It’s the last Venice Art Crawl of 2012 and there are tons of events taking place for the December Venice Art Crawl.

There are also some changes taking place for the next few months. The Venice Art Crawl will take place every three months instead of being a monthly event. It will continue to happen on the third Thursday of every fourth month.

This month at Figtree’s Cafe there will be a special tribute event paying homage to Victoria Barcelona (the late owner of Figtree’s Cafe).

The event will run from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm in conjuction with the Venice Art Crawl.

Figtree’s Café has been participating in the crawl since it’s inception. Vicky Barcelona was a big supporter of arts and a kind, sweet spirit. She will be missed. I can speak as a singer/musician, and friend. Vicky hired me to perform jazz at Figtree’s Cafe, she also attended several gigs of mine at other venues. She loved music and the arts.

Vicky was very involved in booking the artists as part of the Venice Art Crawl. I had the chance to work closely with Vicky. I helped her book many artists at Figtree’s. I sent her links to websites and art for her to review. She always made sure to look through everything and even visited their studios/homes to select the perfect piece for Figtree’s Cafe.

Vicky created a wonderful warm environment for the Venice community to enjoy at Figtree’s Café. If you are not familiar with the Café, it is known for its healthy delicious food, located right on the Venice boardwalk at 429 Ocean Front Walk Venice, at Paloma Ave, two blocks south of Rose.

Complementary wine and appetizers will be served. Figtree’s has been voted the best restaurant on the boardwalk since 1978. Figtree’s has a wonderful happy hour, Monday thru Friday and also has FREE delivery. Stop into Figtree’s Cafe tonight at the Venice Art Crawl and pay homage to Victoria Barcelona for her unwavering support of art.

Tonight Figtree’s Café presents a group show featuring three artists/photographers.
Scott Tansey’s panoramic photography is currently on view at Figtree’s.

Tansey’s most recent trip to Patagonia inspired him to capture incredible images of mountain ranges, icebergs and rarely captured landscapes.

A dedicated photographer, Tansy has traveled the world in search of magnificent landscapes.  On expeditions, scott is always the first one up and last to return. Tansey’s work will be on view at the Cafe until January 15th. http://www.scotttanseyphoto.com

Illustrator and portrait artist, Peter Padmapuzzo Thompson, originally from NYC will also be featured. Padmapuzzo’s works highlight authors and musicians. In keeping with the music theme, he will be showing art featuring Bob Marly, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin and more.

Photographer Nick Busco (see image) will be on view for just this evening. He has had the chance to work with many legendary musicians through the years.

He has toured the world as part of rock’s most infamous road trips with access to stars that many can only dream of. Working closely with renowned performers such as Freddy Mercury, Bonnie Rait, Tom Petty, Rod Stewart and more, he has captured classic images.

Busco currently has his work featured at Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills. http://www.mouchegallery.com/ http://nickbuscophotography.com/

What: VAC, Figtree’s Cafe Tribute
Where: 429 Ocean Front Walk
When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: 310 392-4937
Website: www.figtreesvenice.com

The Sidewalk Cafe offers music and drink specials.

Also right next door pop into Small World Books to see artists Christina Mills and Beth Clay.

Where: The Sidewalk Cafe & Small World Books, 401 Ocean Front Walk Venice,
When: 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm

There are many more events taking place for the December Venice Art Crawl. There are several on Market St…as well as light projections and installations…you will want to pop by.

Kiki & Kenna at 100 market street suite B, will be celebrating local artists this holiday season. http://www.kikidesignsla.com/

At 74 Market Street from 7-10:30, enjoy some photography featuring our beloved Venice. Christopher Medak and Joseph Abramo will be hosting their “Venice Still Works” Photography Exhibition. The Gallery, 74 Market Street, Venice, CA 90291; 6:00pm – 10:30pm;

Right on the Boardwalk ….head to a roof top art show at the Venice Breeze Suites. Music, art food and drinks. http://www.venicebreezesuites.com/

Photographer Sunny Bak’s work will be on view at Animal House on Windward.

Be sure to pop to see classic images of the Beastie Boys.

Where: Animal House, 66 Windward Ave.,
When: 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Website: http://animalhousevenice.com/

Also 1320 Main offers art in various mediums depicting beauty, post apocalypse, fear, new beginnings, change.

Celebrate the beginning of life or the end. Who knows what it will be but hoping that the Mayan Calendar isn’t really literal at this point.

Artists include, Mary Capan, Maya Flanery, Ian Schmidt, Andrea Tan, Brett Woods, Christopher Alvarez, Derek Mosher, Outi Harma and Randall Yarbrough.

What: VAC reception
Where: 1320 Main St., Venice, CA 90291
When: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Hama Sushi will be showing the art of Barbara Mastej and John C. Ransom.

Still time to pick up some original art for that special loved one this season. Both of these artists are incredible. If you have not seen their work….stop in.  

See image, John C. Ransom
Through a Window of Stone
30″x 40″
Acrylic on canvas

Where: Hama Sushi, 213 Windward Ave.
When: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
Website: http://www.hamasushi.com/; www.johnransomla.com; www.barbaraofvenice.com;

There are many other events going on….so check their website http://www.veniceartcrawl.com

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There are other events taking place…such as in Culver City, Whole 9 Gallery, (3830 Main St.), offers a holiday mix and mingle from 6-9pm.

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In Santa Monica…Jeanie Madsen holds a Fashion Happy Hour This is your chance to pick up some unique gifts from candles to clothing from local artists and designers…

Designer Fahmina’s work will be on view, among others. She has gorgeous accessories…great for gifts.

FREE gift wrap, FREE Valet parking,sip wine, shop while listening to DJ Mr. Numberwonderful and find best gift(s) for your loved ones or just appreciate the moment.

What: Holiday Art Party
Where: Jeanie Madsen Gallery, 1431 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 90401
When: 7:00 pm -10:00 pm

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At the Santa Monica Playhouse…Enjoy “A Carlin Home Companion: Growing up with George.” Kelly Carlin, George Carlin’s daughter shares tales of growing up with the famous comedian with stories, video footage and family memorabilia.

Written by Kelly Carlin; Directed by Paul Provenza; Produced by RKM Productions

Price: $20  Buy Tix here

What: Performance, Kelly Carlin
Where: Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St. Santa Monica,90401
When: 8:00 pm
Website: http://www.santamonicaplayhouse.com