Modern Art

Spring has arrived and with it the time of great, not-to-be-missed art walks and film fests.

The Spring Brewery Artwalk is next weekend, April 17-18, 2010 from 11am-6pm. The Brewery in downtown Los Angeles is the world’s largest arts community. Industrial buildings have been converted to art studios and live-in/work studios that host up to 300 artists and art related businesses. For the two annual artwalks , one in fall and one in spring, more than 100 artists usually open their doors for visitors to see their work and also see the artists in action.

The scene is vibrant and one can spend the whole day exploring the latest in the artscene. The artists are right there to answer any questions or to just chat with you about their work. If you fall in love with a piece of artwork, you can not only buy and take it home right there but you can get to know the artist behind the work as well. This makes for some invaluable connection to your new artwork and memories as well.

You can discover new works, find unique art gifts and millions of decoration ideas.  The on-site restaurant makes it easy to take a lunch break without leaving the premises, so that you can just lean back and enjoy the scene around you.

The Brewery Arts Colony is located on 2100 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031

Another famous art walk is coming up in May 2010, in Venice. It’s different from the Brewery one in the sense of being spread out over Venice itself. It’s not one big art complex. You will actually walk through the streets of Venice visiting houses and studios of artists all around the neighborhood. Plan for it. It’s exciting, fun, impressive and absolutely worth it. (Read some reviews of people who went to last year’s Venice Art Walk on Yelp ) This year’s Venice Art Walk & Auction will be on 22-23 May, 2010. One can tour the studios of about 400 artists and attend architectural tours of 15 extraordinary houses. Check their website regularly for updated information.

Once you got into the spirit of the arts with the Brewery Artwalk, plan ahead for the Newport Beach Filmfestival, which starts the following Thursday, April 22. One can enjoy cinematographic gems just blocks away from the beautiful Newport Beach ocean line. Films will be offered throughout the city and some will feel like Hollywood has changed places for a few days. Showcased will be a diverse collection of studio and independent films by both emerging and seasoned filmmakers. The festival has something for everyone, from free events to films in the categories:  ‘ActionSports’, ‘Family’,’ Youth Films’ and of course the special Festival 2010 feature film selections. The Festival opens up with the movie ‘Five Star Day’ and closes with ‘Letters to Juliet’ on April 29th. Don’t miss the great series of documentaries and shorts. To download a digital program go to the Festival’s website and plan and buy your tickets ahead of time.

The LA Film Festival is next and takes place in Westwood Village from June 17-27, 2010. Now in its 16th year , it “…has grown from being held in one theater with 5,700 attendees” (official 2010 press release) to an event with more than 85,000 visitors expected this year. The Festival schedule is not yet posted. For ticketing information please phone 1-866-345-6337.