In Santa Monica…

haleARTS S P A C E hosts an opening reception for artists Burton Rein and Danielle L. Shenise.

Rein’s abstract paintings explore nature’s repeating curvilinear patterns – from coiled paths of subatomic particles to spiraling hurricanes and galaxies.

Shenise’s photographs illuminate the drama of architectural elements and facades.

What: Opening reception
Where: haleARTS S P A C E, 2443 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
When: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: 310-314-8038
Website: www.halearts.com  www.burtonreinart.com  www.1404photo.com

In North Hollywood…

Carter Sexton  presents more than 25 artists participating in a group show featuring animals. Emmy award winning animal artist, and character designer David Coleman will have a booksigning before the reception from 5-6pm.

Carter Sexton Artist Materials has been in business since 1944 and has a wonderful reputation amongst artists.

Appetizers and wine will be served as well as a local baker making special animal cookies.

What: Opening reception and Book Signing
Where: Carter Sexton Artist Materials, 5308 Laurel Canyon blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91607
When: 5-6 Booksigning 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm reception
Phone: (818) 763-5050
Website: http://www.cartersexton.com/

Or in Venice…

At the Talking Stick, enjoy a special evening is a fundraising and community awareness event paying tribute to the extraordinary 95-year old blacklisted actress-activist, Marsha Hunt. Marsha was discovered at Paramount in 1935, at age 17.

She went on to make 25 films for MGM before she was unfairly blacklisted for going to Washington to support the Hollywood 19, and her name appeared in Red Channels, a right wing magazine. This listing destroyed her career in early TV, and films. She went on a trip around the world in 1955 that opened her eyes to abject poverty. She vowed then and there to become a “planet patriot.” She looked up the United Nations and supported them for over 50 years. She was the FIRST ‘Angelina Jolie’.

Local Filmmakers Roger C. Memos, Richard Adkins and Joan Cohen, together with the support of their good friend and local Venice resident, Linda Levitz, created a short, compelling fundraising trailer for their upcoming documentary on the life of this incredibly devoted, progressive social activist of her time, Marsha Hunt. The film presentation will be shown at The Talking Stick on this special night, along with several live musical performances.

There is a $5 donation and 1-purchase to the house.

What: Benefit
Where: Talking Stick Coffee Lounge 1411 Lincoln Blvd Venice 90291
When: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Website:  http://www.thetalkingstick.net/

Also in Venice…

Venice Arts holds a benefit tonight….Whiskey, Wine, Victuals & Virtuosos at the Townhouse’s Del Monte Speakeasy.

For just $20.00 you’ll enjoy FREE FOOD from Venice Beach Wine, Canal Club, James Beach and Danny’s Deli. FREE WHISKEY TASTING by the “Bourbon Baron” also included with $20 cover from 8pm to 10pm. Enjoy live music with Jazz trio Carlos Niño from 8pm to 10pm and Allensworth, from 10pm to 12pm

You can also buy tickets for a raffle for the chance to win prizes like a $100 gift card to 26 Beach Restaurant. Tickets are $5/each or 3 for $10. Purchase in advance or at the door.

All proceeds from the cover charge and raffle go to support Venice Arts’ Youth Art Internship Program, placing low-income teens in internships at local creative businesses.

What: Benefit
Where: Downstairs at the Townhouse, 52 Windward Avenue (west of Pacific) in Venice
When: 8:00 – 12:00 am
Phone: 310-392-0846
Website: http://www.venicearts.org/ venice-arts.org  (I think something is awry with their website…so be sure to CALL