Make the LA arts scene by staying on Westside
By Hamp Simmons
January wraps up in Santa Monica with two of the biggest art shows in the nation — the 12th Annual Los Angeles Art Show and Art LA. Visual art lovers from around the world will be converging on our hometown this weekend to look at and buy works that include contemporary and modern art, as well as historic works from the old masters. You’ll also find new theatre openings and a retrospective of classic Japanese cinema.
So get out there this weekend and take advantage of some of the best cultural opportunities in the country. If you hit the art fairs, be sure to point out that while they call themselves the Los Angeles Art Show and Art LA, they’re happening in America’s greatest little creative city by the shore — Santa Monica!
12th Annual Los Angeles Art Show
Jan. 24-28
Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport
3021 Airport Avenue
(310) 822-9145
info@laartshow.com
The Los Angeles Art Show runs at the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar through Sunday, Jan. 28. Collectors and the general public will be able to view five centuries of fine art from around the world, all available for purchase. Whether you’re a novice or advanced collector, the show offers a unique chance to view and purchase works of the highest quality.
Check their Web site for ticket prices and hours.
ART LA 2007
Through Jan. 28, from noon to 8 p.m.
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
(323) 937-4659
info@artfairsinc.com
ART LA returns for a third year to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. This is the only major art fair to focus on the vast number of important galleries operating at the forefront of contemporary art within the confines of Los Angeles County, along with a select number of prominent international galleries.
If you want to know what’s going on in the Los Angeles art world, Art LA is the ticket.
Akira Kurosawa Retrospective
Through Jan. 31
Aero Theatre
1328 Montana Avenue
(310) 395-4990
Japan has a rich history in film and American Cinematheque honors one of its foremost directors with an Akira Kurosawa retrospective that includes classics like “Rashomon,” “Dreams” and “The Seven Samurai.” Don’t miss this opportunity to see where some of America’s greatest film directors got some of their best ideas.
Backroad Home
Sundays at 7 p.m.
Beginning Jan. 28
Ruskin Theatre
3000 Airport Drive
Santa Monica Airport
(310) 397-3244
Christopher Allport brings his one-man show to town, detailing the journey from 1960s draft dodging hippie to grown-up, with stories and songs that illuminate the choices we make when we are young and the understanding that comes only when we have lived.
This January has truly been a month to savor, with more art events in 30 days than most communities see in a year. Be sure to share the Palette with your friends and family to keep them informed of all the cultural activities and art events that Santa Monica has to offer.
Hamp Simmons is the cultural affairs coordinator for the City of Santa Monica. Send comments or suggestions for the Palette to artpalette.mailbox@smgov.net.