Gallery Row Art Walk News

VO. 4 NO. 8

REMEMBERING

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RICKEY! THE PIRATE Story and Photo by Keri Freeman

On June 3rd friends and family of Rickey Taylor, aka Rickey the Pirate, gathered as they had done in previous years at the Down and Out Bar to celebrate the birthday of their favorite Downtown shipmate.

Although some knew Rickey was suffering from cancer, not everyone could suspect that this would be Rickey’s last birthday celebration. Before the month was out, Rickey would die, leaving his friends and family, mostly Downtowners---a definite feeling that one of the pieces that makes Old Downtown so magical, had gone with him.

Honesty, love and incredible optimism, despite his economic condition, Rickey the Pirate seemed to always have something Artists and friends meet for sidewalk memorial service held on 6th and Spring fun to say, or positive advice to give. He for Rickey the Pirate in the immediate days following his passing. was a proud workingman who paid for his Rickey could sang. From becoming the youngest life, selling items with his own image, $5 at child musical director of the 75-member youth choir at a time. Each time meeting and greeting downtowners, Holy Life Missionary Baptist Church, his mother, Floria he became a master at uplifting our spirits.

Taylor, ever proud of Rickey, had raised a child into a At 67, he didn’t smoke, he didn’t drink, he sold picman who possessed an incredible magnetism on and off tures and although he managed to keep the slur, and stage.

“They love me”, Rickey had said. “I never lost a his skin in some areas was as broken as his teeth, with talent show”. his gate, seemingly labored, still the words, “I love you” As an adult music sensation Rickey Taylor, found and “God Bless You, ” could be heard from his raspy himself singing and dancing on countless stages on stutter. And then, right when you’d least expected it, his tour, including opening for James Brown, with backing signature pirate cry! ARRRGGGGHH! Sometimes maybe band, Rolls Royce (Car Wash) in the 1970s. even twice.

“Buy my pictures” and “I’m hungry”, were the words TheGRAWN interviewed Rickey the Pirate in October heard most in recent years from Rickey the Pirate, all of 2013 to learn that for 30 years he’d walked and slept the while making sure his face and body stemmed from on these streets until help from DLANC participants happy poses full of facial animation. As he sold his own helped take him away from homelessness. image on street portraits, photographs, and t-shirts over At the Rainbow Hotel, Rickey had a safe place to the years he became a beloved downtown icon as seen sleep, a place where his mother could visit, and a place on YOUTUBE, NBC, CNN and most importantly walking to produce his own TV show for Big Is Good TV. amongst the happiest people swashbuckling around the Best of all, Rickey’s new home offered a closet to store streets of Old Downtown day and night.

Until we sail his prized outfits and $1000 GATOR shoes he still suitagain my old friend…good bye and God Bless. ed and booted, to mirror his early days in the music business.

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VO. 4 NO. 8

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Q & A WITH

MURALIST

ART ACTIVIST

LEGEND

KENT TWITCHELL WITH HELP FROM ISABEL ROJAS WILLIAMS OF MURAL CONSERVACY LA KENT TWITCHELL MAKES SOME COMPREHENSIVE POINTS FOR LA MURALIST NOW THAT THE BAN HAS BEEN LIFTED.

wide interest in all things LA, there is media here from everywhere and our early murals, which we spent a lot of time creating as beautifully as we could, would always get picked up internationally. I believe that is why LA influenced the street art movement worldwide. Street art is as natural to LA as jazz to New Orleans. Other cities later started doing the mural thing but the movement started here. That is why we were always considered the Mural Capital of the World. that can all happen again in time.”

R P X FE

O M O

D E E FR

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE MURAL BAN BEING LIFTED? KENT T: Now that there is no threat of jail or high fines when painting murals, artists will be able to take their time to create murals that will make L.A. proud.

WHAT KIND OF INFLUENCE TO YOU THINK LOS ANGELES MURALS HAVE HAD ON THE REST OF THE WORLD? KENT T: Murals were naturally here in LA because of the ‘60s, the weather and the very creative artists living here, many who moved here from the midwest and elsewhere. Many of us just took to the streets in the ‘60s and a few of us are still doing it. Due to the world-

HOW MUCH MONEY IS THERE OUT THERE FOR MURALS AND MURALIST IN LA? KENT T: $750,000 (half of what Mayor Villaraigosa included in his last budget) was allocated (by City Council) to DCA for a City-Wide Mural Program (the other $750,000 will be allocated to DCA once the first phase of the project is finished). Since MCLA helped write and pass the mural ordinance, helped established Mural Day, and lobbied for this funding to be allocated to DCA, it’s our hope the funding will be distributed fairly among the organizations that worked so hard to be where we are today, in particular MCLA. TELL ME ABOUT MCLA’S MISSION? KENT T: MCLA’s mission since its 1987 foundation, is to restore, preserve, and document the murals of L.A. We have restored innumerable

MONUMENTS IN TIME: What started from a little church flea market in New York City has since become the largest architectural company in the country with 5 stores, a warehouse in New York, and a 10,000 sq. ft wonderland wealthy with random elements which take up most of the building’s ceiling and floor space.

All time passengers are welcomed inside the huge architectural antique labyrinth found at Olde Good Things at 1800 S. Grand.

Stained glass, lighting, chandeliers, sconces, cast iron, unusual terra cotta, furniture, reclaimed wood and tin mirrors abound, this awesome undertaking is still run by the Church of Bible Understanding, which donates portions of their

iconic murals throughout greater L.A. (Boyle Heights, Mid City, San Fernando Valley, South Central L.A.) on a shoe-string budget. This includes the historic 1984 Olympic Freeway Murals on the 101 Freeway. By being truthful to our mission, we pride ourselves about the mural legacy we are leaving to generations to come.

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR MCLA?

N O I ESS

“With the return of freedom

proceeds to fund two orphanages in Haiti keeping in line with their original spiritual mission.

Chrystal door knobs, cast iron, and brass bugle horns...

Where do they get these rarities?

“People bring us stuff and we do a lot of shows, and we have pickers who collect the stuff we’re connected in about 43 states.” Says Chuck, partner and curator.

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KENT T: In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Olympic Freeway murals and their restoration, MCLA is having a Commemorative event at Pico House on August 24 honoring these artworks and the ten muralists that painted them. On October 5, we’ll be celebrating Mural Day at El Pueblo and La Casa de Cultura y Artes.

WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED? KENT T: As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of the community at-large. We can’t do this alone.

We need everyone’s help to move forward in making L.A. one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.

DO YOU INVISION THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES SOMEDAY COVERED IN MURALS? KENT T: Personally I do not think that bigger is better or that more is better. So many walls are beautiful just as they are. Some have palm trees in front that cast shadows, others are just plain. There shouldn’t be murals on every wall.

Also artists should care enough

KENT TWITCHELL PHOTO BY GIL ORTIZ PHOTO GRAPHIC GALACTIC BY THEGRAWN

Also artists should care enough about the public viewers to do his/ her very best work.

“A mural isn’t meant to be merely a sketch or a rough.

People will have to live with it.”

As public artists we need to care enough about the public to do our very best, even if that means we take longer than planned.

Join

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WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR AN ARTIST TO PROTECT THEIR MURAL? KENT T: Now that murals are legal again in L.A., artists should consider registering their murals with DCA to have them protected by the city.

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...LIST YOUR HEALTH EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & SEMINARS CONTACT EDITOR@ THEGRAWN.COM

Olde Good Things In good with demolition contractors since their humble beginnings, while certain historic objects from the past cannot be touched, almost everything else from the old buildings can be found inside Olde Good Things. From the 1870s – 1960s, including doorknobs, doors, hinges, and windows which are their oldest relics, mostly from the US are the most prevalent.

Their most prized possession, a bronze winged statue of Icarus from Rockefeller Center hangs in the warehouse entrance.

In Greek Mythology, Icarus was the son of an artist who crafted his wings from feathers and wax.

Being a boy and forgetting and himself, Icarus flew too close to the hot sun, which melted the wax. Having his wings fall apart, the child fell into the sea and died. His father cried, cursing his own art skills and later titled the land near the place where Icarus fell Icaria in memory of the boy.

BIGGEST SELLERS Chuck says, “Los Angeles stuff sells fast. People know what it is, just they see it and they want it. We had a headlight from the REDCAR that used to run on Broadway, it was about 14 inches in diameter, with beautiful color, didn’t last long.”

The best quality of Olde Good Things is that they sell things that can be used. While there we spotted a couple looking to design their new annex decides to visit the downtown warehouse on a joint mission to find objects made specifically in 1905 marvel over a long-standing armoire.

With all this process and inventory exchange, store curator and master appraiser Chuck Marburger, could host his own Architecture Antique Road show. Chuck does a lot of bargaining. Everyday Chuck refurbishes, arranges and he’s ready to appraise, buy, trade or sell.

But how to you take on someone who wants to haggle the price down on something made in the late 1800s?

“You don’t.” With a chuckle, Chuck says, “But believe it or not,

people try to do it anyway, its funny when you get that one guy who doesn’t really know what he’s are looking at, they’re just talking, trying to save money…some people I know in my field get annoyed but I just laugh. Yes, something’s... sure we make a deal, but something’s we’re firm on.”

With a 180,000 sq ft warehouse in New York and a fresh new shipment container from Pennsylvania, there are plenty of Olde Good Things to choose from. Dozens of chandeliers hang above your head, church pews for goth decoration, fine cabinets, and refurbished tables.

To complete the space with small details, knickknacks, and conversation pieces from history, like bibles from the 1930s and hymnals from the 1800s, Olde Good Things is going strong in downtown celebrating its 10-year anniversary in October.

FMI :OLDEGOODTHINGS.COM

VO. 4 NO. 8

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ART OF WAR

PAGE 4

THE

ALEX SCHAEFER

BY CARY SHAPIRO Famed Downtown open air artist Alex Schaefer is preparing to burn his last bank. But less you be fooled as was the LA County Sheriff, who was called to alarm after someone from the bank reported what Alex was doing: Perched outside their downtown banking institution, armed with paint brushes, paints, and a canvas.

Alex was only painting the bank on fire, but someone must have took him for a neo-terrorist because on that day he almost got taken into custody. And although he would follow with an entire series devoted to the glorious smoke filled flames rising from various banks, that particular painting sold for over $20,000.

In fact, in the war he’s waged using his art work to express and conduct his anti establishment, pro freedom movement, all but one of those burning bank paintings have been sold so far.

And now with only one burning bank painting left, in another war against what he feels may be unfair gallery practices, he is prepared to actually burn, as in set on fire, the last remaining work of the

BlackStone Gallery in Downtown and the popularity of the gallery has grown in recent months because of it.

Schaefer, originally from San Diego, CA has been teaching at Art Center College of Design for the past 12 years. He can be found on any given day, intensely painting the people and buildings around him. He is an open-air artist, meaning he gets to set up on the sidewalks without permits as long as he’s not selling anything.

Ironic, seeing as his paintings are so thought provoking they still sell his political ideas. FMI:ALEXSCHAEFER.

BLOGSPOT.COM

burning bank series, unless of course somebody buys the artwork first. You heard right!

Somewhere right now the last burning bank painting owned

by Schaefer is being held hostage, the kidnappers are serious and we are running out of time.

Schaefer’s June exhibit commercial promo has him disguised as a used-art-dealer, with a silver wig and over dressed seventies attire. In the commercial he’s a fast-talking salesman loaded with catchy sales pitches and a used car lot parody.

With an unfailing sence of humor and super funny ideas, it’s hard to know when to take Alex Schaefer seriously. That is until you listen to him speak or look at his famed masterpieces, then you begin to realize that Schaefer is a very outspoken

art activist at war with the system and he has no problems exercising his freedoms of expression, however dangerous that may be, to purposely provoke thought when it comes to the political and social economical issues of our time and using humor and his art as a strategic tactic. But not all of his paintings come with flames.

Some like the one he designed for this month’s cover is full of rainbow weapons being sprayed into the ART WALK riot.

Schaefer is on exhibit indefinitely at the Blackstone Gallery on 9th and Broadway.

Gallery curator Steven Thomas Higgins, now with the help of art veteran Schaefer, has been spending time coming up with ingenious and humorous new ways to attract art buyers to

VO. 4 NO. 7

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PAGE 5

2014 BURGER WORLD CUP

Enjoy these Delicious Plays as DTLA SPORTS BARS & RESTAURANTS Welcome Some of Best Tasting Burgers in the WORLD during this Month’s World Cup Burger Competition TEAM: BEELMAN’S PUB BURGER COACHES: Acme Hospitality Group, Executive Chef Tom Block and Chef De Cuisine Justo Vicent HOME FIELD: 600 S. Spring Street – The United California Bank Building in 1961 and designed by Claud Beelman, who also designed the Eastern Columbia Building thirty-one years earlier.

STRICKERS: Thick Cut Bacon, Grafton Cheddar, and Grainy Mustard WINGER: Hearty Wedge Cut Fries OUTSIDE FORWARD: Sidewalk patio dining in a relaxed open-air environment.

GOALKEEPER: Beelman’s Pub throws specialty cocktails, beers on tap and European style comfort food, including Oysters in the half shell and BEELMAN’S PUB BURGER, a ½ pound chopped sirloin burger cooked and seasoned to perfection. So far BEELMAN’S PUB BURGER has successfully prevented any of the other burgers in the game from moving into the number one position. Their entire team works well together and they have the best chance of taking home the Burger World Cup on July 13th.

TEAM: NATURAL SELECTIONS – NATURAL VEGGIE BURGER

TEAM: THE GORBALS DRY AGED BURGER - ONION 7 WAYS COACHES: Natan Zion, Chef Ilan Hall & Chloe Mandel HOME FIELD: 501 S. Spring Street - The Hotel Alexandria, designed by architect John B. Parkinson in 1906 once host to famous guest of Hollywood Silent film era.

STRIKERS: Chopped Onions, Caramelized Onions, Crispy Shallots, Onion Rings, Onion Bun, Red Onion Marmalade, Scallion Aioli and Pickled Red Onions WINGER: Seasoned fries covered in fresh pork and gravy with added pickles and carrots OUTSIDE FORWARD: New entrance on 5th Street through the Bar Mitzvah sports with newly designed labyrinth leading to The Gorbals main dining area.

GOALKEEPER: The Gorbals no-boundry no-rules approach to the game stems from the gritty region in Scotland from which it gets its name. They serve a menu like no other including bacon-wrapped matza balls and DRY AGED BURGER – ONION 7 WAYS that have managed to continuously to intercept traditional recipes and toss them back into the field with their own special spin. They will offer a good challenge to the opposing burger team during the Burger World Cup on July 13th.

TEAM: 5STAR BAR – DOUBLE DOOZY COACHES: ANGELA & MARK HURTADO

COACH: CHEF MARCO RODRIGUEZ

HOME FIELD: 267 S. Main Street – built as a hotel in the early 1900s the location turned into a bar in the 1920s.

HOME FIELD: 646 S. Main Street – Stay Hotel Annex, opened in support of the Pacific Electric Railway Company in 1924 has a fresh new attachment.

STRIKERS: Bacon, Avocado, Mozzarella, Dijon Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion

STRIKERS: Jack cheese, veggie bacon, pineapple, organic onion, tomato, baby greens yogurt based mayo, and whole wheat bun… topped with choice of BBQ Chipotle or Teriyaki Sauce

WINGER: Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and a Selection of cheeses..

WINGER: Natural Muscle Builder Milk Shake with banana, chocolate a protein and peanut butter.

OUTSIDE FORWARD: New location with outdoor patio offering sidewalk dining with new morning and nighttime hours.

GOALKEEPER: It’s remarkable just how living a healthy alternative lifestyle can defend against health problems and disease. Open early for egg wraps and smoothies, during half time lunch breaks, the Natural Veggie Burger is loaded with tasty stamina.

The extended hours on the playing field have definitely helped advance this team making Veggie Burger a fierce competitor and formidable foe during the BWC.

TEAM: NICKEL DINER – BACON AVOCADO BURGER COACHES: Monica May & Kristen Trattner HOME FIELD: 524 S Main St 90013 STRIKERS: Bacon, Avocado, Mozzarella, Dijon Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion WINGER: Onion Rings OUTSIDE FORWARD: Closed Mondays, which is the only time this team takes a break, as there is always a crowded stadium and short wait to get in.

GOALKEEPER: Masters of control and passing through the crowded field with ease, this team prevents their opponents from scoring simply by serving one of the best neighborhood burgers in Los Angeles made the old fashioned way, delivering quality, quantity and speedy service, truly a force to be reckoned with at this year’s BWC.

OUTSIDE FORWARD: Outside smoking patio, live music nightly.

GOALKEEPER: Nominated for BEST DTLA Burger (Downtown News) 2 years in a row, entering the arena with a hearty fan base, the DOUBLE DOOZIE BURGER started training in high school as part of the famed In-N-OUT team. Although the DOUBLE DOOZIE BURGER doesn’t offer a drive-thru they do offer an awesome beer variety, pool tables and live music most nights. They have adopted, an “everything fresh”, made to order, put-your heart-into it dribble that rivals any burger in the game. The underdog in this match, but not to be taken for granted as their flavors are they are sure to surprise and astound the fans once again during this years BWC.

TEAM: BLUE CUBE BURGER COACH: BRIAN HOLBROOK & CHEF DAWN SINDEL HOME FIELD: 206 S. Spring Street – Across the street from the Original Historic location that once featured the BLUE CUBE BAND. STRIKERS: Pork Belly and Bleu Cheese WINGER: French Fries with Hot Ketchup OUTSIDE FORWARD: 1971 building at the Northern tip of Gallery Row. GOALKEEPER: Nominated for Best American Food and Best Breakfast (DOWNTOWN NEWS), their goal is to forward a great tasting burger stuffed with pork belly and blue cheese and in less than a year they have already managed to gain the support of a devoted fan base of Government and City Officials located in the nearby buildings that surround the cube. A formidable and affordable dining adversary, the BLUE CUBE BURGER is a great team to watch during the Burger World Cup Games this July.

ART THEME PARK TAKES ART WALK SPOT LIGHT IN LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE

BY DIANA KING Hats off to LA Magazine’s photojournalist depiction of ART THEME PARK as representing the DTLA ART WALK monthly event, in their July 2014 Issue.

ART THEME PARK is an artisan coalition headed by GRAWN publisher, Keri Freeman, that petitioned the LAPD, LAFD, Building and Safety, Building and Planning, and the Department of Public Works to sanction permits for the return of an open air parcel inside the ART WALK CORE. It had been nearly 2 years since a permit had been issued during the DTLA ART WALK for an open air parcel (temporary change of use from a parking lot into an art bizarre!!!) inside the borders of 3rd and Main, Spring and 7th, (ART WALK CORE), due in part to the crowd control and safety issues that once plagued our beloved art event.

Coupled with the permit ban came a ban on the live music, food trucks and the independent artists of ART WALK, who found themselves on the outskirts no longer being exposed to the monetary support of the mainstream ART WALK population. These were the artisans who brought art, jewelry, fashion, spirituality, and non-profits, and in their absence stood yet another reason

why the synergy that was once ART WALK, has in the hearts of many, faded away.

To remedy this situation for the independent artists, ART THEME

PARK took on a 5-month trial to show the above entities that open air parcels could be safely managed and the importance of reinforcing the idea that...continued on page 10

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FIND! Exhibit!

COLLECT

dtla gallery guide july 2014

PAGE 8

ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE. (SOUTH PARK) NEON ART, PLUS SCIENCE, PLUS CRAFTS at the Fine Arts Building with Live Jazz.

6pm - 8pm 811 West 7TH ST, LA CA 90014. FMI: artmeetsarchitecture.com ART WALK INDEPENDENT: (POP UP) Art Walk’s Largest event, hosted by a coalition of independent artists offering arts, crafts, jewelry fashion. With near by food trucks, and Independent film screenings and championship causes on the BIG BIG SCREEN from 7pm 10pm. 253 S. Main ST, LA CA 90012. For booking or vending info contact: 323509-9286.

FMI:artwalkindependent. com ART WALK LOUNGE. (POP UP) two visionary artists, Lekha Singh and Jody Zellen. In her series ‘WEEDS,’ Lekha Singh transformed photos of garden ‘nuisance plants’ by enlarging them and transferring them onto sheets of aluminum, making these common plantsotherworldly and majestic.

PLUS...Jody Zellen’s ‘Sizzling. Blazing.’ in the Lounge’s foyer is her latest series of paintings pulled from her digital app. Zellen’s images are a mix of screen capture, photography, drawing, and painting. JULY 10TH, 2014 at 6:00PM. 634 S. Spring ST, LA CA 90013.

FMI:downtownartwalk.org BLACKSTONE GALLERY. (SOUTH PARK) “GROUP SHOW” featuring the works of John Kilduff, Alex Schaefer, Curt Lemieux, Mandy Lyn Perezz, Gabriel Luis Perez, Timothy Lynch, Chyrum Lambert, and Steven Thomas Higgins. 901 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90015. (909) 746-6308.

FMI:blackstonegalleryla. com.

CAROL CIRILLO STANLEY STUDIO GALLERY. (FASHION DISTRICT) Photographer and curator Carol Cirillo Stanely presents, “FOOT TRAFFIC” featuring the markings and materials found on the streets of Los Angeles, both striking and unique.. 112 W. 9th ST. STE 507, LA CA 90015, 949-633-8961, FMI: carolcirillostanley.com COLORLAB TIERRASAL CONTEMPORARY GALLERY (GALLERY ROW) Artist Lili Peper exhibits a series of photographs depicting a Surreal narrative about a woman in the South. 548 s. spring st. #101LA CA 90013. FMI: lilipeper.com DAC GALLERY. (HISTORIC CORE) The Downtown Art Center (DAC) Gallery is proud to present Transmissions, a group exhibition featuring sculptures

and mixed media works on paper by fifteen local artists. Curated by Virginia Arce and Nat George, 431 S. Broadway, LA CA 90013, 213-627-7374.

CB1 GALLERY. (GALLERY ROW) PHANTOM COLOR, which brings together three artists, Eric Beltz, Brian Scott Campbell and Nathan Hayden.

215 W.5th Street, LA CA 90013. JUNE 15TH to JULY 20TH (213) 806-7889.

FARMERS & MERCHANTS POP UP. “BIO MORPHIC LABYRINTH” Large scale sculptural lycra structures covered with computer generated architectural light including video, light diffraction 401 S. Main St. Los Angeles CA 90013.

GLORIA DELSON CONTEMPORARY ARTS GALLERY. (GALLERY ROW) “EYELINES” Art Collective offers new synergistic perspective featuring artists Clairfoster Josiah & Nicholas Tredway.

JULY 1ST to JULY 31ST. 215 W. 6TH ST, LA CA. 323-309-2875.

FMI:.GDCAgallery.com.

THE HIVE GALLERY. (GALLERY ROW) Every July is Comicon, and hive resident/comic enthusiast Trek Lewis co-curates accordingly, this year we present “KOWABUNGA!” a show dedicated to one of our favorites, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. ALSO, VERBAL ASSAULT RIFFLE as amazing artists pimp out their Megaphones in amazing ways! AND Tarot Card Reading by Seraphime Angelis. 729 S. Spring ST, LA CA 90014. 213-955-9051 FMI: Hivegallery.com THE JUNGLE SHOWROOM. (HISTORIC CORE) DTLA’s newest show room collective merging art, fashion, and music offer regular performances, openings, and showcases featuring rare a d favorited Marble and DC Comic T-Shirts. 727 S. Spring St., LA CA, 90014 LACDA. (GALLERY ROW) Los Angeles Center for Digital Art and Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles present, ‘UNBOUND” exhibiting six women artists, JULY 10TH - AUG 30TH. 104 East 4TH ST between Main ST and Los Angeles ST. (323) 646-9427. Enter

LACMAS competition for digital art and photography! FMI: lacda@lacda. com MACHINE INSPIRED ART (GALLERY ROW) Gallery. “Artwalk Exhibition” Aiming to “explore and showcase the role and application of technology, in specific computational technology, within the creative process, 530 South Main ST, LA CA. (213) 293-9442.

MIGUEL OSUNA ART STUDIO. (GALLERY ROW) The 4th and Main gallery is the brainchild of the Guadalajara, Mexico-born Osuna, who specializes in evocative landscape and abstract works. Past exhibitions include “Spin,” and “Bend” where several artists contributed to spinning paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and video.” 126 West 4TH ST, LA CA 90013. www.miguelosuna.com

REDCAT GALLERY. (BUNKER HILL) APOTOM, the first Los Angeles exhibition by Jennifer Allora (USA, 1974) and Guillermo Calzadilla (Cuba, 1971).

Collaborating since 1995, the duo has produced an expansive and interdisciplinary body of work, combining performance, sculpture, video and sound.

631 West 2nd Street, LA CA 90012. (213) 237-2800. FMI: REDCAT.org ROY ALEXANDER ART GALLERY (GALLERY ROW) Artist and curator Roy Alexander, an active duty Marine, uses paint, glass, and metal to create beauty. 215 S

Spring ST LA CA, 90013 STEPHEN ROWE GALLERY. (GALLERY ROW) The Australian-born artist exhibits his diverse range of drawings, paintings and window installations in his space in The Arty gallery. Open during Art Walk, 634 South Main ST, LA CA 90014.http:// www.stephenroweart.com/ THINK TANK GALLERY. (SKID ROW) “Vagina Fest” 939 Maple Ave. Ste. 200, LA CA 90015. (916)-670 -3801

MOCA – ON CENTRAL (LITTLE TOKYO) FREE ADMISSION to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA every Saturday Night in July to celebrate Mike Kelley.

Enjoy DJs, food trucks, performances, art talks, tours and more including: ORGAN MUSIC EVENT with Tom Recchion, Joe Potts, Fredrik Nilsen, Paul McCarthy and Alex Stevens. JUNE 28TH TO SEPTEMBER 29TH. 152 North Central Ave., LA CA 90012. (213) 626-6222. FMI: www.moca.org MOCA- ON GRAND. (BUNKER HILL) “CINEMA VEZZOLI” Rife with “art-historical and autobiographical references and showcasing the artist’s love of embroidery, classic European cinema, and Hollywood stardom”, Francesco Vezzoli brings his charming approach to MOCA with an all-star lineup of subjects, including Marisa Berenson, Milla Jovovich, Eva Mendes, Helen Mirren.

Through August 11th, 2014.

NWO GALLERY. (BUNKER HILL) The brainchild of artist Curtis Simmons hits DTLA with its unique “infusion of photography, paint, and societal concepts”. Shows include regular exhibitions with live acoustic performances, body art, and more every Saturday.

200 S Hill t, LA CA 90012.

ART THEME PARK TAKES THE SPOT LIGHT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

ART should remain the entire focus at the ART walk event. This opportunity in turn, worked in the artist’s favor, popularized our company, and allowed creative prowess to help portray Downtown Los Angeles and the DTLA ART WALK in a positive light.

ART THEME PARK brought back a portion of the 300-plus independent artists once largely responsible for the majority and variety of art seen during the DTLA ART WALK event, was reinforced by the City’s permiting process, but will wait for an Official ruling from the Board of Public Works before it can operate on a regular basis as part of the ART WALK festivities, once again.

TIMES HAVE CHANGED Authorities have done a wonderful job with crowd control, and all the exhibits close at 10pm, it’s not so “rowdy” any more. There are only 12 galleries inside the epicenter now, not 50, and maybe 2-3 indoor popups. Also, there is no longer free wine, or outdoor music permited and the ART WALK event has far less people then it did 2 years, ago.

Perhaps the missing participants consist of people who are making the rules or writing current-day articles without having recently attended the ART WALK event to acquire updated information.

SUPPORT

THE ARTS!!!!

In its five-month span, ART THEME PARK, welcomed hundreds of ART WALK attendees from 4pm – 10pm exposing the minimized ART WALK crowd to artists like, Debi Cable, Sand One, Mark Brunner, Felipe Sol, Shayne Bohner, Neal Burkinshaw and Matt Wilcox. Again, these are just a few of the many independent artists anxiously awaiting a way back into the ART WALK epicenter, and seeing as though ART THEME PARK was successful in its mission to bring back and expose these artists once again, we are proud to say, a picture really does speak a thousand words. Here you see it, ART THEME PARK is safe and secure, not over-crowded, open to all ages and in support of artists and the visitors looking for an aerated creative refuge, during the DTLA ART WALK. Special thanks to LA MAGAZINE for picking ART THEME PARK to represent the DTLA ART WALK, and to all of the agencies involved who helped our small fraction of artists return to the DTLA Art Walk from February to June 2014. Thank you for allowing their art to inspire, adorn and captivate us during the DTLA ART WALK once again.

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BEHIND THE TOLETO SHOW BARS no victims here ...only volunteers VO. 4 NO. 8

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In a world of twisted tales as seen through the eyes of fallen angel, Toledo its good to have Dames to bring each story to life in this femme fatale cabaret.

Every hip’s breath says “Ain’t no victims—only volunteers in here”, with you and the audience smack dab in the heartbeat of the whole gritty deal that is the Toledo Show.

The Los Angeles Times dubbed him “the coolest cat working in Hollywood” and the Los Angeles Weekly called his show “dramatic and campy, in the best possible way.” One of the city’s most adored cult icons, L.A. native Toledo Diamond has been wielding his magic in front of sold out crowds for over a decade.

Toledo is a soul singer, jazz man, poet, dancer, choreographer and connoisseur of haberdashery who has toured most of the United States, as well as Australia.

He’s been described as a “cult icon,” “urban word man,” “groove-master,” “the underground King of L.A.,” “dancer extraordinaire,” “the modern day Sammy Davis, Jr.,” “cool to the bone,” “the Svengali of sensuality,” and “the best kept secret in the music business.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Toleto started dancing at the age of 15. He went on to work as a choreographer and dancer for recording artists including Janet Jackson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Paula Abdul, Diana Ross, the Pointer Sisters, Bonnie Raitt, the Mask, Al Green, the Isley Brothers, George Michael, Smokey Robinson, Toni Braxton and Kathy Sledge. He also choreographed and danced for feature film directors such as Antoine Fuqua, David Fincher, Dominic Sena, Thierry Mugler, Rupert Wainwright and Charles Wittenmeler. His choreography of US3’s “Cantaloop” video earned him an MTV Video Award nomination.

Toledo began in the underground poetry circuit of places like Max’s Garage in Muskogee, Oklahoma, adlibbing with Angelo Fishbone and Macy Gray.

But it wasn’t long before his words took on a me-

Crane’s Built inside the National City Bank vault (1924), Crane’s opens Monday through Friday at 5pm in time for HAPPY HOUR and at 10am on the weekends in time for morning sports. $6 Shot and Beer specials and $4 Titos. 810 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, 323-787-7966.

The Toleto Show - Photo courtesy of THETOLETOSHOW.COM

lodic life of their own, and dancers brought his choreography to the stage in “The Toledo Show” at venues such as Harvelles Blues Club in Santa Monica, The Edison downtown and The Writer’s room in Hollywood California.

Mixing speakeasy jazz, hypnotic storytelling and Toledo’s smoky voice with funky bass lines and femme fatale group of vices, this cabaret is like no other. Toledo’s poetic free-styling and exciting guest performers make every show unique.

Be sure not to miss this seductive, gritty feast!

Coming to the FIVE STAR BAR, Monday, July 21st. 9pm. FMI:BUNNYHOP PRODUCTIONS.COM

Down N Out HAPPY HOUR: 4pm - 10pm Monday: best in punk and metal with Metal Mondays with Dj Joe Jughead. Tuesday: Rockaroke with the Tres Aliens, cover band. Wednesday with Dj Moist spinning Old School HipHop and new April residency voted LA Weekly’s top 5, Los Creepers every Thursday. 501 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013, 213-489-7800.

Five Star Bar Serving up the BEST BURGER in DTLA with with a healthy side of Rock N Roll headliners Tuesday through Sunday. HAPPY HOUR: Early bird happy hour from 9am - Noon featuring drink specials followed by regular happy Monday through Friday from Noon to 9pm. Each day a new discovery with TALL CAN TUESDAYS and Thursdays, Sunday’s Beer bust with $2 Olympias and $2 Rolling Rock from 9am - 9pm. Also, SUNNY SIDE UP (last Sundays) from 6pm to close.

Wednesday special host DJ SCMAQUILLIN, 9pm to close. Free Grub Fridays from 4pm - 6pm. 267 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 323-4284492.

Peking Tavern Travel back in time with the only CHINESE GASTROPUB inspired by the Chinese Era of Hollywood serving the authentic Northern Chinese treaures once found at the original hutongs of Beijing. HAPPY HOUR; 4:30-7pm, featuring BaiJu, Craft Beers, and mouth watering hand made to order DUMPLINGS with your choice of pork or beef. 806 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles CA 90014, 213-988-8308.

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Ebano’s Crossing There once was a trading post in the South West, used to smuggle in mescal, sharp whisky, tequila, and rum from the Carribean. Today, one can still admire those exotic foods doused with the same trade spices that once accompanied those long lost days on the trade route-right here in DTLA. 200 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-935-8829.

Silo Vodka Bar HAPPY HOUR: 4pm-2am Tuesday - Sunday. Monday: Silo is closed.

Tuesday: Karaoke at 7pm Wednesday: 1/2 Off all bottles of wine. Thursday: Ladies Night, with $4 CHAMPAGNE ALL NIGHT. Saturday and Sunday: Brunch from 11am-5pm with $12 Bottomless Bloody Marys, $12 PITCHERS of Craft Draft Beer, and $12 bottomless Mimosas with your choice of fresh fruit. 215 W. 7th St LA, CA 90014, 213-221-7956.

JOIN OUR HAPPY HOUR BAR GUIDE CONTACT: EDITOR@THEGRAWN.COM

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The Gallery Row Art Walk News is published monthly to support and report the stories of the many galleries, local businesses, artists, residents, friendly visitors and pioneers of Downtown Los Angeles. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article, or feature published herein. The Gallery Row Art Walk News will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.

THEGRAWN Vol 4 - No. 8 JULY 2014 PUBLISHER TheGRAWN, INC c/o ART APPETITE P.O. BOX 13845 LOS ANGELES CA 90013 EDITORS Keri Freeman Andre Ellis WRITERS Keri Freeman DIANA KING KENT TWITCHELL ART Greg Gould Robert Paul Dave Lovejoy NICK PHOTOGRAPHY GIL ORTIZ Keri Freeman Christy Kim ADS & MARKETING George Martin Thelma Alfaro Britney Porter

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OF DTLA BARS BOUTIQUES & GALLERIES VISIT WWW.THEGRAWN.COM

SPECIAL THANKS TO Stay on Main Jason’s Wine & Spirits Sub_Urban Riot Create Your Health Papi’s Pizzeria Henry Duarte Natural Selection THE FALLS LOUNGE Nighttime Communications Blackstone Apartments MARTHA PEREZ Color Lab Gallery Blue Cube Cafe Nail Salon BOURBON 5STAR BAR Greg Gould Robert Paul Two Boots Market AUDIO VIDEO PLAZA Crepes Sans Frontieres Joe’s Parking & the City of Los Angeles Thank you all for your continued support!

EDITOR@ THEGRAWN.COM

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