Back to the Pick of the week, you won’t want to miss contemporary artist Sona Mirzaei’s solo exhibition entitled Abstract Expressions at Seyhoun Gallery in West Hollywood.

Sona will include the latest pieces from In Search of Splendor in addition to featuring Tales of Copenhagen a collection completed during her time in Denmark. Splendor builds on Sona’s love of history and comprises works exploring events and personalities from Ancient Rome, Persia, and Europe in oils, abstract, figurative, and mixed media forms on canvas.

Powerful and richly detailed works of art that keep within the place and time they evoke. Tales of Copenhagen on the other hand, demonstrates the range evident in her work by capturing a lighthearted and colorful representation of that enchanting part of the world.

Sona recently participated in the prestigious Elephant Parade in Copenhagen this year, and now her elephant, Triumph of Unity is on exhibition at the Asian Civilization Museum in Singapore where it will be auctioned off by Sotheby’s auction house in January 8th, 2012, to benefit Asian elephants.

This will be a fabulous party, get there early…Wine, cupcakes, refreshments, and appetizers will be served. DJ X- Vertigo spinning some of his magic too!

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Since you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Los Angeles Art Association reception for their annual group show at Gallery 825, from 6:00 pm to 9:00pm.

The 2011 Open Show is juried by Charlie Manzo of Gagosian Gallery, New York, NY. Featured artists include: Georgette Buckley, Palmer Earl, Thomas Frontini, Kaldust Guedel, Tracey Harnish, Shelley Holcomb,  Peter Kempson, Barbara Kolo,  Ryan McCann, Janet Milhomme, Peter Nagy,  Gary Raymond,  Launa D. Romoff,  Grafton Tanquary, Gina Teichert, Michael Verbenec, Jodi Weitzman, Valerie Wilcox, and more.

Gallery 825 is located at 825 N. La Cienega Blvd., 90069; 310.652.8272; http://www.laaa.org/

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At Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Auctions will be hosting a preview reception from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm at the Writers Bootcamp bldg.

Tomorrow….marks the big day for The Popular Art Auction (starting at 1:00 pm). http://www.smauctions.com/

Also at Bergamot, Lora Schlesinger Gallery (T-3) presents two exhibits “The Color of Light” and “The Fifth Element,” featuring artists, Miya Ando, Susan Metzger. 

Opening reception: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Lora Schlesinger Gallery is located at Bergamot Station T-3; 310.828.1133; http://www.loraschlesinger.com

Copro Gallery T-5) offers a group show, Black Christmas, featuring works from Chet Zar, Luke Chueh, Glenn Barr, Dave MacDowell, Genevive Zacconi, Macsorro, Super Cooper, Anthony Ausgang, Dan Quintana, Brian Despain, James Zar, and many more

Also celebrated tonight, will be the work of Xue Wang, and Nouar’s Hell is a Kitchen. A bit dark, don’t you think..? Copro tends to have fun, but offbeat openings that run late. The show will remain open till December 31st.

The opening reception will be held from 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm. 310 829-2156; http://www.copronason.com/

Also in Santa Monica, If you are in need of some classical music, enjoy a free concert at the Santa Monica Civic Center. The Santa Monica Symphony presents the second concert of its 2011-12 Season.There will be a pre-concert lecture with UCLA’s Professor of Musicology Raymond Knapp at 6:30 PM. Then the musical performance 7:30 pm. Free admission. No reservations or tickets required.310-395-6330; http://www.smsymphony.org/.

Also in Santa Monica, a lovely store called Rumba has an artist reception for Ann Thornycroft. Holiday sales will of course be availabe. Sake will be served. There will also be a food truck. Located at 1740 Ocean Park Blvd., SM 90405, The reception is during the day, running from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. 

One more opening, right next door, and it’s just a bit different, Cafe Bolivar & Gallery presents an opening reception for “OUR LADY OF THE LOWRIDER,” which happens from 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm.This exhibition features Ernie Lucero’s classic lowrider cars and trucks painted on wood cut-outs.For more information: 310-581-2344. Cafe Bolivar & Gallery is located at 1741 Ocean Park Blvd. http://www.cafebolivar.com/

Celebrate the holidays tonight at the third annual Flying Saucers ‘Small Works’ show and holiday party. The wall is crammed salon style with many many local artists’ works, all priced at under $100. There are literally over 25 artists represented this month.

Enjoy music, drinks, food, dancing, and a room full of amazing and talented artists from 8:30 pm till 11:30 pm. This one gets hoppin’ a bit later, and is always fun! Flying Saucers Caffeine & Art, 306 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90405.

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The Marina Boat Parade happens tonight….always a fun event…See their website, http://www.mdrboatparade.org/

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Or in Culver City, Thinkspace presents ‘As It Falls Over You’, an exhibition profiling two incredible young talents in the field of realism, each with their own unique vision. Featuring the color drenched portraits of California’s very own Nathan DeYoung alongside the water infused work of Sweden’s Linnea Strid, The exhibit will showcase 10 new works on panel from each artist with DeYoung working in acrylics and Strid with oils.

The reception will be held from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm at Thinkspace Art Gallery, 6009 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; (310) 558-3375; www.thinkspacegallery.com/

One more in Culver City…is The Whole 9 Gallery. Come celebrate with their Holiday Open House with small works and a trunk show too….Perfect for that special loved one who has everything. Enjoy refreshments and holiday treats from 6:00pm till 8:00 pm.Remember they have a new space at 3830 Main St., between Venice and Culver, 90232. 310 836-4600; 

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Or get out of LA, and head to Joshua Tree, where JTAG Gallery holds a special Morango Basin Humane Society Fundraiser on today from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. 

Enjoy the art of JTAG, plus refreshments, Raffle prizes and a special auction. What a great cause…!

Silent Auction starts Jan. 10th, 10am – 5pm. You may also bid online by emailing you bid or text 310 562 0511. Preview starts Jan. 8th online.

Don’t forget to go for a hike while you are there….it’s just beautiful!

Joshua Tree Gallery is located at 61607 21 Palms Hwy, Suite B  Joshua Tree, CA 92252; http://www.joshuatreeartgallery.com/

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Also, Topanga Canyon Gallery, located at 120 Topanga Blvd./Pine Tree Circle #109, offers an art & wine reception from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm as part of their Holiday Show. Local artists will showcase their paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more. 310 455-7909; http://www.topangacanyongallery.com/