The Venice Institute of Contemporary Art (ViCA) presents the second part of Venice: Here & Now, opening Thursday, October 29, 2015 at NextSpace, a co-officing space for creatives in Venice, California from 5-9pm.

The 15 artists define the significant role Venice plays in the global art world and highlight the efforts ViCA is making to sustain the creatives of our community despite accelerated gentrification and displacement of artists on a daily basis.

The artists live and work in Venice, are part of the ViCA collection, or have been invited to participate because their work is part of the story of Venice as an international capital of creativity. Artists include Sandy Bleifer, who was instrumental in saving the 65 Venice walk streets that define our neighborhoods, and MB Boissonnault, who’s work reflects the constant change in our oceans and environments. Edmund Teske (1911-1996) was an experimental photographer who invented duotone solarization, and was the favorite photographer the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and of Jim Morrison of the Doors – who lived and wrote in Venice.

“Since it’s founding in 1905, Venice has always been an artists community. Here and now our artist friends are being evicted and endangered on a daily basis. Many of the artists included in this exhibit are in having to cope with the possibility of leaving the place where they are inspired to create. We highlight their work in order to help them thrive here, not merely survive here. That’s what ViCA is all about.” says Juri Koll, Founder and Director of ViCA. To find find out more about VICA, see http://veniceica.org/

Artist and Venice local Jenniver Verge has two artworks in the show. “I have lived in Venice for almost 6 years …I absolutely love it here, the people, are one of a kind. I am always inspired by the street art , walking down the boardwalk you never know what your going to see, Its exciting, Its Home.” For more info about Jennifer Verge, visit her website at

See image: Jennifer Verge: 4 Today 31 x 24

A ViCA Benefit Auction will be held on Thursday, December 10, from 8-10pm in order to help ViCA sustain it’s mission. Proceeds will be divided equally between the artists and ViCA.

For further information on the reception, go to Facebook. NextSpace is located at 1600 Main Street in Venice, California, right on the Windward Circle. For information about the space, go to www.nextspace.us or call 424-231-4001. Viewing by appointment call 310-957-7037.

What: Opening reception
Where: NextSpace, 1600 Main Street in Venice
When: 5:00pm – 9:00pm – October 29, 2015
Info: FB Event Page