frest stART returns this Saturday...

fresh stART 2009 details...

Saturday, February 7th 7-9pm @ the Arena 1 Gallery at the Santa Monica Art Studios located at 3026 Airport Avenue in Santa Monica (across from the Barker Hangar)

Tickets: $40 in advance/$50 at the door - full details here.

fresh stART is an exciting one-night sale of paintings, works on paper, and photography to benefit therapeutic art programs for at-risk youth. 50% of all art sales will go to help fund arts programs at the Para Los Niños Elementary Charter School and Middle School as well as provide therapeutic arts programs for the Youth Development Services which offers current and former youth in foster care, between the ages of 14 and 21, one-on-one tutorial services, life skills training courses, mentoring services and access to all of Para Los Niños' programs. To learn more about Para Los Niños, please visit their website at http://www.paralosninos.org/

Guest curated by Seonna Hong:
Neil Abramson, Tanya Aguiniga, Kelly Lynn Allen, Ricky Allman, Barry Anderson, Susan Arena, Sarah Awad, Sasha Bezzubov, Amy Bird, Howard Bjornson, Amanda Blake, Jill Bliss, Nicholas Bohac, Maria Britton, Benjamin Britton, Gavin Bunner, Alison Byrnes, Nancy Baker Cahill, Ryan Callis, Jerome Carlin, Diem Chau, Jonny Coleman, Erin Cosgrove, Marguerite Courntey, Zoe Crosher, Mat Daly, Jennifer Davis, Lisa DeJohn, Edward del Rosario, Johny Detiger, Seth Drenner, Felipe Dupouy, Juliane Eirich, Ashley Mclean Emeneger, Gregory Euclide, Evah Fan, Samantha Fields, David Ford, Alyson Fox, Ed Freeman, Sarajo Frieden, Benicia Gatner, Jordan Gaunce, Fausto Gerardo, Steve Gibson, Chet Glaze, Narangkar Glover, Archie Scott Gobber, Alexandra Scott Gobber, Alexandra Grant, Tim Gratkowski, William Greiner, Margaret Griffith, Wendy Heldmann, Scott Henriksen, Maggy R. Hiltner, Keith Holbrook, Susan Holcomb, Bryan Ida, Jason Jagel, Max Jansons, Marc Johns Scott, David Johnson, Heather Smith Jones, Dave Jordano, Ramis Kim, Aidan Koch, Elana Kundell, Marion Lane, Eric Lebofsky, Catherine Ledner, Curt Lemieux, Ted Liscinski, Sarah Lowing , Carl Lowing, Carl Lozada, Burton Machen, Mary Jean Mallman, Carrie Marill, Francine McDougall, Max Miceli, Jeff Miller, Elsa Mora, Jennifer Muskopf, David Newsom. Matt Niebuhr, Lori Nix, Tom Nussbaum, Saelee Oh, Elizabeth Opalenik, Anne Pearce, Ethan Pines, Alysha Pitsicalis, Josh Podoll, Matthew Porter, Lara Porzak, Hector Prida, Jeremy J. Quinn, Carlos Ramos, Bryan Ricci, Martha Rich, Carlie Roberts, Ward Robinson, Souther Salazar, Brooks Salzwedel, Arielle Sandler, Ana Serrano, Malakhi Simmons, Katherine Siy, Marnie Spencer, Henrike Stahl, Mary Ann Strandell, Julianna Swaney, Mark Todd, Kirsten Tradowsky, Trevor Traynor, Wyatt Troll, Miller Updegraff, Carlo Van de Roer, Betsy Walton, Esther Pearl Watson, Art Weeks, Grace Weston, Daniel Wheeler, Luke Whitlatch, Megan Whitmarsh, Amy Williams, Leslie Yagar, & Wesley Younie

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Catherine Brooks (one of this month's featured artists at The Hive)

Thurs, Feb. 5th 7-10PM
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art
1257 N. La Brea Ave in West Hollywood / 323.969.0600
“Up on the Roof Countin’ Pigeons” featuring new works and an installation from Chris Stain along with “Lifeline” in the back of the gallery featuring an installation from Sesper along with new works from Jim Darling, Alex Hornest and Ilia of Btoy plus new works also on view from Andreas Ragnar Kasapsis in the office area
(On view through Feb. 26th)
http://www.carmichaelgallery.com/

Thurs, Feb. 5th 6-10PM
Café Metropol
923 E. 3rd Street in Los Angeles / 213.613.1537
10 Year Anniversary Celebration with featured artist Atiba Azikiwe Andrews
http://www.cafemetropol.com/

Thurs, Feb. 5th 7:30-9PM
Riverside Art Museum
3425 Mission Inn Ave in Riverside / 951.684.7111
“Turning In Circles” special signing and hour long slide show with Jeff Soto for his new book Storm Clouds
(One night only special signing event – NOTE: “Turning In Circles” is on view through Feb. 21st) http://www.riversideartmuseum.org/

Fri, Feb. 6th 7-11PM
C.A.V.E. Gallery
507 Rose Ave in Venice / 310.428.6387
“The Yum Yum Show” with featured artist L. Croskey and new works also on view from Craig “Skibs” Barker, Nicole Bruckman, Michael Pukac, Kelly Thompson, Naomi Nowak, Yuki Miyazaki and many more plus live beats from DJ Mr. NumberOnederful plus live painting from Michael Pukac
(On view through Feb. 28th)
http://www.cavegallery.net/

Fri, Feb. 6th 7-11PM
Chuckwa Store & Gallery
2453 E. Chapman Ave in Fullerton / 714.441.0801
“United CAT Group Show” with works from featured artist Nick Wildermuth along with works from Douglas Alvarez, Delphia, Craig “Skibs” Barker, Jose Carabes, Michael Pukac, Patrick Hammerlien, Paul Torres, Yuki Miyazaki and many more
(On view through March 7th)
www.myspace.com/unitedcat

Fri, Feb. 6th 8-11PM
La Luz De Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles / 323.666.7667
New works from Daniel Peacock
(On view through Feb. 27th)
http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 7-10PM
Robert Berman Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave, Space C2 in Bergamot Station in Santa Monica / 310.315.1937
“The Art Of Rebellion” presented by Harley Davidson and featuring customized Iron 883 model gas tanks from Shawn Barber, Christian Clayton, Rob Clayton, Bob Dob, Shepard Fairey, Frank Kozik, Tara McPherson, Alex Pardee, David Trulli, Mark Dean Vecca and Oliver Vernon – special limited edition poster from Shepard Fairey given away during the opening + dj/open bar
(One-night only special event)
http://www.robertbermangallery.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 7-10:30PM
Black Maria Gallery
3137 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles / 818.613.9090
“Muses” featuring new works from Tin, Jeremiah Ketner and Kendra Binney – guest curated by Ally Takeuchi
(On view through Feb. 28th)
http://www.blackmariagallery.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 8PM-11:30PM

Copro/Nason

"Slow Collision" featuring new works from Dan May + "Manimal" featuring new works from Joe Vaux

(On view through Feb. 28th)

http://www.copronason.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 6-9PM
Crewest
110 E. Winston Street @ Main St in Los Angeles / 213.627.8272
“The Sharpie Show” featuring an exhibition of artists who utilize marking pens as part of their craft with works on view from a vast array of folks including Branded, Cope2, Risk, Ghost One, Craola, Casper, Man One, Mad, Marka27, Max Neurtra, Mear One, Mike Giant, Overton Loyd, Phoneticontrol, Project Rabbit, Randy Kono, Vyal One, and many more with live painting by Two Rabbits
http://www.crewest.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 8PM-12:30AM ($8 at the door)
The Hive Gallery & Studios
729 S. Spring St in downtown Los Angeles
Monthly Group Show & Performance with Featured Artist 1: Catherine Brooks (* work featured above) / Featured Artist 2: Josh Talbott / Tall Wall Artist: Nicole Bruckman / Small Wall Artist: Emi Motokawa / Installation Artist: Radhika Hersey
For full details and group show lineup, check out http://www.thehivegallery.com/

Sat, Feb. 7th 6-9PM
La Luz De Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles / 323.666.7667
“Suicide Girls: Beauty Redefined” official book signing event
(one-night only special event)
http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

COMING UP NEXT WEEK:
Fri, Feb. 13th 7-11PM (with a special performance at 9PM from Amy's band)
Thinkspace Gallery
4210 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles / 323.913.3375
“Dreamgirls and Ukes” featuring new works from Amy Crehore + “The Silent Treatment” featuring new works from Anthony Clarkson in the project room
(On view through March 6th)
http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/

An interview with Amy Crehore...

Amy Crehore’s debut Los Angeles solo exhibit that opens next Fri, Feb. 13th at Thinkspace will feature a new series of oil paintings of playful, iconic nudes and will introduce some new characters (in addition to her well known cats, pierrots and monkeys): a lion, a tortoise, and large flying insects. Ukuleles will play a role in these new narratives, giving the works musical ambience. Some of these dream sequences will take place in nature, others in curtained rooms.

Crehore has also painted over a dozen antique ukuleles (see below) as part of this special exhibit. Most of these instruments are from the American ukulele boom of the 1920’s. Crehore personally hand-picked a collection that represents a variety of styles and designs including banjo ukes, mahogany and koa ukes, as well as art deco novelty ukes. On these ukes, she will incorporate motifs from her paintings, plus she will be adding creative type and logo design. Crehore’s long-time music partner, Lou Reimuller, is also a luthier and he has lovingly restored each of these instruments. These ukes are all “players” as well as fine art objects.

Crehore has exhibited her work with the likes of Roq La Rue (Seattle, WA), M Modern Gallery (Palm Springs, CA & Las Vegas, NV), Corey Helford Gallery (Culver City, CA.), Ad Hoc Art (Brooklyn, NY), Robert Berman Gallery (Santa Monica, CA.), Applegate Gallery (Santa Monica, CA) and has taken part in the last few BLAB! shows that take place each year at Copro/Nason (Santa Monica, CA). Crehore has also taken part in Mark Murphy’s KNOW exhibits during Art Basel in Miami, FL during 2007 and 2008 and also took part in our special exhibit, Looking Glass, that was part of the Gen Art Vanguard New Contemporary Art Fair that also took place during this past December's Art Basel.

Following is a special interview Amy took the time to do recently for us... also watch Juxtapoz.com in the coming days for their '20 Questions' feature with Amy and be sure to pick up the latest copy of Inked Magazine (also featuring a nice interview with Amy).

1) Please talk a lil' bit about the general idea/vibe behind your new series of works for "Dreamgirls & Ukes”.

I had been using antique ukuleles as props in my paintings and I wanted to expand the idea into painting on some actual antique ukuleles.The idea evolved as I gathered together a variety of rare ukes mostly from the 1920's and had a luthier restore them. I have always been into vintage instruments anyway and the music of this period, so it was a natural thing to do. Almost like a tapestry of many colored threads, I wove my vision into a series of works that fit together in a wonderful way. There are 14 paintings and 13 ukes that all relate to each other. My new oil paintings depict dreamy landscapes and rooms full of animals, nude girls w/ukes and pierrots- all interacting with each other. There are many different stories happening here and the characters express different moods. The titles of the paintings also have to do with music. Inspired by the beauty of the design of each ukulele, I came up with motifs to paint on them that are based on the characters my paintings. I made up names for them and designed headstock logos- there's Demon, Nymph, Peekaboo, Squirm, Tuxedo, Moth, Wasp, to name a few. Hopefully, I have created an entertaining and surreal experience for this show with added elements of history and music. The ukes are all playable, yet also fine art objects.

2) Much of your new body of work revolves around your love for ukuleles, with several works even using old ukes (as commonly referred to) as their ‘canvas’ in your upcoming exhibition with us. Where / when did this love for ukuleles start?

I received a beautiful koa uke from the 1920's as a gift in my late twenties. A little later, I bought a banjo uke from this same period in a shop in Portland. I like the smallness of soprano ukes, their unique sound and novelty aspect. I like the design of vintage headstocks and variety of body shapes -from round camp ukes to banjo ukes to little guitar-shaped ukes.The history of the uke is very interesting, also. The instrument was used in early jugband music and blues as well as Hawaiian music.

3) Tell us a lil’ bit about the band you have with your husband, The Hokum Scorchers, that will be playing a special set during your opening reception on Fri, Feb. 13th at 9PM.

My husband, Lou Reimuller, who is also the luthier for this show, has been playing traditional blues, jugband, & rags on instruments from the period -1920's and 1930's- since he was a kid. He will play a vintage National resonator guitar and a banjo uke in this performance. I will play the washboard. We will sing and play kazoo as well. We used to play at festivals in the Northwest, most notably Bumbershoot and Folklife in Seattle. We will be playing traditional American songs from the 1920's-1950's that one can find on Yazoo and Document records.

4) What’s your earliest memory involving art or creating art?

Doing posters in 4th grade for the book fair and taking art lessons (drawing a model) while on vacation in New England in an old schoolhouse. My mom also signed us up for ceramic classes, plus church fairs where I sold painted rocks.

5) When are you most productive / when do you normally work on art?

Most productive in the morning when I am alert. I work all day from early morning until dinner at 7pm.

6) For those new to your work, can you please give us a lil’ background on the meanings associated with some of your recurring characters like your little pierrot, the use of monkeys, devils, felines, etc.

These characters represent humorous and psychological aspects of relations between men and women. I use metaphors and double entendres. I draw them from my head, but if you look at art history you will see these characters recurring throughout. The pierrot for instance, he's a lovesick fool that was seen in the Italian Commedia Dell'Arte of the 16th century. He is also seen with a banjo on postcards from the 1920's.

7) Tell us something about yourself that someone would never guess in their wildest dreams.

I was a wrestling score keeper in high school.

8) Are you reading anything right now?

Not much time to read lately, but I have "The Chinese Art of Winning" on my bedside.

9) Do you listen to music while painting/drawing? If so, do you have a current favorite that inspires?
Yes. I have Eddie Lang and Victoria Spivey on the player.

10) Describe your perfect day…

Sunny, mild, painting in the morning, take a hike after lunch up the butte near my house, resume painting until 7 and then go out to eat at the Korean place on the corner.

11) If you had to explain your work to a stranger, how would you do so?
I would tell them these are intuitive and imaginary works based on memories of feelings, dreams and experiences and that I paint the things I like. I also would explain that I do a fully designed pencil sketch first and that a lot of what works about the painting is due to the design and the layering of paint (trying to create a seamless whole).

12) Favorite artist (living or dead) and what makes them special to you?

This is hard because I like so many. I will pick Giotto Di Bondone because he was a unique and innovative bridge between primitive medieval art and the Renaissance which followed. I like the emotional way he uses the human figure and his sense of architecture.

13) What have you got coming up in terms of shows and projects after "Dreamgirls & Ukes”?

My number two Tickler Uke which is finished except for my paint job, a book of my art, and many other things that are not finalized yet, so it's too early to talk about them.

14) If people walk away with one thing gained from seeing one of your exhibits, what would you hope that would be?

A sense of joy and deja vu.

15) What are you doing right after this interview?

Packing up the rest of my art for the show to ship to you.

Dreamgirls & Ukes
Featuring new works, an installation plus performance from Amy Crehore

Also showing in our project room:
Anthony Clarkson – The Silent Treatment

(NOTE: look for an interview with Ant to be posted in the coming days)...

Sneak Peek of Dreamgirls & Ukes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkspace/sets/72157611312085669/

Exhibition runs Feb. 13th – March 6th, 2009

Opening Reception: Fri, Feb. 13th 7-11PM

Thinkspace

4210 Santa Monica Blvd (near the Sunset Junction)

Los Angeles 90029

http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/

Chris Stain 'sneek peak' from Carmichael Gallery...

Chris Stain is in town working on his installation over at The Carmichael Gallery on La Brea. We swung through this afternoon to say hey and get a few shots to share with you all. The piece above, "Good Morning Vietnam", is featured in our current show, From The Streets Of Brooklyn, that closes this Friday afternoon - so get on out this Thur or Fri to catch it before it closes. But before you do that, mark your calendar for this Thursday night... as it's an honor to have a full show of Stain's on view in the LA area and we can't wait to see the finished product.

Chris Stain cutting out the brick stencil...

And laying the bricks for the rooftop install...

The gallery is buzzin' with activity... can't wait for Thursday night!

The pigeon coup under construction... if anyone out there has a lead on how to fill this puppy up for opening night with some real live pigeons, please hit up the folks at Carmichael Gallery asap... only needed for the opening night, and it's a mighty fine coup they've constructed.

Stain's blueprints for his 'rooftop' (see above)... when we left, things were really starting to take shape. Don't miss the grand unveiling this Thursday evening!

Sesper is also in town from Brazil doing a killer collage in the back portion of the gallery as part of his contribution to the Lifeline show, alongside Jim Darling, Ilia (of Btoy), and Alex Hornest. He brought an arsenal of PCP infused works (you'll have to ask)... we love Sesper's work and are really eager to see all he brought with him up on the wall.

"Up On The Roof Countin' Pigeons"

A solo exhibition of new work by Chris Stain

PLUS in the rear gallery "LIFELINE" a group exhibition featuring Alex Hornest, Jim Darling, Ilia of Btoy and Sesper with Andreas Ragnar Kasapsis in the Showcase Space in the office area.

Thursday, Feb. 5th 7-10PM

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art
1257 N. La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood
(SW corner of La Brea and Fountain)

'Worlds On Fire' opening night shots...

Thanks to will.i.am and Justin Giarla of the Shooting Gallery along with Kris Lewis, the worlds of music and contemporary art collided head on last night in the heart of downtown Los Angeles' art district for the VIP opening of Worlds On Fire. The invite-only GenArt sponsored event was packed from the jump off and heated up as the night drew on.

Opening night crush...

Van Arno in front of his stunning BB King portrait.

Travis Louie with his portrait of Trent Reznor (NIN).

Kris Lewis alongside his portrait of Beck.

Mr. Brainwash alongside his mosaic piece of Jay-Z made out of old vinyl LPs.

Mike Maxwell poses with his piece of 'The Boss', Bruce Springsteen.

Artist couple Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas were in town for Brandt's show at 1988 (opening this evening) and popped in to support their close friends Sas & Colin Christian and take in the festivities... if you get a chance, be sure to check out Brandt's debut solo over at 1988.

Shawn from Thinkspace with man of the hour will.i.am

The man who pulled the show all together - Shooting Gallery's Justin Giarla with up and coming monster Henry Lewis.

Speaking of Henry Lewis, his portrat of Nas was one of the showstoppers in our opinion...

As was this stunning portrait of Snoop Dogg from Jeremy Lipkin. Just amazing - one of the best in show by far.

Some great photos can also be found here and here, as well as images of most of the works in the exhibit - so be sure to check out both AM and Daily D for more.

Each of the show pieces will be sold by silent auction with the proceeds going to the Peapod Foundation.

Worlds on Fire runs through Sunday February 8th, so there’s still time to catch this killer exhibit. For full details and hours check out http://worldsonfire.dipdive.com/

Pacific Electric Lofts @ 610 S. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles

Inspiring mural from Mr. Brainwash...

Drove by Mr. Brainwash's studio on LaBrea today and noticed he had updated the outside with a huge mural playing off a similarly vibed one that he created in December down in Miami during Art Basel... always fun to see what he does out there next. Not many artists can claim to have their own billboard sized wall to do with as they want month in and month out on the outside of their studio, let alone one facing out on to one of the busiest streets in the USA.

The mural reads:
Rosa Parks sat so that Martin Luther King Jr. could walk. Martin Luther King Jr. walked, so that Barack Obama could run. Barack Obama ran, so we could fly.

Amen to that.

'Worlds On Fire' opens tonight...

Will.i.am presents Worlds on Fire (previewed here), a pop music and pop art collaboration. This special exhibit will serve as the premier event to kick off Grammy week. Worlds on Fire was conceived by will.i.am, one of pop music’s most creative, socially conscious and influential artists today, in conjunction with his popular social and political networking site, Dipdive.com.

Only the most popular and renowned pop surrealism artists have been commissioned to immortalize an elite selection of this year’s Grammy nominees with a personal portrait at the World on Fire exhibition. The portrait will serve as a lasting impression of the musician to commemorate their outstanding contributions to the world of music. Artists such as Ron English, Van Arno, Ian Johnson, Greg Gossel, Lori Earley and many more will have their works of art on display featuring 25 musical icons including Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Al Green, Metallica, Jay-Z and Madonna. All of the original artwork will be on sale via silent auction with limited edition prints of each individual portrait also available for purchase.

Worlds on Fire is teaming up with leading arts and entertainment tastemaker, Gen Art, to host this Grammy week-long exhibition curetted by the Shooting Gallery, Kris Lewis, Justin Giarla and will.i.am. Proceeds from Worlds on Fire will benefit local charities including will.i.am’s The Peapod Foundation and the Watts Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club to support Los Angeles youths in need.

Pacific Electric Lofts (Corner Of 6th And Main) 610 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

Opening Reception Hosted By Gen Art & will.i.am:
Monday, February 2nd, 2009 7:00PM – 1:00AM (this appears to be invite only - please be aware of this before attending tonight - but open throughout the week with other events to follow...)

Gallery Hours:
February 3rd – February 8th, 2009 1:00PM – 7:00PM

Some great preview shots are posted over at Arrested Motion here.

For all the latest, check out www.dipdive.com

The CSUF Grand Central Art Center celebrate their 10th anniversary...

On Saturday, February 7, 2009, The CSUF Grand Central Art Center, a staple of Orange County's contemporary art scene, celebrates its 10th year anniversary of incredible programming, exhibitions and events with a huge retrospective exhibition including some very heavy hitters.

This multi-media exhibition features highlights from over 200 exhibitions, 35 artists-in-residence, our art catalogs published by Grand Central Press and more! Notable artists such as Mark Ryden, Jeffrey Vallance, Camilla Rose Garcia, Jeff Gillette, Robert Williams, and Extremo the Clown are just some of their past artists showing in celebration of this landmark milestone in Grand Central Art Center's history.

February 7th 7-10 pm - soft opening. Admission is Free.

March 7th 7-10PM - Main kick off event party. Admission is Free.

Featured Artists:
Extremo the Clown
James Hill
Michael Knowlton
Manuel Pardo
Elizabeth Turk and Kirara Kawachi
Suzanne Williams
Franco Angeloni
Mark Mothersbaugh
Rosemary Covey
Laurie Hassold
Thomas Kinkade
Jeff Gillette
Amy Caterina
James Lorigan
James Doolin
Mark Ryden
Edward Colver
Jeffrey Vallance
Eric Jones
Jim Jenkins
Sandow Birk
Charles Krafft
Robert Williams
David Michael Lee
Myron Conan Dyal
Camille Rose Garcia
and more

Exhibition runs through April 11th

For full details, click here.

Members of the MTA graffiti crew busted...

The LA Times has an update on the “tagging” arrests that people started talking about this morning:

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies today arrested at least eight alleged members of the notorious Metro Transit Assassins tagging crew, some of whom are believed to be responsible for a several-blocks-long “MTA” tag in the concrete Los Angeles River bed that authorities say will cost millions of dollars to remove.

The arrests occurred during a series of early-morning raids centered in the Hollywood area. Among those detained for a parole violations is a famous tagger whose work “SMEAR” has has won acclaim in the art community.

Those arrested were booked on suspicion of vandalism, drug possession, narcotics for sales, weapons possession and other parole violations, officials said

“These individuals are responsible for tags not only in Los Angeles but Las Vegas and San Francisco,” said Sheriff’s Cmdr. Dan Finkelstein, who is chief of the Metropolitan Transit Authority police. “The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that removing the “MTA” tag from the riverbed alone will cost $3.7 million."

Cleaning graffiti from the river is far more expensive than cleaning other areas. Officials use high-pressure water spray to remove the toxic paint.

But hazardous-materials crews must then dam and capture all the paint and water runoff to prevent it from getting into the river. The crew did an additional $20,000 worth of damage to transit vehicles and facilities. Finkelstein said the Los Angeles River “MTA” tag, in a vast industrial district east of downtown between two rail yards, took about 400 gallons of paint — 300 gallons white and 100 gallons black. “It took them four nights to do it,” he said.

The three block letters cover a three-story-high wall and run the length of several blocks between the 4th Street and 1st Street bridges. The tagging crew, which is also known as “Melting Toys Away” and “Must Take All,” began about the time the transportation agency began using the MTA letters. Investigators say they have statements, including some on video, that implicate some of the crew members in the enormous tag.

To grasp how HUGE this tag is, watch this video.

Our thoughts go out to these guys. Let's hope they don't throw the book at them too hard.

Nasty Neck Face invades Melrose...

Even though already posted/reported by SuperTouch and Juxtapoz, I felt the need to still post on this, as we love NECK FACE. It's awesome to see him getting up so large right on Melrose, in front of Barracuda's new digs, in our city of Angels. Awesome. Go peep this for yourself before some idiots tag over it.

Check out Jaime's coverage over at SuperTouch here.

Todd Schorr returns to Los Angeles on March 28th...

TODD SCHORR The World We Live In

March 28 – April 18, 2009 @ Merry Karnowsky Gallery

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 28, 2009, 8-11pm

Merry Karnowsky Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of new works by renowned American artist Todd Schorr. One of the most prominent pop surrealist painters working today, Schorr uses the exacting techniques of the old masters to paint colorful cartoon characters, corporate mascots and other pop culture icons in a unique style he calls “cartoon realism.”

In 2008 Schorr’s work was shown at the Laguna Art Museum as part of “In the Land of Retinal Delights: The Juxtapoz School,” and a solo retrospective exhibition will be held at the San Jose Museum of Art in 2009.

His new book, American Surreal, will be released in 2009.

Recommended openings to catch this weekend...

Thurs, Jan. 29th 6-8:30PM
University Art Gallery @ University of California San Diego

Mandeville Center / 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla / 858.534.2107
Mark Dean Veca - Paintings, Wall Drawings and Collaborations
(On view through March 15th)

Fri, Jan. 30th 9PM-1AM ($8 at the door / 18+)
Infusion Gallery
719 S. Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles / 213.683.8827
“Booty!” – curated by Heidi ‘Bluegirl’ Calvert and featuring all manor of pirate themed art, sexy performances, live music, art on display from KRK Ryden, Art Weeks, Wil Cohen, Shahid Brown, Paul Torres, Bill Bronson, Oriana Small, Debra Haden, Dave Naz, Brad Miller, Alan Deforest, and many more plus Mad Jack The Pirate and Kaptain Kula as your hosts
www.myspace.com/bluegirlproductions

Sat, Jan. 31st 7-10PM
01 Gallery
530 South Hewitt Street #141 in Los Angeles / 213.689.0101
“Graff Since ‘69” – new works from Chaz Bojorquez
(On view through Feb. 15th)
http://01gallery.com/

Saturday, Jan. 31st 9PM-1AM ($8 admission / $5 as walking art)

Cannibal Flower
NEW LOCATION: 821 traction ave #106 (across from Crazy Gideons) in Los Angeles

Featured Artist: Michael Pukac with beats by: Mr. NumberOnederful and a live Performance by the Pussy Galore Burlesque Dancers and a huge group show featuring works from Craig "Skibs" Barker, MacSorro, NC Winters, David Campbell Wilson, Stephen J. Brooks, Yuki Miyazaki, Azikiwe, Rebecca Peloquin, Rebecca Hahn, Douglas Alvarez, Michele Waterman, Clinton Neuhaus, Tina Darling, Jim Darling, John Hicks, Jimmy Blyer, Walt Hall, Patric Hammerlien, Shahid, Jeremy Szuder, and many more - presented by Sour Harvest and Venice Grind

http://www.cannibalflower.com/

Sat, Jan. 31st 6-9PM
Crewest
110 Winston St. in Los Angeles / 213.627.8272
"On the One" Closing Night Party featuring Live Painting by “Unification Theory”. Core members include visual artist Overton Loyd (from legendary Funk band Parliament-Funkadelic), renown graffiti artist Man One, visual artist/writer Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca and special guest painter Favianna Rodriguez along with live music by Lonnie Marshall and DJ Phyz Ed spinning Hip Hop jams. Artwork created during past Unification Theory performances as well as pieces created that night will be available for purchase.
http://www.crewest.com/

Saturday, Jan. 31st, 3–5 pm

MOCA Store @ MOCA Grand Avenue

250 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles

The Tree Book: Signing with Mark Ryden

*please note this will stop at 5PM sharp, and Ryden will only be signing the new book and only those purchased directly from the MOCA book store on day of event - no exceptions.
http://www.moca.org/store/index.php?

Sat, Jan. 31st 12:30 – 2:30
Munky King
7308 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles / 323.938.0091
Eyegore figure (chrome edition) signing with The Pizz
http://www.munkyking.com/

Sat, Jan. 31st 9PM-4AM ($10 at the door / 21+)
Rabbit + Gun
2323 East Olympic Blvd in Los Angeles
“Reflect” presents “I Love LA” with 10 LA-based artists on view, live painting from Mear One, a photobooth by Lawrence Cassel, live music and more.
www.myspace.com/reflectla

Sat, Jan. 31st 6-9PM
Sam Lee Gallery
990 North Hill Street, #190 in Chinatown area of Los Angeles / 323.227.0275
“Flesh + Bone” new sculptural works from Rebekah Bogard (*image above of Bogard's sculptural work)
(On view through March 14th)
http://www.samleegallery.com/

Sun, Feb. 1st (check for time, may just be during normal hours...)
SURU
7662 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles / 323.655.0770
“This Is Los Angeles” – a photographic retrospective from Estevan Oriol
(On view through Feb. 28th)
http://www.suru-la.com/

Mon, Feb. 2nd 8PM-Midnight (*may be invite-only / not sure at this time...)
Pacific Electric Lofts
610 S. Main Street in Los Angeles
'World On Fire' exhibition curated by Will I. Am, Kris Lewis, and Justin Giarla from the Shooting Gallery featuring portraits of grammy nominees painted by: Shepard Fairey, Ron English, Gary Baseman, Shawn Barber, Kris Lewis, Lori Earley, Sas Christian, David Stoupakis, Joshua Petker, Paul Chatem, Greg Gossel, Henry Lewis, Shawn Barber, Van Arno, Matthew Bone, Helen Garber, Mike Maxwell, and many more.
(On view through Feb. 8th open daily 11am-6pm)

Tue, Feb. 3rd 7-10PM
Gallery 1988
7020 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles / 323.937.7088
“Cackle Factory” featuring new works from Brandt Peters
(On view through Feb. 27th)
http://www.nineteeneightyeight.com/

Dan-ah Kim helps to direct latest video from Asobi Seksu...

Dan-ah Kim recently helped create a music video for Asobi Seksu. Dan-ah co-directed the clip with filmmaker Aaron Stewart-Ahn and created the animation that appears throughout the video. The video is for their first single off their new album called Hush. It was made under a very tight budget and even tighter deadlines, so Dan-ah warns us all it may be a lil' rough, but she had a blast working on it and we thought it would be cool to share it with you all.

Be sure to check out the work in Dan-ah's current show that's on view out in NYC at Giant Robot here.

Look for Dan-ah to make her return to Los Angeles with us next summer - already looking forward to that!

Mark Dean Vecca this Thurs @ University of California San Diego...

Fresh off killing it over at OTIS with his 'Phantasmagoria' installation (see above), Mark Dean Veca is back at it again...

Mark Dean Veca
Paintings, Wall Drawings and Collaborations

Opening Reception: Thurs, Jan. 29th 6-8:30PM
Exhibition On View: Jan. 30th - March 15th

University Art Gallery
University of California San Diego
Mandeville Center / 9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
#858.534.2107
Tue-Sun 11AM-5PM (free admission)

Also, mark your calendars now:
Special artist talk with Vecca on Thurs, Feb. 26th @ 7:30PM in the Ledden Auditorium (inside the Humanities & Social Science Bldg - room 2250)

Mark Dean Veca is renowned for creating paintings, drawings and installations that portray surreal cartoons, psychedelic landscapes, and pop culture iconography while also being inspired by long-established decorative motifs. He is widely recognized for his all-encompassing installations that surround the viewer and inspire a sense of awe. Revealing fantastical and, at times, humorous imagery with frenzy and pattern-like precision, his works often resemble a modernized interpretation of toile painting. In the 1998 catalogue for Veca’s El Gloominator exhibition, Steve Mitchell asserts that “Veca works in the meticulous tradition of the fresco painter to produce an image that paradoxically evokes the immediacy of the graffiti artist.”

This solo exhibition will for the first time present a comprehensive overview of his practice, including two new wall paintings, one inside the gallery and one outside, documentation and studies for previously realized projects, paintings on a variety of surfaces and works that he has made with companies such as: Ford Motors, Nike, Burton Snowboards; editions he has produced in collaboration with museums; and works made with other artists such as the New York artist and designer KAWS.

For further details check out http://uag.ucsd.edu/

Vimby post their interview with ELBOW-TOE & ARMSROCK...

VIMBY - Armsrock & Elbow-Toe

The good folks over at Vimby.com posted their interview with ELBOW-TOE & ARMSROCK today. They swung through during the set up and on the opening night of our big 'Mostly Memory' exhibit last month. The short feature came out just great - thanks Vimby!

View more about 'Mostly Memory' here

View works from the show here