Tonight, Santa Monica Museum of Art presents Mickalene Thomas ….first at 4:00 pm for an exclusive conversation where she will talk about the contemporary and historical influences that inspire her work. Then, enjoy an opening reception. Mickalene Thomas: Origin of the Universe showcases all-new work by this highly acclaimed multi-media artist. See image to right.

Isa Melsheimer: Vermilion Sands and Other Stories from the Neon West is a new installation that explores Hollywood’s cinematic heyday and its motion picture icons. Melsheimer was influenced by classic Hollywood films such as David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard. See image below left.

And finally, Park Studio: Complex Elements features unusual blown glass forms sparked by a unique collaboration between students from Santa Monica and from the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s glass program, led by artist Jaime Guerrero. Park Studio–SMMoA’s annual outreach project–engages teens in revelatory art experiences over their academic Spring Break.

What: Opening reception, Mickalene Thomas: Origin of the Universe, Isa Melsheimer: Vermilion Sands and Other Stories from the Neon West
Where: SMMoA, Bergamot Station (G-1) 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica,
When: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Members 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
Phone: 310.453.9184
Website: http://smmoa.org/
RSVP: rsvp@smmoa.org or 310.453.9184

The Vault offers a group show, Veneris XIII, (in collaboration with Skotia Gallery see below) featuring works by Richard E. Aaron, Terry O’Neill, Bob Willoughby, and Frank Worth.

In celebration of Friday the 13th, select any print from thier fine art lithograph collection for only $13. (regularly $189) *select artists only. (NICE!). Music by Lavenders (Dublab);

On view: April 13th 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

What: Opening reception, Veneris XIII, group show,
Where: The Vault, 6150 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232
When: 7 pm – 10 pm
Phone: 310.202.7166
Website: http://thevaultculvercity.com/

Veneris XIII, continues to Skotia Gallery. This group show is in collaboration with The Vault featuring Kent Williams, Jason Shawn Alexander, Kevin Llewellyn, Stephanie Inagaki, Kikyz 1313, Suzy O’Mullane, Simon McWilliams, Rodrigo Cifuentes, Brandon Boyd, Ketut Kusuma, Tanmaya Bingham, So Youn Lee, Black Em, Anna Ataeva, Zoetica Ebb, Aubin Crowell, and Christiane Shillito. DJ Lavenders (dublab), hosted bar, and raffle/prizes.

What: Veneris XIII, group show,
Where: Skotia Gallery, 6144 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232
When: 7 pm – 10 pm
Website: http://www.skotiagallery.com