Posts Tagged ‘Art Gallery’
Lisa Borgnes: Stitching Up The Noughties
Embroidery, the traditional past-time of domestic 17th and 18th century women, has been reclaimed with subversive cross-stitching patterns, readily available for the modern and they crafty. But Lisa Borgnes, Los Feliz blogger (A Bloomsbury Life), takes this large scale with her recently opened show “Stitching Up the Noughties” at ACME Gallery. “In my work, I aim to continue that narrative, but through the prism of a 21st century lens,” Borgnes explains. “Instead of a subject matter like religion, domesticity and morality, my stitched samplers explore the preoccupations of the last decade (the ‘Noughties’): things like Botox, plastic surgery, ‘It’ bags and the recession.”
Here’s a sample of the text. “On The Price of Beauty”:
Fill me, plump me,
Smooth me out,
Inject me with
a girlish pout.
Keep me spotless
and unmarred,
Just put it on
my credit card.
Biting social commentary woven onto giant burlap? Or… just kinda depressing. You be the judge. The show runs through May 29th. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm.
ACME
6150 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90048
(323) 857-5942
Shag Apparel
You are probably familiar with the Orange County artist Shag, even if you aren’t aware of the name. His kitschy artwork portraying mid-century modern lifestyle has been put on everything from mugs to stationery to mouse pads to salt and pepper shakers. And next month, Shag is entering the fashion world with a men’s line that will include jackets, blazers, sweaters, T-shirts, button downs, pants, and hats.
Kevin Rheault is the president and creative director of the Long Beach-based Shag Apparel label, which has licensed Shag’s artwork for the line. He told the L.A. Times that his goal for the label was to “have people look like they’ve jumped out of a Shag painting.” Clearly, the look is vintage inspired, but the there’s also an updated, slim silhouette. Retail prices range from $34 up to $350. The line will be available beginning in June at R & R Menswear in Palm Springs, Disney Vault 28 in Anaheim, and Hansen Surfboards in Encinitas. The collection will also be sold online through Posterpop.com and at Shag Apparel’s own site by mid-July.
For those of you who would rather collect Shag art than wear the clothes, Shag: The Store in Palm Springs sells exclusive products and artwork not available online. And the store is having a grand opening party this Saturday, May 8th at 6pm.
Interview with Grace Ellay Owner
Since we moved around the corner from Grace Ellay in Silver Lake, I’d been warily eyeing the boutique. I knew if I ventured inside, I’d wind up buying something. Grace Ellay had that look. The look that said: money is going to disappear from your wallet the minute you walk in because you’re going to see things you can’t live without. And when I visited Grace Ellay, I did purchased something, but it didn’t put as much of a dent in my wallet as I expected! The prices are remarkably lower than comparable boutiques, but the quality is super high. The owner, Ramey Arnold, has a great eye for unique clothing, jewelry and art. Ramey was super helpful and friendly, and even agreed to answer some questions about Grace Ellay and her experience owning a boutique in Silver Lake. Check it out!
Take Sunset: When did you open Grace Ellay?
Ramey Arnold: Grace Ellay opened in September 2007, and I have loved every single moment since.
Take Sunset: Why did you want to open your own boutique?
Ramey: I dreamed of opening my own business for almost ten years. I let the dream change and evolve until it took the right shape. Fundamentally, I knew I wanted to open a place that would attract like-minded people. I wanted all of the right elements to be involved, everything that I love: fashion, art, accessories, people, good conversation, wine…
Take Sunset: How would you describe Grace Ellay?
Ramey: I would describe it as a friendly and fashionable neighborhood gem. It’s a place to stop by and chat, pick out clothes that you look and feel good in, fall in love with a piece of art or an accessory, grab a gift for a friend, or just a treat for yourself. I love boutique shopping. So, I really wanted to give people a more affordable boutique option than they are used to. You know, go ahead, treat yourself and don’t feel guilty!
ModCom Meeting Recap
Last night I attended my first Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee (ModCom) general meeting at the Peter Shire Studio in Echo Park. It was a great experience. The Committee meets once a month to discuss any post WWII residential and commercial preservation issues. It’s basically a room full of people who are very passionate about Los Angeles architecture and it was very inspiring to listen to them discuss the issues. Among them:
- The recent demolition of the Columbia Savings Building.
- The revised development plan of the Century Plaza Hotel (above).
- The HPOZ status for Balboa Highlands.
- The potential impact on Johnie’s Wilshire and Tiny Naylors Beverly Hills based on the planned MTA Wilshire subway route.
Each issue is tackled, assessed and given a plan of action. It’s nice to know that there is a group of people who are dedicated to preserving the historic architecture of Los Angeles.
In April the Committee will be organizing a 1960s residential architecture tour of Brentwood as part of the year-long “The 1960s Turn 50″ celebration.
We also got a tour of Peter Shire’s amazing studio and learned about his family’s rich Echo Park history. I will definitely be back for next month’s meeting!
For more information on the Modern Committee click here.
NELAart Second Saturday Gallery Night
NELAart is an association of artists, galleries and arts organizations in Northeast L.A., and on the second Saturday of every month they open their doors for an evening. Mainly taking place in Eagle Rock, Highland Park and Mt. Washington this isn’t really an Art Walk, but rather a night to drive around (or bike) and explore the artistic community that makes these neighborhoods thrive.
Some of the events include a “$100 and Under” show at the Land of Odd Gallery in Eagle Rock and “Body Language” at Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park. The Spoke(n) Art Bicylce Ride will meet at the corner of Figueroa and York at 6:30pm for those looking to bike the event.
For more info about the event and to learn more about NELAart, click here.
Echo Park Art Walk
I’ve been looking for new art to decorate my new apartment. This weekend’s Echo Park PDA (public displays of ART) is the perfect event to check out some up and coming artists’ wares.
The event is on Saturday, February 6, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and begins at the corner of Echo Park Ave. and Delta St. You will receive a map of the impromptu local galleries, including chain link fence galleries, driveway theaters, hands-on crafting stations, performance art spaces, intersection musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, sculptures, parking lot mini concerts, and more. Before you head out to get your art on, stop fuel up at Chango (1559 Echo Park Ave) with their delicious coffee, bagels and scones.
Happy In Los Feliz
Few stores are named as perfectly as this little shop on the budding stretch of Hollywood Blvd in Los Feliz. Stocked with modern, fun and cool home items, plants, clothing, jewelry and plenty else, Happy is an ideal spot for a birthday or holiday gift. I just bought my girlfriend a great necklace from a local jeweler there for her b-day and she loved it. (phew!)
They even have a nice assortment of handpicked records – so if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Vacation next door you might find something here. Another bonus to browsing at Happy is their rotating art gallery that adorns the walls. They are dedicated to showcasing talented local artists and launching this Friday, December 4th is their first annual small works group show entitled PLENTY. The exhibition lasts until January 24th and kicks off with a reception this Friday from 6pm – 10pm.
Check out Happy’s online store and blog.
Happy
4675 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Offramp Gallery In Pasadena
Art galleries seem to pop up just about everywhere in L.A. and the Offramp Gallery is another good example of this trend. Located in a private historic residence in northwest Pasadena that was originally built as a one-story bungalow in 1924, the gallery is now owned and run by gallery director Jane Chafin and architect Chaz Alexander. The two bought the property in December 2007 and currently reside there.
The Offramp Gallery opened on September 14th, 2008 and for the past year and a half it has been host to a number of contemporary art galleries including works by Aron Goldberg, Linsley Lambert and many more.
Check out the next exhibition at Offramp when it starts in January:
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Copyright 2009 Take Sunset. Designed by Curt Ziegler.
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