Rain or Shine: Second Saturday is Worth the Walk

We are here again with the wonderful NELA Second Saturday Gallery Night ready to delight us.

The weather oracles are predicting rain on Saturday night.

I hope you aren’t like other people in Los Angeles who scamper like bunnies into their warrens at the first sprinkle of rain.

We are made of sterner stuff.  Don’t let a little dampness make you miss out on some art, community, and cultural exchange this Saturday night.

The word is that will be closing at he end of the year. If you have never been there, this place alone is worth walking from home in the pouring rain.

This month the show is Iva Hladis - “Origins Extinct.”

Combining discarded old computer chipboards with leaves and natural objects makes for some very beautiful and compelling pieces that I want to see for myself.

After you see these works, wander into Clare’s cabinet of wonders. This may be one of your last chances to see this treasure of Highland Park.

Down the street at , at 5050 York Blvd, you’ll find featured the serigraph prints of Oscar Magallanes.  

Las Locas at the galeria tell us, “His symbolic iconography educates his viewer of social injustices prevalent in modern society. However, Oscar observes that these issues and struggles have perpetuated throughout history. He is not afraid to illustrate challenging and often uncomfortable social subjects in order to engage the viewer on race, immigration, homelessness and revolutionary martyrs.”

Also in the area on York between Ave 50 and Ave 51 you'll find:

Down on Figueroa, at the Ave 50 Studio, you'll finLuna Moods -- Myths and Stories about the Moon.

A group show featuring lunar themed work, I got to see a preview of the show and the pieces are quite whimsical and beautiful.

In the Ave 50 Annex you’ll find another group show, Forest for the Trees.

The Arroyo Arts Collective and Yarn Bombing Los Angeles invited artists from all over the world to participate in building a forest. 

(ed. note: Rumors abound that the authors work may or may not be included in this show)

Works range from funny to socially conscious.  Some use standard fibers, recycled, and unusual materials, and all push the craft envelope.

November brings us another artistic treat!

On Sunday, November 20, we get to take part in the Arroyo Arts Collective’s Discovery Tour, one of the oldest such art tours in the city. For 19 years this tour has been going on, for those of you who think artists are.

A self-guided auto tour which begins at the Lummis Home, featuring more than 100 artists in homes and studios in Highland Park, Mount Washington, Eagle Rock, Montecito Heights, and Glassell Park. If you don’t wish to drive, shuttle buses will be available with stops at select locations.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 on the day of the tour. Purchase advance tickets online at www.arroyoartscollective.org or at Galco’s Old World Grocery, 5702 York Blvd.

The Tour gives us the opportunity to discover and purchase amazing pieces of art and get a glimpse inside studios and homes of artists in the area. If you don’t have a good idea how many artists there are in our Arroyo, this is a good way to get that idea.

A preview party featuring tour artists’ work will be held this second Saturday, November 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. at , 5558 N. Figueroa Street.

There will be work by a few of the participating artists on display at Future Studio, as well as pointers on how to enjoy the tour, (including lunch stop recommendations). Stop by Future Studio, meet some of the artists, and you can get tickets for the tour. 

Thank you all who missed me last month.

If you walk in the rain in sandals or galoshes, if you huddle under an umbrella or show your face to the elements, go out and support the galleries and culture of Highland Park.

Second Saturday is a great night to grab someone you love, take to the streets and visit our neighborhood art galleries and maybe a food truck or a local eatery.

And if you see me, and I’ll be visiting at least at two of these places, say “Hello.”