This is the BIGGEST Day of the year for the art world…..It seems like every gallery in LA is having an opening….So don’t miss it.

The Pick of the Week is the Grand Opening of “The Loft @ Larchmont Village” feauturing artist Charles Swenson.  Enjoy treats, spirits and Brutha Gimel spinning the discs.  The event starts at 8:30 pm, so there’s still time to stop at earlier art parties.

Sat 9.8 Topanga 2012Remember you must RSVP to Jaclyn Lafer, at 323 314-0780 as space is limited.

Topanga Canyon Gallery holds an opening receptions for artists Robin Becker, Rebecca Catterall and Paula Fagan. I happen to know all three artists and their work is wonderful, so stop by.

Each artist has also donated an original work of art for a raffle to benefit Liberty Children’s Home, Fagan’s orphanage in Belize.

On view: Sept 5th – Sept 30th

What: Opening reception, Journey
Where: Topanga Canyon Gallery, Pine Tree Circle, 120 N. Topanga Cyn Blvd., Topanga 90290
When: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: 310 455-7909
Website: http://www.topangacanyongallery.com/

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Sat 9.8 Opica2012Also there are some more fabulous art parties taking place at Bergamot Station located at 2525 Michigan Ave., in Santa Monica. Some start very early such as the special event taking place at Talisman Fine Art Gallery.

In support of Opica, a non profit organization who help patients with Alzheimers and Dementia, Talisman Fine Art Gallery (A-6) hosts an annual benefit, open and free to the public starting at 2:00 pm. The event will feature live music with Tom Gramlich & Mystic Miles and special guests.

The exhibition will showcase works created by Alzheimers and Dementia patients. As part of OPICA’s art classes, original works are created and then put up for sale at this event each year. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly back to OPICA’s much needed art supplies and art program.

What: Opening reception,  Opica Benefit (Free Admission)
Where: Talisman Fine Art Gallery, Bergamot Station, (A-6) 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica,  90404
When: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Website:
http://talismanfineartgallery.com/; http://www.opica.org/

Rosamund Felsen (B-4) holds an opening for artist Jacci Den Hartog from 5 – 7 pm http://www.rosamundfelsen.com

SkidmoreReemtsen Sweet Contemporary Art presents the very first exhibition of Kelly Reemtsen’s pastels on paper and the debut of works in a new medium for her – woodcut.

The pastels and two woodcuts incorporate Reemtsen’s signature image – that of a solitary female figure in a vintage party dress carrying a tool that is traditionally associated with physical tasks performed by men. Gotta love a woman yielding an axe.

In addition, she has created compositions of pills which delight the eye with their resemblance to candy and at the same time elicit a double-take as one can’t help but try to identify the pharmaceuticals. Though most are benign remedies found in any medicine cabinet, there is the occasional Xanax, valium, and Prozac. We are not only what we wear, and the type of tool we brandish, but what we take.

Reemtsen twisterArrays of pills are the subject of several pastels, and a floor sculpture comprised of a hundred hand-cast plaster larger than life ‘pills’ 3″, 4″, and 5″ in diameter. Too big to be imbibed and of no use for a headache or depression, poignant objects.

What: Opening reception, Kelly Reemtsen
Where: Skidmore Contemporary Art, Bergamot Station 2525 Michigan Ave., D-2 Santa Monica, 90404
When: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: 310-828-5070
Website: http://www.skidmorecontemporaryart.com

Plus….Ruth Bachofner always holds an early one. Margaret Griffith (see image), “Installation”: presents a monumental paper-based installation based on gates found in her Highland Park neighborhood.

Richard Gate “There is A Tree In Paradise” brings together a series of intimately scaled works on paper. Each 15″ x 11″ sheet of heavy Japanese paper holds a crisp gathering of imagery, drawin from science, popular culture, ancient history, technology, mathematics, folk art, physics, and astronomy.

On view: September 8th – October 13th

What: Opening reception, Selina Trieff, Presences
Where: Ruth Bachofner Gallery, Bergamot Station, (G-2) 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, 90404
When: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: (310) 829-3300
Website: www.ruthbachofnergallery.com

Craig Krull Gallery holds an opening reception for two exhibitions, Two Sublimes, Idaho featuring photographer Michael Light, as well as Yosemite with artist, Pamela Kendall Schiffer.

What: Opening reception, Michael Light, Pamela Kendall Schiffer
Where: Craig Krull Gallery (B-3) Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, 90404
When: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Phone: 310.828.6410
Website: http://www.craigkrullgallery.com

The 9.8 RobertBerman BillBarminskiRobert Berman Gallery presents This Side Up featuring artist Bill Barminski. Los Angeles based artist and UCLA lecturer Bill Barminski will debut his first solo exhibition in over five years

There’s always a great art party here.

On view: Sept 8th – Sept 29th

What: Opening reception, This Side Up
Where: THE ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY, Bergamot Station, (B-7) 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, 90404
When: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: 310.586.9128
Website: http://www.robertbermangallery.com/

Patrick Painter Galley has a closing of Greg Colson: Early Works; a selection of objects from that initial period in the artist’s practice. Greg Colson will be at the gallery to give a tour and to sign copies of his catalogue with an introduction by Patrick Painter.

What: Closing reception, Greg Colson
Where: Patrick Painter, Bergamot Station, A8 & B2 2525 Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404
When: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: 310 264 5988
Website: http://www.patrickpainter.com/

Shoshana Wayne Gallery celebrates their fall exhibitions, Echo of Echo curated by Shirley Tse and Marichris Ty. This group show features work by Erich Bollmann, Dawn Clements, Ivan Iannoli, Jason Bailer Losh, Michael John Kelly, Keaton Macon, Julie Orser, Damaris Rivera, Rachelle Rojany, Samantha Roth, and Cody Trepte.

Also on view will be works by Sarah Vanderlip.

What: Opening reception,
Where: Shoshana Wayne Gallery, Bergamot Station (B-1) 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, 90404
When: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: 310.453.7535
Website: http://shoshanawayne.com/

Stop into Richard Heller Gallery (B-5A) for their latest exhibition of artist Devin Troy Strother.  http://richardhellergallery.com/

Sat 9.8 Track16Rumor has it that this is Track 16 Gallery’s last exhibition before it is demolished to make way for Metro’s light rail. (but you never know….)

Track 16 Gallery presents the exhibition and installation, WE GOT P0WER!: We Survived the Pit, celebrating the release of the book “WE GOT P0WER! Hardcore Punk Scenes From 1980s Southern California” By David Markey & Jordan Schwartz [Bazillion Points Books, 2012].

The opening will feature live music by Adolescents, Saccharine Trust, The Last, White Flag, & Dead Issue.

On view: September 8 – October 6

What: Opening reception, WE GOT P0WER!: We Survived the Pit
Where: Track 16, C-1
When: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Website: http://track16.com

Gallery Luisotti (A2 ) will feature Toshio Shibata: Two Decades. Opening from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. http://www.galleryluisotti.com/

Beneath the Surface, opens tonight at dnj Gallery, featuring the work of Southern California photographer Suda House.

See image right, Orion and Artemis, a9.8DNJ Orion-and-Artemisrchival digital Fujiflex, 1986, 36″ x 120″

On view: Sept 8 – Oct 27th

What: Opening reception,  Beneath the Surface,
Where: dnj Gallery, Bergamot Station, (J-1) 2525 Michigan
Avenue, Santa Monica,  90404
When: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: 310.315.3551
Website: http://www.dnjgallery.net/

Also for a late night art party stay for Copro Gallery, who throws an artist reception for BLAB WORLD 2012 from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. http://www.copronason.com/

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AlsSat 9.8 KayneGriffin Wegner invite finalo in Santa Monica, Kayne Griffin Corcoran offers an exhibition of photographs by Peter Wegner, focusing on new work from his highly-acclaimed series BUILDINGS MADE OF SKY.

Wegner will also exhibit O/N/E/T/H/I/N/G/L/E/A/D/S/T/O/A/N/O/T/H/E/R/, a sequence of 69 photographs installed in a single line encircling one room of the gallery.

On view: Sept 8 – Oct 27

What: Opening reception, Peter Wegner
Where: Kayne Griffin Corcoran, 2902 Nebraska Ave., Santa Monica, 90404
When: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: 310.586.6886
Website: http://www.kaynegriffincorcoran.com/

One more for you in Santa Monica, at ARENA 1 Gallery at the Santa Monica Studios premieres “Doppelgangsters – the Prequel,” a group show curated by Allen Tombello from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm http://www.santamonicaartstudios.com/

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ThSat 9.8 Bleicher-LindaSmithen another in Santa Monica….Bleicher Golightly Gallery presents the solo exhibit by Linda Smith. Linda’s work is a wild display of pattern, color, and texture through her paintings and ceramics.

Her expressive language was inspired by Picasso and Matisse, as she emulates their usage of bright colors and their graphic style.

On view: Sept 7th – Sept 25th

What: Opening reception,
Where: Bleicher Golightly Gallery 1431 Ocean Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
When: 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Phone: 310 237 6423
Website: https://santamonica.bgartdealings.com/

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In Culver City…..tons of events going on here too. Opening at Walter Maciel Gallery, 2642 S. La Cienega Ave., LA is a show by Oscar Cueto entitled Paisajes y Manchas Rorschach from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. http://waltermacielgallery.com/

George Billis Gallery celebrates two artists, Wes Hempel (see image) and Bryan Ida. Wes Hempel has been committed to re-envisioning the depiction of masculinity in contemporary art. Bryan Ida’s new work features a series of rectangular and circular wall pieces.

What: Opening reception, Wes Hempel, Bryan Ida
Where: George Billis Gallery 2716 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 90029
When: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: (310) 838-3685
Website: www.georgebillis.com

Angles Gallery (2754 S La Cienega Blvd, LA 90034), offers an opening for Erin Cosgrove from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. www.anglesgallery.com

Western Project (2762 S. La Cienega) honors Thomas Burke from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 2022 Update: This Gallery has closed; Website is down!

For only the second time in 20+ years Paul Kopeikin is delighted to exhibit a recent graduate from Art Center showcasing photo collage from artist Alexandra Bellissimo. The exhibition is entitled Simulations.

On view: Sept 8th – Oct 27th

What: Opening reception,
Where: Kopeikin Gallery, 2766 South La Cienega Blvd.,
When: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: 310-559-0800
Website: http://www.kopeikingallery.com

WU 9.8 DavidKordansky ThomasLawsonDavid Kordansky Gallery holds an opening reception for In the Shadow of the Beast, an exhibition of new paintings by Thomas Lawson. Consisting of medium- and large- scale canvases, the show presents the latest developments in Lawson’s on-going investigation of allegory and the human figure.

On view: September 8th – October 20th

What: Opening Reception,
Where: David Kordansky Gallery, 3143 S. La Cienega Blvd., LA, 90016
When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: 310-558-3030
Website: http://davidkordanskygallery.com/

Head east first towards the Mark Moore Gallery who will be having an opening featuring atist Dimitri Kozyrev and Tomokazu Matsuyama in the project room.

On view: September 8th – October 27

What: Opening reception,
Where: Mark Moore Gallery, 5790 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
When: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone: 310 453-3031
Website: http://www.markmooregallery.com

LeBasse Projects celebrates Hakuryuu – White Dragon, new works by Yumiko Kayukawa. This anticipated exhibition is Kayukawa’s first solo exhibition with LeBasse Projects after appearing in several group exhibitions.

In reaction to the devastating earthquake that hit Japan in 2011, Yumiko Kayukawa explores personal coping mechanisms in the aftermath of an unforgettably painful event.

On view: Sept 8th – Oct 6th

What: Opening reception, “Hakuryuu – White Dragon”
Where: LeBasse Projects, 6023 Washington Blvd., LA 90232
When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Phone:  310.558.0200
Website: http://www.lebasseprojects.com/

Keep going east on Washington to the opening of a second space for the Corey Helford Gallery. Dubbed Circa, tonight is the Grand Opening with the first new body of work in two years from the amazing Lola. Two doors down from their original space, the new location is 8530-A Washington Boulevard, Culver City). Refreshments will be served. http://chgcirca.com/

The Whole 9 Gallery and Art Dimensions Inc. present America the Beautiful, an exhibit unveiling the works of four contemporary artists.

Artists include Mark Andrew Allen, Brian Leighton, Joan Scheibel and Seth Taras. The works of art in America the Beautiful are a rich expanse of color that shift from one American scene or icon to another. Each artist approaches his or her medium in a contrasting yet elemental way, unfurling a kaleidoscope of our beautiful country.

September 8 – October 8, 2012

What: Opening reception, American the Beautiful
Where: The Whole 9 Gallery, 3830 Main St., Culver City, CA, 90232
When: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
2022 UPDATE: Whole 9 Gallery has closed its doors

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Also in the Miracle Mile area…..ACME (6150 Wilshire Blvd.) celebrates Tomory Dodge from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm.  2022 Update: Website is down!

Sat 9.8 MerryKarnowsky LezleySaar UnnamedTheYellowWallpaperThe Merry Karnowsky Gallery holds an opening reception for artist Lezley Saar’s lates exhibition, Madwoman in the Attic.

In this exhibition Saar masterfully subverts the traditions of 19th Century Gothic literature and Colonial art through added drops of surrealism and insurgent perspective.

See imaage, Lezley Saar, “Unnamed- the Yellow Wallpaper” 2012, Acrylic and digital photographs on board, 40″ x 30″

What: Opening reception, Madwoman in the Attic
Where: Merry Karnowsky Gallery 170 S. La Brea Ave. (In the Art 170 Building), LA 90036
When: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Website: https://kpprojects.net/

FYI – MK Gallery changed its name to KP Projects;

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Downtown, there’s more fun art happenings.   PYO Gallery LA (1100 South Hope St., Suite, 105 Los Angeles, CA 90015) features Macduff Everton: Patagonia from 6 – 8  pm. 2022 Update: Website is down!

Norbertellen Gallery (215 W. 6th St) offers an opening from 6 – 10pm; 2022 Update: Website is down!

Hive Gallery (729 Spring) also hosts an art party from 8 – 11:30 pm.http://thehivegallery.com