Archives

Happenings

Here’s the Schedule for the Mr. C Poolside Cinema Series

June 6, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

Summer movies by the pool, anyone?

The Italian-inspired lux hotel Mr. C is hosting L.A.’s favorite summertime activity with their own gourmet dishes on alternating Tuesdays at sunset in Beverly Hills, starting in June and continuing through the end of August.

You can reserve a lounger by purchasing a prix-fixe meal, either the Classic or Luxe for $35 or the Signature for $45. Both the Classic and Signature include meal options like pizza margherita with buffalo mozzarella or prime beef cheeseburger and fries, respectively, while the Luxe option includes a mini Moet & Chandon plus finger food options including zucchini chips.

All three come with the option for popcorn or candy. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

[RELATED: The 2016 Schedule for Rooftop Cinema]

Mr. C Pool Beverly Hills

The pool at Mr. C in Beverly Hills. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Screening / meal combos begin on June 7 with a showing of Almost Famous.

Doors open at 7 p.m., screenings start at sunset.

Complete schedule of movies / dates below!

June 7 – Almost Famous

June 21 – Silver Linings Playbook

July 5 – Grand Budapest Hotel

July 19 – Fargo

August 2 – Vicky Cristina Barcelona

August 16 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

August 30 – Chef

You can call 310.226.6245 or email restaurantbh@mrchotels.com to reserve your spot. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Note: Please be sure to cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the Cinema Night date. Your card will be charged 100 percent of the menu price in the event of a no-show or cancellation within these time constraints.

For more information visit mrchotels.com.

Advertisements
Happenings

Here’s a Schedule of all the FREE Shakespeare in the Park (and By The Sea) in L.A for Summer 2016

June 2, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

Need more free things to put on your agenda for the summer months?

Why not enjoy two of life’s greatest pleasures- the outdoors and theater- at various parks and spaces throughout Los Angeles all from June to Sept. during the season of free Shakespeare in the park (and by the sea!).

Bring your picnic basket, pack a few warm blankets, and enjoy a spirited performance of words written by The Bard himself.

And of course, while the shows are free, donations are also heartily encouraged (each show can cost upwards of $7,000).

Check a full breakdown of the summer schedule after the jump, along with links for more info on each production.

Enjoy!

#shakespearebythesea getting staged while the sun dips in the background. #shakespeare #losangeles #sanpedro

A photo posted by We Like L.A. (@welikela) on

Shakespeare in the Park

The Independent Shakespeare Company will once again offer free donation-based festival at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park starting in the final week of this month.

Performances will feature a modern adaptation of “Richard III” beginning June 25 and running through July 24, followed by Shakespeare’s final play, “The Tempest” running July 30 through Sept. 4.

Shows are Thursdays-Sundays and most Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Check the full schedule here.

Shakespeare by the Sea

Shakespeare By The Sea will offer a 10-week run at over 20 venus with performances of “Cymbeline” and “Othello” going from June 16 through August 20.

Complete schedule below.

June 16, 17, 18, 30, July 2, 8, August 20 at 8 p.m., Cymbeline, Point Fermin Park
June 23, 24, 25, July 1, 7, 9, August 19 at 8 p.m., Othello, Point Fermin Park
July 10, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Hesse Park
July 13 , 7 p.m., Othello, Valley Park
July 14, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Valley Park
July 15, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Monte Verde Park
July 20, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Schabarum Regional Park
July 22, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Marine Mammal Care Center
July 27, 7 p.m., Othello, Green Hills Memorial Park
July 29, 7 p.m., Othello, Wilson Park
July 30, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Wilson Park
July 31, 7 p.m., Othello, Cesar Chavez Park
August 3, 7 p.m., Othello, Adventure Park
August 4, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills
August 5, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Garfield Park in Pasadena
August 6, 7 p.m., Othello, Los Encinos State Historic Park
August 11, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills
August 12, 7 p.m., Othello, Polliwog Park
August 13, 7 p.m., Cymbeline, Polliwog Park
August 19, 8 p.m., Othello, Point Fermin Park
August 20, 8 p.m., Cymbeline, Point Fermin Park

More Free Summer Shakespeare

The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival will include several performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”  at 7:30 p.m. on July 23, 30, July 24, 31, August 12, 14.

As always, if you hear about any other Shakespeare festivals or free summer performances we should add to the mix, drop us a line or comment below!

Advertisements
Cool Spots

16 Gorgeous Los Angeles Botanical Gardens You Definitely Need to Visit Once

June 1, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

One of the great joys of living in Los Angeles is that we have access to an exorbitant amount of diversity and international culture, especially in the context of food and art.

But we are also extremely fortunate in that our city boasts an impressive array of gardens and green spaces for locals and visitors to explore.

The below list features some of the L.A.’s most famous botanical gardens along with a few other lessor known (but still quite beautiful!) spots that are definitely worth checking out.

Hope you enjoy!

[RELATED: 7 Awesomely Peaceful Places in L.A. To Help Harvest Your Inner Calm]

Huntington Library Bridge

Japanese Garden Bridge at the Huntington Library. Credit: Michael Saechang via flickr cc

1. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Huntington Library spans 207 acres – 120 of which are open to the public – with gardens divided into themes including Children’s Garden, Desert Garden, Herb Garden, Japanese Garden, Lily Ponds, and Subtropical and Jungle Garden. They have more than 15,000 plants from all over the world and a 1.5-lake, a teahouse, and waterfalls in the Garden of Flowering Fragrance while the Desert Garden includes one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the world. Their Japanese Garden is probably one of the most photographed featuring a drum bridge, bonsai court, and Japanese house.

More Information

2. Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens spans 150 acres and houses the largest camellia collection in North America plus a five-acre rose garden with more than 3,000 roses. There’s also an edible garden and a Japanese garden with a tea house and a koi-filled stream. Last year they added the Ancient Garden highlighting nearly 180 plants including several endangered species and a collection of cycads.

More Information

[RELATED: 9 Super Chill Ways to Spend a Lazy Sunday in Los Angeles]

Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens in April. Credit: Gaston Hinostroza via flickr cc

3. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Yes, it’s an arboretum, but Angelenos affectionately recall it as the place with all the peacocks but the plants are the real stars. They have biogeographical collections including Africa, Australia, Madagascar, and Canary Islands featuring dragon trees. They have 10 botanical gardens including an aquatic garden with water lilies and a waterfall, the tropical greenhouse with thousands of orchids and other tropical plants, and the Meadowbrook garden filled with more than 60 magnolia trees and providing picturesque views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

More Information

L.A. County Arboretum

L.A. County Arboretum. Photo Credit to Chris M. Morris via flickr cc

4. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Since becoming a certified botanical garden in 2003 the zoo has 15 different collections with more than 800 different plant species meaning you get to see the flora and fauna as it would be in nature.  The plant collections are organized by their native locations and then matched with the various regions within the zoo including North and South America and Africa. Fun fact: it’s also a plant rescue center where illegally imported plants are sent after being confiscated by the government such as the cycad collection at the entrance to the main zoo.

More Information

Los Angeles Zoo Entrance

The Los Angeles Zoo entrance. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

5. James Irvine Japanese Garden

This oasis in Little Tokyo features a 170-foot stream and a waterfall designed in the Zen tradition of gardens in Kyoto. It’s known as Seiryu-en or “Garden of the Clear Stream,” and it’s free year round.

More Information

[RELATED: 21 Fun Things To Do In Little Tokyo If You Happen to Be in The Neighborhood]

James Irvine Garden

James Irvine Garden: Credit: vmiramontes via flickr cc

6. The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys

It’s so easy to drive past this nook in the buzz of the busy streets that surround it but it’s truly a hidden gem in The Valley worth seeing. The 6.5-acre garden includes a dry Zen meditation garden, a “wet strolling” garden with waterfalls and stone lanterns and an authentic tea house and a tea garden. It’s fashioned after the basic style of the strolling gardens in Japan and meant to be enjoyed year-round with flowers that flourish in different seasons including azaleas, cherry trees, wisteria, and lotus.

More Information

7. South Coast Botanic Garden

One of the more unique offerings within the 87-acre botanic garden is the Garden of the Senses where guests are encouraged to smell and touch the plants and the greenhouse designed like a color spectrum and featuring orchids, passionflower vines, and even carnivorous plants. There’s also a fuchsia, dahlia, and WaterWise garden with plants that require little water.

More Information

South Coast Botanic Gardens

South Coast Botanic Gardens. Photo credit: Tracie Hall via flickr cc

8. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains at an 86-acre location Claremont, the Ranch Santa Ana Botanic Garden features 2000 taxa of California plants (making it the largest botanic garden dedicated to California plants) plus three distinct areas to explore. The garden is open daily (except some major holidays) and regular adult admission starts at $8. 

More Information

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens. Photo credit: Bri Weldon via flickr cc

10. Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden

It’s all about water-wise plants at this public garden so all the plants showcased are drought tolerant. They’ve got a poppy hillside, a meditation garden, and a wildflower meadow and features seven educational signs for self-guided tours. It’s also a certified wildlife habitat since practicing Earth-friendly gardening that prohibits the use of chemicals. Their wildflowers beds are known to attract bird and butterflies so keep an eye out.

More Information 

11. Getty Villa/ Getty Museum

At the heart of the Getty Center is the Central Garden designed by artist Robert Irwin, a 134,000-square-foot design that has a tree-lined walkway, natural ravine and stunning bougainvillea arbors.  Rocks and boulders of varying size were placed in the stream bed to vary the sounds from the flowing water. Meanwhile the Getty Villa has four different gardens: the Inner Peristyle with several bronze statues, the Herb Garden, the East Garden with sycamore and laurel trees and two sculptural fountains, and the Outer Peristyle, the largest of the four gardens with plants used by the ancient Romans including bay laurel, boxwood, myrtle, and ivy surrounding the 220-foot-long reflecting pool.

More Information

Getty Center Gardens

Gardens at The Getty Center. Photo credit: hikinghillman via flickr cc

12. Robinson Gardens

The gardens are part of the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills in 1911 that was once the residence of Virginia Robinson (anyone remember Robinson’s department store? That’s her). It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment along with the its five gardens: the Italian Renaissance Terrace Garden, the Formal Mall Garden, the Rose Garden, the Kitchen/Herb Garden, and the Tropical Palm Garden, including a grove of King Palms reportedly the largest in the continental U.S.

More Information

13. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

Enjoy the flora and fauna and give in to the relaxing vibes at this center that’s just a few blocks from the ocean. It’s got two water falls, flower beds, fountains, fern grottos, and lily ponds. One of the more beautiful features is the golden lotus archway framing the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial, an outdoor shrine where an authentic 1,000-year-old Chinese stone sarcophagus holds a portion of Gandhi ashes. Also of note: Lake Santa Ynez (pictured below) is the only natural spring-fed lake within the city limits of Los Angeles.

More Information

Lake Shrine Temple

Grounds at the Lake Shrine Temple. Credit: vikramjam

14. L.A. River Center and Gardens

It’s a popular wedding destination because of its beauty with beds of roses, a three-tiered fountain, a reflecting pool, and a ficus tree. There is also a visitor center contained within where you can learn more about the history of the L.A. River.

More Information

15. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

The most modest of the gardens on this list, the 1.3-acre garden is designed in the Japanese style on the Cal State Long Beach campus.

More Information

Earl Burns Japanese Garden

Earl Burns Japanese Garden. Credit: Jayson via flickr

16. Storrier Stearns

This is the last remaining Japanese garden designed by Kinzuchi Fujii who specialized in Japanese Gardens in SoCal before WWII.  The two-acre garden features a 15-foot waterfall and a teahouse. It has four bridges, two large ponds that are interconnected, and sycamores and oaks among other flora. Note: It’s only open Thursdays and the last Sunday of the month.

More Information

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Credit: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Where are your favorite botanical gardens in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!

Advertisements
Happenings

The 67-Mile Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains is Now Complete

June 1, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

It has been more than half a century in the making but The Backbone Trail, which spans some 67 miles from Ventura to L.A. County, is finally complete.

Through a combination of public funding and private donations the trail, which  stretches from Will Rogers State Historic Park at the eastern edge through Malibu Creek State Park all way to Point Mugu State Park, has slowly been pieced together over the years.

“It essentially connects and forms the spine of a 500-mile network of trails,” park superintendent David Szymanski told the Ventura County Star.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and fitness entrepreneur Betty Weider donated a 40-acre parcel of land in Zuma Canyon that the park had previously planned on purchasing for $450,000 with a grant from the county.

And Schwarzenegger isn’t the only celeb who’s contributed to the trail. In 2014, director James Cameron sold his 703-acre property in Puerco Canyon for $12 million, a purchase that opened up a route from Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu to the Backbone Trail. In addition, the public has acquired more than 180 parcels, valued in excess of $100 million, to complete the route. State Parks owns more than 60 percent of these lands and the rest is owned by the National Park Service.

Backbone Trail

Section of the Backbone Trail west of Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu Creek State Park. Photo via National Park Service

As LAist points out, since it’s a new trail, camping infrastructure is in development and there are plans to add backcountry tent sites with a possible extension into Griffith Park. According to the VC Star, the longest stretch that doesn’t cross a road runs 16 miles from Ray Miller Trailhead in Point Mugu to Mishe Mokwa Trailhead at Circle X Ranch.

There will be a grand opening  ceremony on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Will Rogers State Historic Park, off Sunset Boulevard.

The event is free and open to the public.

Backbone Trail Map

via National Park Service

“Its completion is a testament to the strength of our shared values, the power of idealism, and so many determined people—quite literally—on their hands and knees with spades in hand navigating the twists and turns of topography, land acquisition, and political will,” Joseph T. Edmiston, executive director for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy said.

For more information on The Backbone Trail check out the National Parks Service website.

Advertisements
Happenings

Barnsdall Park is Hosting Friday Night Wine Tastings From June to September

May 30, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

The corks are popping and the hills are alive with the sound of (KCRW) music at one of L.A.’s most beautiful parks for Friday Night Wine Tastings at Barndall Park starting this June 3 and running through September 2.

This annual fundraising event series will offer guests a chance to to sip and socialize with artisanal wines provided by Silverlake Wines, pair libations with gourmet cheese from local shop Say Cheese, or tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Hollyhock House.

KCRW’s DJ Dan Wilcox will be on hand to provide a soundtrack for the evening, and wine tasting events will also feature arts and crafts activities, a picnic and dancing area for families, plus loads of food trucks to pair with your whites or reds.

Barnsdall Wine Tastings

Image via Barnsdall Park

You can choose to bring your own picnic, but keep in mind no outside alcohol is allowed.

Also bear in mind any guests or children under 21 years of age will not be allowed inside the wine tasting fence area.

Tickets are $30 for a tasting or $42 for the tasting and a tour of Hollyhock House.

Wine tasting events will take place every Friday at the West Lawn from 5:30 to 8: 30 p.m.

Lyft will be offering discounted rides for guests.

For more information visit barnsdall.org.

Enjoy!

Advertisements
Happenings

So West Hollywood Just Opened a New Robotic Parking Structure

May 25, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

We’ve got driver-less cars, hover boards (not the kind we want but still), and now the city has a robotic garage that’s doing all the work so your parking experience is hassle-free.

The first municipal robot parking garage built on the West Coast had its grand opening Tuesday, May 24 in West Hollywood for a project that originally broke ground in March 2014.

So how does it work?

Drivers park their car in one of four ground-level entry bays, get their ticket, and the car is then transported to an open parking space and brought back down when you present the ticket.

Here’s a video demonstrating the process:

via WeHo TV / YouTube

Since there’s no need for ramps or driveways and the cars can be stack-parked, the building can hold 200 cars, three times what the previous structure on that lot held.

Each of the four bays has a hand-painted mural by artists  Kim West, Art of Chase, Bronwyn Lundberg, and MONCHO1929. The garage features a large glass pane where curious people can watch as mechanical shuttles carry vehicles in and out of bays. The window also has a fixed-art installation by renowned public artist Ned Kahn, with a grid of large clear marbles that reflect moving parts inside the garage.

The eco-friendly structure contains roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels, features the use of a sustainable material made from recycled grocery bags, and uses drought-tolerant landscaping. The lack of circling cars also means a decrease in CO2 emissions that’s the equivalent of taking 92 cars off the road, according to CurbedLA.

The robotic garage takes up  7,000 less square feet than a normal garage of the same capacity, and in this case the space savings was used for a Community Plaza, a park-like space with built-in benches, tress, and a water feature.  The plaza contains a stage for community events and holds a large-scale triptych art-banner installation, a collaboration with artist MONCHO1929 and WeHo City Poet Steven Reigns.

The building cost approximately $18 million to construct and the city paid for it using issued bonds, according to WeHoville.

“It’s a clean, green, parking machine,” Councilmember John D’Amico said, “Once again, WeHo brings technology and convenience to our way of life, expanding parking options for our residents, neighborhood businesses, and City Hall visitors.”

[h/t: LAist]

Advertisements
Happenings

Here’s The 2016 Schedule for Moonlight Movies on the Beach

May 23, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

Who’s up for a little summer movie action on the sand?

The Moonlight Movies on the Beach series is back for 2016 with a full summer of free screenings taking place at Granada Beach in n Belmont Shore (Long Beach).

Alfredo’s Beach club invites guests to bring blankets, chairs, and towels to settle in for the evening show and there will be food and popcorn on hand available for purchase.

And don’t worry, there’s even free parking!

The series kicks off with a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean – The Cruse of the Black Pearl on June 21 and will continue every Tuesday until August 30.

Check the full lineup of films and dates below.

[RELATED: The 2016 schedule for Rooftop Film Club]

2016 Moonlight Movies on the Beach Schedule

All screenings take place on Tuesdays at dusk. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-serve, so we’d advise getting there early.

June 21 | Pirates of the Caribbean – The Cruse of the Black Pearl

June 28 | Pretty in Pink

July 5 | Goonies

July 12 | JAWS

July 19 | Finding Nemo

August 2 | Sandlot

August 9 | Zootopia

August 16 | Toy Story

August 23 | Inside Out

August 30 | Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Granada Beach is located in Belmont Shore, 5101 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.

For more information visit alfredosbeachclub.com or check out the official Facebook page.

Advertisements
Happenings

The Santa Monica Hippodrome is Celebrating Its 100th Birthday With a Special Celebration

May 22, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

Step aside ferris wheel cause next month it’s all about the other beloved Santa Monica icon, the carousel house aka the Looff Hippodrome, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary on the second Sunday in June.

In honor of the Hippodrome’s 100th birthday guests at the pier will be able to ride the carousel for five cents and there will be tours of the apartments on the second floor with a unique views of the city and the pier on June 12 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The festivities will also include a specially offered Brass Ring sundae served with potato chips (yes, you read that correctly).

The sweet and salty concoction is actually a tribute to a once famous pier dessert of that era created by Kevin McCafferty, dessert historian and owner of Soda Jerk’s soda fountain.

The sundae contains one scoop of salted caramel topped with caramel sauce, one scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate, all covered in crushed potato chips with a single chip (the brass ring) on top.

The Santa Monica Hippodrome was designed by Charles Looff, who also designed the original  Coney Island-style carousel and was renowned for his unique styling of the horse.

When the Hippodrome opened on May 31, 1916 it quickly became the pier’s most popular attraction.

By 1939 Looff’s original wooden carousel was sold and replaced with the current carousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

Advertisements
Cool Spots

19 Awesome L.A. Art Galleries Every Angeleno Can Explore For Free

May 20, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

The art scene in Los Angeles has received some notable attention in recent years but locals have always known the city to be more than just beaches and sunshine.

We’ve got our fair share of acclaimed art museums but if you’re looking to indulge your artistic side without having to shell out the cash (unless you want to buy the art, of course) we’ve compiled a handy list of free art galleries in L.A. to check out, whether you’re looking for a date spot or just want to broaden your horizons with a bit of culture.

The list runs the gamut from modern to street artists, local to international, both acclaimed and emerging. Basically there’s something for every type of art lover.

Numbered only for reference, listed in no particular order.

Enjoy!

[RELATED: 75 Fun & Free Things to do in Los Angeles]

Taschen Gallery

Standing outside Taschen Gallery. Photo Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

1. Taschen Gallery

The eponymous art book publisher has a gallery on Beverly Boulevard showcasing works that made them famous. Previous exhibits include a visual history of The Rolling Stones and and even one on David Bowie.

More Information

2. Gallery 1988

It’s known for its emphasis on pop culture art with a focus on all things L.A. Their annual shows “Crazy 4 Cult” and “Under the Influence” in collaboration with Stan Lee and the Beastie Boys, have become favorites among art lovers and the celebrity elite. Previous exhibits include “Star Wars: The Art Awakens” and “Really, Really, Really Ridiculously Good Looking Art Show: A Tribute to Zoolander.”

More Information

3. La Luz de Jesus Gallery

A self-proclaimed “low brow” art gallery on the Eastside, they specialize in pop and street art. Owner Billy Shire has never shied away from the weird or freaky even downright grotesque showings of unusual sculptures, folk art, religious art, and erotica essentially making counterculture works available to the public in a casual gallery setting. Self-proclaimed as the birthplace of pop surrealism once unknown artists of the past have went on to receive acclaim in the art world.

More Information

4. Bergamot Station

It was actually a train station back in 1875 till the 7.5-acre complex opened as a collection of galleries in 1994. Now it’s home to over 30 commercial galleries representing a variety of mediums.

More Information

5. Art Share LA

This “sanctuary for the arts” lives up to its name with spaces dedicated to art including a 28,000 square foot studio, a theater and a gallery. Their mission is to support artists so you’ll probably find yourself looking at a painting made by an artist who actually lives on the premises. Exhibits have included WRDSMTH , Colette Miller and her infamous angel wings to name a few.

More Information

Art Share LA

Posing with angel wings by Colette Miller at an Art Share LA event.

6. Thinkspace Gallery

It’s been open for more than a decade and continues to be a distinguished gallery for emerging pop, graphic, design, and street artists. Nestled in a nook in Culver City it’s an intimate space with a big vision of showcasing the best in the underground art scene.

More Information

7. Ace Gallery Los Angeles

It’s one of the longest running contemporary art galleries in L.A. founded in 1961. The Miracle Mile locations, they have another in Beverly Hills, is considered the oldest contemporary gallery in the West and in that time they’ve featured works by renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Dennis Hopper, and Robert Rauschenberg.

More Information

8. The Hive Gallery

What’s unique about this gallery is that every month it features five different artists as well as works by more than 20 working artists. With an array of talent and rotating roster of works the aesthetic is wide ranging but always- as artsy folks like to say- avant-garde. While you’re there make sure to check out the other galleries too along Gallery Row.

More Information

9. Hauser Wirth & Schimmel

This multimillion dollar complex occupying a converted 19th century flour mill in the Arts District opened in March 2016. The space is uniquely designed with four large galleries, a courtyard and  a restaurant coming summer of 2016. As for the art, the focus is on contemporary and modern masters all of which have probably been showcased in a prominent museum at one time or another.

More Information

Hauser Wirth & Schimmel Gallery

Interior of Hauser Wirth & Schimmel Gallery in the Arts District. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

10. Kohn Gallery

Right as you enter the Kohn Gallery you’ll notice the high ceilings (22-foot tall to be exact) and the skylights that brightens the room with L.A. sunshine. The art is a mix of pop culture and modern art with exhibits by artist like Mark Ryden, Wallace Berman, Ryan McGinness and RETNA.

More Information

11. Corey Helford Gallery

Established in 2006 this gallery has since become a haven for well-known artists including D*Face and Shag. Considered on the high-end side the gallery host new exhibits every month.

More Information

12. Known Gallery

They mainly showcase street and contemporary artists and their opening nights are known for being a hot event. Fans of graffiti artists in particular will love this place with previous exhibits include Shepard Fairey, ASKEW ONE and BOM.K.

More Information

13. Subliminal Projects

The “artist collective” founded in 1995 by renowned street artist Shepard Fairey and skateboarder Blaize Blouin focuses on skateboard culture and design in the art world. Since then their core is still the same but they’ve expanded to include graphic art, photography, and illustrations having hosted exhibitions for Ryan McGinness, HunterGatherer, David Ellis, Doze Green, and Aesthetic Apparatus.

More Information

14. Lab Art

Spanning 6,500 sq. ft. it’s the largest art gallery dedicated to street art and graffiti in the United States. Their opening night was one of the largest collections of street art with over 300 pieces from 33 artists including Destroy All Design and Sean D’Anconia.

More Information

15. LA Louver

Located in Venice, this gallery showcases American and European contemporary art. Their art exhibits range from iconic artist David Hockney to female focused Rebecca Campbell. In 2001, they launched “Rogue Wave,” a recurring show focusing on artists specifically from Los Angeles.

More Information

LA Louver

At a Matt Wedel exhibition at LA Louver in Vence. Photo credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

16. GR2Giant Robot 2

Originally run by SoCal’s Asian-American pop culture magazine “Giant Robot” the magazine is no longer around but the gallery continues to thrive in Japantown a.k.a. Little Osaka on the stretch of Sawtelle on the Westside. Their exhibits are quirky and whimsical generally revolving around pop culture artist.

More Information

17. Regen Projects

When this gallery originally opened in 1989 it was one of a just a handful of art galleries in L.A. and more than 25 years later it’s gained a reputation for showing the works of such acclaimed artists as Matthew Barney, Catherine Opie, and Wolfgang Tillmans. The upper level has an outdoor sculpture deck with Instagram-worthy views of the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory.

More Information

18. Fahey Klein Gallery

Photography aficionados should look no further than Fahey/Klein established in 1987 with more than 8,000 photographs in their possession. The gallery specializes in contemporary and 20th century photography exhibiting works by both emerging artists and icons like Henri Cartier-Bresson, James Nachtwey, Herb Ritts, Edward Weston, and Man Ray.

More Information

19. Blum & Poe

It’s one of L.A.’s most renowned and influential galleries known for its fine selection of abstract art. Their roster of artists includes local and international artists like Takashi Murakami, Chuck Close, Richard Prince and San Durant.

More Information

What’s your favorite art gallery in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!

Advertisements
Fun Stuff, Happenings

A Brand New Pop-Up Park is Opening This Week in Hollywood

May 18, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

A nook within the concrete jungle in Hollywood just got a little more pedestrian-friendly thanks to a new pop-up park.

Hollywood Pop! is the new semi-permanent park (remaining open through 2016) at the southwest corner of Selma and Ivar near the Hollywood Farmer’s Market officially opening this week.

The park includes colorful seating and tables as well as cartoonish tree-shaped psuedo-umbrellas  for shade.

[RELATED: The 10 Best Parks in Los Angeles For Taking a Quick Break from the Grind of City Life]

Hollywood Pop-Up Park

Image via Sunset & Vine Business Improvement District

The installation, funded by the Sunset & Vine Business Improvement District, is an upgrade from the grassy area that mostly dirt and had no furniture with brand new gravel replacing the patchy brown lawn. The L.A.-based design nonprofit LA-Más, known for combining design and policy to make an impact, designed the park.

Their previous projects include the the Reseda Boulevard Great Streets makeover in Northridge and the Watts Community Studio.

The May 20 opening ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. will feature interactive stations, a photo booth, and light refreshments provided by Sweetgreen.

Guests are invited to share their thoughts on how public space can be improved throughout Hollywood.

What’s unique about the park is that it’s situated on private property owned by Gil Zahavi meaning this could be the start of more partnerships with private property owners that could transform public spaces in Hollywood and potentially other communities.

“Hollywood Pop! is just the beginning. The park’s unveiling is an exciting opportunity to test ways public space could be improved throughout Hollywood,” Helen Leung, Co-Executive Director of LA-Más, said in an email statement to LA Curbed.

[h/t LAist]

Advertisements
Happenings

L.A. Beer Week is Back Starting June 18!

May 16, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

The eighth annual L.A. Beer Week returns Saturday, June 18 through Sunday, June 26 so come on get hoppy.

The kickoff festival on Saturday, June 18 takes place at the L.A. Center Studios in DTLA from 1- 4:30 p.m. with tastings from more than 80 brewers along with food truck fare, panel discussions and musical performances.

This year’s lineup of breweries features 46 local favorites including El Segundo, Angel City, Monkish, Beachwood, Arts District, Highland Park, and Three Weavers.

Among the food options on hand will be standouts BrewWings and The Oinkster.

The Firkins and Foeders– whose motto is “Drinking Beer to Make Music to Drink Beer to”- is set to perform and there will be a special performance by group of L.A. Brewers in anticipation of the third annual Battle of the Brewery Bands. The event is hosted by Eagle Rock Brewery and will feature a photo booth, games, and other activities.

The June 25th Beer Camp at the Queen Mary Waterfront Events Park will feature five collaboration beers and the Robust Stout, created by L.A.’s Smog City Brewing and Beachwood Brewing, San Diego’s the Lost Abbey Brewing Co., Bagby Beer Co. and Societe Brewing.

“The LABW Kickoff will be a true celebration of how far L.A. beer has come to be a destination for locally produced craft beer,” said L.A. Brewers Guild executive director Frances Lopez in a statement, per the LA Times. “This year’s L.A. Beer Week will also end with a bang with Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp Across America tour stop in Long Beach.”

Prices for the kickoff party come in three tiers: Designated Drivers: $20, General Admission: $45, VIP Admission: $65

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Food Forward which provides fresh produce to families in need.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Enjoy!

Advertisements
Food, Happenings

So L.A. Has the Best Big Brewpub in the World (According to the World Beer Cup 2016)

May 11, 2016 by Virginia Isaad

Here’s something to get hoppy about if you’re a local craft beer enthusiast.

Four Los Angeles area breweries took home six medals and one took home the title of Best Large Brewpub in the World at the 2016 World Beer Cup on Friday, May 6.

Your big winner?

Beachwood BBQ and Brewing, which was named the Best Large Brewpub in the World and won three medals: gold for Mocha Machine in the coffee beer category, silver for Kilgore in the American stout category and bronze for Udder Love in the sweet stout category.

The West Covina location of the B.J.’s Restaurant and Brewery chain also scored a gold medal in the robust porter category with P.M. Porter. Eagle Rock Brewery  won a gold in the Belgian-style Flanders oud bruin old red ale category for Yearling, Smog City Brewing in Torrance won a silver in the American-style red ale category for its year-round Saber-Toothed Squirrel and Inglewood’s Three Weavers Brewing won a gold in the Imperial red ale category for Blood Junkie.

The World Beer Cup, which is held every two years, is organized by the Brewers Association and includes nearly 100 categories for all styles of beer.

This year’s competition had more than 6,500 entries from nearly 2,000 breweries spanning 55 countries with an international panel of 253 judges from 31 countries.

According to Brewers Assn., this year there was a 38.5 percent increase in the number of entries from the 2014 World Beer Cup which is known among craft brewers as the “Olympics of Beer”.

The awards are further proof that L.A. is becoming a key player in the craft beer scene.

And that’s definitely something we can all cheers to.

[h/t LA Weekly]

Advertisements