital media, drawing, printmaking, glass, two and three-dimensional mixed-media, painting, photography, sculpture and watercolor. The FREE event takes place from 10am to 6pm and runs along Santa Monica Boulevard from Rodeo Drive to Rexford. See our Upcoming Event Feature for additional info or visit www.beverlyhills.org/artshowinfo

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May 21, 2017:  
The Venice Art Walk takes place today. Visit the studios of local Venice artists. Tickets are $50 and will benefit the Venice Family Clinic. Visit the website purchase tickets; Studio tour runs from 12-4pm, then from 4-6pm, head to the silent art auction (open to the public – free) at Google, 340 Main Street; https://venicefamilyclinic.org

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May 25, 2017: 
Shulamit Nazarian is pleased to present Broken Language, an exhibition featuring four artists whose works operate within coded systems of visual communication. These artists utilize fractured letterforms, emojis, trademarks, commercial illustrations, and icons in a process that dismisses linear narrative in favor of non-hierarchical structures of language. Collectively, the work builds on millennia of visual storytelling–from hieroglyphs to narrative paintings to corporate logos–transcending cultural boundaries and linguistic constraints. On view: May 25 – July 1, 2017; Shulamit Nazarian, 616 N. La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 6-8pm: http://www.shulamitnazarian.com/

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May 27, 2017: 
Beyond the Lines presents “The Miniature Art Show.” On view May 27 – June 4, 2017. The opening reception takes place from 3pm-8pm. Beyond the Lines, Bergamot Station, G-8, 2525 Michigan Avenue, SM, 90405;

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It’s Memorial Day weekend...let’s honor the men and women who bravely serve our country. THANK YOU!! Here are a few of my favorite events.

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May 27 – 29, 2017:
Enjoy three days of live music and more at the annual Topanga Days County Fair. The events features multiple stages of entertainment, fine arts, and arts and crafts, face-painting, etc. Admission: $25; Sat. thru Mon, 10am-7pm/parade on Mon. 9am; Military is FREE on Memorial Day; Topanga Community House, 1440 N. Topanga Bl, Topanga, CA 90290; http://www.topangadays.com

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May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day):    

In Venice…this one is always fun. Venice Beach Memorial Day International Body-Building Classic. Hundreds of athletes will be competing. The categories include: body building, figure, bikini, men and women’s physique, couples, and vintage pinup. This event is hosted by Stealth Gear and Icon Muscle, and produced by Joe Wheatley Productions. Admission: free- VIP seating 12pm; Pre-judging starts at 10am, ceremony 1pm; 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA; http://www.musclebeachvenice.com

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May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day):  
It’s the final day of Fiesta Hermosa. The annual festival featues local arists plus a carnival, music, etc. Hours: 10am-6pm. Location: downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Avenue and lower Pier Avenue. http://fiestahermosa.net/

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May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day):
Santa Monica is holding its annual Memorial Day Observance at Woodlawn Cemetery. The event features musical tributes by the John Adams Middle School Choir and the Santa Monica Oceanaires; a photo exhibit showcasing work by students from Santa Monica College’s photo department; and the squadron military flyover. There will be arts and crafts and other activities following the ceremony.  Food and ice cream will be available for purchase. Admission: free; Monday 11am; Woodlawn Cemetery, 1847  14th St, Santa Monica; http://www.woodlawnsm.com

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May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day):    
Or head to Marina Del Rey for a champagne brunch on Hornblower Cruises. Enjoy delicious buffet stocked with classic American breakfast dishes, plus plenty of seasonal lunch entrées and richly decadent desserts. Admission: $68.95; 12-2pm (boards at 11:30am), 13755 Fiji Way, Marina DelRey.

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Performances run through June 30, 2017: (extended through June 2016) *admission
In Hollywood…The hit play ELEVATOR, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker and playwright Michael Leoni, returns to Los Angeles for a special limited engagement at The Coast Playhouse in West Hollywood. The cast features Devon Werkheiser (Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) William Stanford Davis (Showtime’s “Ray Donovan”), Deborah Vancelette (FX’s “Terriers”), David Abed (Blue Man Group), Karsen Rigby, Erica Katzin and Kristina St. Peter.

March25-2017-Elevator
The creative team includes scenic and lighting designer David Goldstein (Off Broadway’s Soul Doctor, Stalking the Bogeyman, Ghostlight) and original music and sound designer Mario Marchetti (who has collaborated with such artists as Demi Lovato, JoJo, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, among many others). ELEVATOR runs through Sunday, April 30, 2017.

See a review of the play on our Review Page.

Performances take place from Sat, Mar 25 – Sun, Apr 30, 2017 ( 8pm; Sat 8pm; Sun 3pm); Single tickets are now available for $40. Visit the website  purchase tickets, or call (323) 960-7787. Ticket prices subject to change. No late seating will be accommodated. Coast Playhouse 8325 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA, 90069; Website is down as of April 2023

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