Lots going on tonight….Venice Art Crawl and some other cool happenings…. See Full list about VAC below…

As part of Noir Fest Santa Monica, (the new Noir Arts Festival running through March), Vidiots offers a special night of “Tale Spin” which is a monthly gathering of people telling true stories. Share your personal experiences, be sure to get there for sign up at 7:00 pm. The theme tonight, is “Your Noir Experience,”  in honor of NoirFest SM. So come, snack, drink, and meet interesting people. It all happens in the back room at the Vidiots Annex, at 302 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, 90405. Parking available in the lot behind the store on 3rd across from Pico Bowl and on the street.

If you want to tell a story based on the Noir theme, put your name in the hat. The first story begins at 7:30pm sharp. Seating is limited to 35. RSVP to Patty Meyer: pkmeyer@verizon.net

Please bring a bottle of wine or preferred beverage and/or an appetizer of any kind to share.
The stories are free. “Tale Spin” runs from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Be aware that is does cost $10 at the door, but it is going to help Vidiots, our local visual storytelling vendors, stay in business! Rent some videos while you’re there.

It’s the first art crawl of 2012 and there seems to be lots of new life coming to the Venice Art Crawl for the winter months.  If you have not yet been to VAC…what are you waiting for? The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly art event, happening every third Thursday of the month.

Start off at Figtree’s Cafe who has planned a wonderful event this Thursday from 6:30 pm till 9:00 pm. The Venice Art Crawl is a monthly event which takes place every third Thursday of each month in Venice.

Figtree’s Café has been participating in the crawl since it’s inception. Figtree’s Cafe is known for their healthy delicious food, located right on the Venice boardwalk at 429 Ocean Front Walk Venice, at Paloma Ave, two blocks south of Rose. It’s a great place to start the Crawl.

Tonight, Figtree’s Café presents a group show featuring three artists/photographers. Ana M.Amortegui, photographer, originally from

Figtree’s Cafe

Columbia, moved to the U.S. four years ago. She currently works in the film industry.

Illustrator and portrait artist, Peter Padmapuzzo Thompson, originally from NYC will also be featured.  Another photographer, Frederico Verardi, who currently works as a cinematographer, has lived all over the world and was born in a small town near, Tuscany, Italy. Also enjoy contemporary art by Maya Batash.

Complimentary wine and appetizers will be served. If you want to have dinner, you’ll receive 10% off (on food only) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

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. 310 392-4937;

Then head one more block north to Rose Ave and stop into the Venice Ale House who will also be offering a group show, featuring Danger Dogs, Quarter Pipe Skate Jam, live pin striping by “PAC MAN,” sculptures, photography, paintings, and a performance by The DownTown Train. 310-392-2404;

Gotta check out the Danger Dog display. I had a portrait done of my cat, and I love it! If you are an animal person, you will really appreciate it, if not…well poor you. Check out the site. http://nepaldog.com

You’ll want to back track a bit, just one block north to the Cadillac Hotel.

Here artists Drew Dunlap, Barbara Mastej and John Ransom will be featured in a group show.

These are all amazing artists….I know their work well so be sure not to miss the Cadillac Hotel, located at 8 Dudley.

Another favorite of mine is Hotel Erwin…so stop by, it’s  located at 1697 Pacific Avenue.

Tonight artist Lee Lucas will be featuring her original cartoon as well as her bracelet line “The Looksy.” (See image) http://www.thelooksy.com

The Looksy is a leather bracelet/wristband with a mirror on it, perfect for a quick makeup check with a flip of the wrist. It currently comes in two styles, “Rockstar” and “Popstar” and four colors, black, white, dark brown and purple.

Lucas will also be showing her original cartoon about a waitress named Pat Peeve.

Artists, Theresa Holliday, Erin Kelly, Shana Koenig, Phaedra Walton and others will also be featured.

Artist Paul Buxton‘s new denticulated transformation work will be featured at James Beach. This is 3D art…so you gotta see it in person.

Also don’t forget to check out Market Street. MOMENTUM presents Venice Lights! All of Market St. from Pacific to Speedway will lit up.

There will be video and light installations down the whole street.

Artists include Adrienne Adar, Albertico, Brian Decker, Chase, Codi Barbini, Eric Medine, Jesse Nikette, Jose Fuentes, Kevin Greene, Morgan Barnard, Randall Ott, Ryan Pohanic, and more.

For more info about the Vencie Art Crawl, see their site http://www.veniceartcrawl.com.