August 1 2026 Art Parties Events

Saturday August 1, 2026 Art Parties and Events keep us happy with art openings, closings, walk-throughs, book signings, theatre and also lots more. So get out there and enjoy the arts – there is just so much to do in the city of Angels.

August 1 2026 Art Parties & Events

Patricia Healey, photo courtesy of the Pasadena Bead & Design Show

It’s the second day of the Pasadena Bead & Design Show at the Pasadena Convention Center. It runs through tomorrow, Aug 2, 2026. In addition to beads, the biannual event features gemstones, artisan jewelry, textiles, findings, handcrafted works, as well as creative materials. Over 300 exhibitors as well as artists, tradespeople, and also creative suppliers will be showing their wares. Event: Runs all weekend, 10am-5pm; Admission: $8 online / $10 at the door (good for all three days); Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena CA 90404; https://www.beadanddesign.com/

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Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific this holiday weekend. My husband and I love the Aquarium. Read the ETG Aquarium of the Pacific Know Before You Go Feature on our sister site EatTravel.Go.com; if you are interested in an article featuring a more personal experience, read my husband, Richard Bilow’s article Pacific Visions Makes Waves at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Richard is an aquatic artist and has a different take on the subject than most. Hours 10-6pm; 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802; https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

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Santa Monica

bG Gallery unveils The Great Escape a group show. The exhibition includes a variety of media such as paintings, photography, sculpture, and also mixed media. The Great Escape runs through August 15, 2026;

Jocelyn Jonaneth Reverie 2026 acrylic on wood panel 36 x7 2 in

Art Party: 3-6pm; bG Gallery, Bergamot Station Arts Center, Suite A2m 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404; https://santamonica.bgartdealings.com

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Park La Brea area

LAUNCH Gallery throws a closing art party for a group show titled Summer Meditations. Artists include: Zo Frampton, Barbara Kolo, and Moti Tavassoli. Furthermore, the gallery will host an artist led walk-through as well. Event: 3-5pm; Artist Walkthrough: 4pm; LAUNCH Gallery, 170 S. La Brea Ave, Ste. 202, LA, 90036; https://launchla.org

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Beverly Hills

Marc Selwyn Fine Art hosts a celebratory art party for the artist with tamales and tequila to celebrate Joey Terrill: Chisme y Memorias. The event is free for all to attend – please rsvp@marcselwynfineart.com; Joey Terrill: Chisme y Memorias is on view though August 22, 2026; Art Party: 5-7pm; Marc Selwyn Fine Art, 9953 South Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; https://www.marcselwynfineart.com/

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Melrose Hill

Ochi Gallery hosts an afternoon of readings that engage the legacy of Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto. The presentation takes place in conjunction with the two person exhibition currently on view at the gallery.

The Best Machines Are Made of Sunshine opened in July. It features the sculptures of Molly Larkey and the paintings of Caitlin Lonegan. The show’s title is inspired by a 1985 essay A Cyborg Manifesto. Readers include Lily Lady, Molly Larkey, Sophia Le Fraga, and Jasmine Nyende. Readings: 4-6pm; Ochi Gallery, 605 N. Western Ave., LA, 90004; https://ochigallery.com/exhibition/

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Also in Melrose Hill…The Page Before Me by Susan Te Kahurangi King opens at James Fuentes Gallery. The artist incorporates an eclectic assortment of cartoon characters, creatures, objects, as well as recognizable symbols, beings into the work. Susan Te Kahurangi King, The Page Before Me is organized in collaboration with MARCH, New York and will remain on view through September 12, 2026; Event: 6-8pm; James Fuentes, 5015 Melrose Ave, LA, 90038; https://jamesfuentes.com/

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Beverly/Fairfax area

Craft in America throws an art party and book signing for its newest publication – Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America. The book pays tribute to the spirit of American craftsmanship for the past 250 years. Contributing writers and artists will be present to sign books and discuss their involvement and research. Please email rsvp@craftinamerica.org if you’d like to attend. Art Party & book signing: 5-7pm; Craft in America, 8415 W. Third St. LA, 90048; https://craftinamerica.org/

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Hollywood

Musichead Gallery hosts an opening art party for its newest exhibition – Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl (1980–1985). The photography exhibition starts at the beginning of the dancer/singer’s career as seen by various well known photographers. Artists include: Deborah Feingold, Gary Heery, Jack Lue, Marc Canter, Mark Weiss, Mick Rock, and Richard Corman. The group show runs through September 26, 2026; Art Party: 6-8pm; Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd, LA, 90046; https://musichead.com/

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West Hollywood

The 2026 LAAA Benefit Auction takes place today. LAArtParty has been sponsoring this event for many years, and it’s always a wonderful art party benefitting Los Angeles Art Association. Also the organization has been supporting artists for 101 years. In addition to its auction there will be a VIP portion of the event with an open bar as well as sushi rolls from Nobu from 6-7pm. Then from 7-9, the event continues with additional attendees arriving with the John Moran Auctioneers conducting the live auction. Moreover, online bidding will allow supporters to participate remotely. Event:

VIP Preview from 6-7pm $150 ($180 at the door) includes appetizers by NOBU and open bar; General Admission runs from 7-9pm $25 includes open bar; Live auction begins promptly at 7:15pm. Silent auction closes at 8:30pm. Order tickets to the 2026 LAAA Benefit Auction HERE or via phone at 310.652.8272; LAAA’s 2026 Benefit Auction, Gallery 825, 825 N. La Cienega Blvd, LA, 90069; https://www.laaa.org/

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