by Editor | May 18, 2017 | Venice, Venice Artists, Venice Community, Venice Events
The 38th annual Venice Art Walk is one of our fave events to support! Check out the art exhibit, part of the Silent Auction at Google (for realz), hang out and catch some live music in the courtyard, plus gourmet food trucks and booths on the street. Don’t miss the legendary Artist Studio Tours from 12-4pm!
The best part of all is that the Venice Art Walk benefits the Venice Family Clinic, providing vital healthcare for thousands of people in Venice and Los Angeles.
Whether you purchase an event T-shirt poster or other merchandise or a Studio Tour Ticket this is a donation to the Venice Family Clinic, helping to save lives.
The Google hosted event is free and Art Studio Tours are paid.
AKFF Guide to Venice Art Walk
Get There Early!
for best parking if you must drive (or take public transpo) and to get the full experience before the crowd gets ginormous – and it will! Starts at 12 noon. Hampton & Sunset Aves in Venice 90291 – back of Google HQ.
Artist Studio Tour
Buy tickets online in advance, a $50 donation that benefits Venice Family Clinic. Studio tours from 12-4pm at local Venice Artist studios. Shuttle buses (included w ticket purchase) that take you to the studios in Venice for the tour. Pick up your ticket at Will Call booth starting at 11am.
Silent Auction
Inside the Google building you will find art from cutting edge and world reknowned artists, such as: Kelly Akashi, John Baldessari, Alison Saar and Ed Ruscha to name a few. All art is for sale and the prices are good. If you win the auction, typically, you pay day of the event and can take it home with you!
Venice Art Walk Links:
#vfcawa
by Editor | Mar 9, 2017 | Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Food Truck Events, LA Events, Santa Monica Events, Venice, Venice Art Openings, Venice Artists
Experience Westside Like Never Before!
Just Added! New March Events:

Courtesy Photo of Hammer.ucla.edu
Her Dream Deferred: On the Status of Black Women
Celebrating the girls and women who dedicate themselves to promoting progressive change, the African American Policy and Hammer Museum present the third annual “Her Dream Deferred” through March 28-30 at 7:30pm. A series which studies black girls and women facing social injustice in the U.S.
10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
More Info Here >

Courtesy Photo of Hammer.ucla.edu
The Not So Silver Screen: Black Women in Media
This panel moderated by professor Kimberlé Crenshaw explores the inequalities experienced by black women in Hollywood. Sitting in on the discussion are Diahann Carroll, Tonya Pinkins, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd; April Reign, and Kristen Warner. Catch this special event on March 30 at 7:30pm.
10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
More Info Here >

Courtesy Photo of Hammer.ucla.edu
Say Her Name
This special program will pay recognition to the movement #SayHerName that honors the lives of black girls and women killed by police. Featuring stories from family members and victims of police brutality. Event will take place March 28 at 7:30pm.
10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
More Info Here >

Photo Courtesy of www.lamarler.com
11th Annual Santa Monica Airport Art Walk
The 11th Annual Santa Monica Art Walk will showcase artist, L.A. Marler’s artwork on Saturday, March 18! Check out her Fine Art Studio and Gallery for exceptional art pieces! Attendees will be treated to a TypO Type- In workshop from 2pm-3pm and live music and food trucks form 12pm-5pm!
Located on the Eastside of 3000 Airport Ave near Walgrove
Details on Santa Monica Airport Art Walk >

Photo Courtesy of Outdoor Swing Dancing at Tongva Park in Santa Monica
Outdoor Swing Dancing
Learn how to swing dance at Tongva Park, Saturday March 18! Don’t know how to swing? No problem! Dance instructors will teach you the basics! Beginners are welcomed, so get out there and dance!
615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Details on Tongva Park Swing Dancing >
All Events Below Are At Beyond Baroque:

Photo Courtesy of Inaugural La Punk Film Festival
Inaugural LA Punk Film Festival
Catch L7 new film “Los Punks” at Beyond Baroque and more films about punk in Los Angeles. You can also catch other local artists showcasing local venice art circa 70’s-80’s. This event is in conjunction with the Venice Art Walk and sponsored by BeachDancer Films. Get on out there and support local artists and check out LA Punk Film Festival on Thursday, March 16 at 6pm!
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Details on Inaugural LA Punk Film Festival >

LA Woman—Last Performance!
Don’t miss LA Woman’s very last performance on Saturday, March 11 at 8pm. “A middle-aged actress at the end of her rope recounts her life and career, dramatically building to an explosive confrontation in this debut staged reading of the new work by playwright/novelist Richard Setlowe.” Sound interesting?
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Details on LA Woman >

Photo Courtesy of Inside the Writer’s Studio
LAMBDA Lit Fest – Inside the Writer’s Studio
On Friday, March 10 Lambda Lit Fest brings special guests, authors and influencers Patricia Nell Warren and Felice Picano who speak and write about the LGBTQ community. The panel will discuss Warren and Picano’s writing processes, influences, and their places in LGBTQ literary history. Get involved and don’t miss this great opportunity!
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Details on LAMBDA Lit Fest – Inside the Writer’s Studio >

Photo Courtesy of Beyond Baroque
International Women’s Day Celebration
This glorious event will be paying tribute to women who participate in music, film, and poetry. This celebration will feature eight Venice artists who will share their experiences and challenges women face in the art scene. Come together and share your story on Sunday, March 12 from 2pm-4pm and mingle with inspiring women!
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Details on International Women’s Day Celebration >
Hammer Museum Events:

Courtesy Photo of Hammer.ucla.edu
Family Flicks Film Series: Betty Boop and Friends
UCLA and Hammer Museum have teamed up to bring people of all ages a special matinee show and screening of new and old classic toons! Grab your popcorn and drink and join them Sunday, March 12 at 11am! Early arrival is recommended so make sure to get there early to get yourself a ticket!
10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Details on Family Flicks Film Series >
by Editor | Jan 27, 2017 | Santa Monica, Venice, Venice Artists, Westside
Boy do we have events for you all! The AKFF Team has rounded up the best events in Venice, Santa Monica, Westside, and DTLA that you can attend. Check them out below!
ALAC Art Los Angeles Contemporary
ALAC returns as the premier International Contemporary Art Fair of the West Coast at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from January 26–29. The event offers an unrivaled perspective to the galleries and artists that shape Los Angeles’ position as one of the world’s preeminent art capitals.
For More Info On Event Check Out Details Here >
3021 Airport Ave #203, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Calling all party goers and free spirits! The annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade is an event you don’t want to miss. With the parade being led by The Mudbug Brass Band and The Venice Electric Light Parade, there is no telling what’s in store for participants! The parade is on Saturday, February 18 at noon. Can’t make it? The Venice Ale House will be hosting a pre-party from 10-11am, offering drink and food specials before the parade. If you want to continue the celebration join The Gumbo Brothers at LARRY’s 24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90219
Parade starts at noon on Rose Ave/Boardwalk! See you there!
Kings Ball – Mardi Gras Pre-Parade Party
A Mardi Gras pre-pre party! Won’t be able to make it to the parade but still want to have fun and be a part of the celebrations? The Venice Beach Bar will be crowning 2017 Mardi Gras King Ravi and Queen Toni. Event is from 7-10:30pm on Thursday, February 9. Free Admission.
The Venice Beach Bar, 323 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA
7th Annual Poetry of Venice
Words & Photography
Head over to Beyond Baroque, Saturday, January 28 for panel discussions (2-4pm) with award winning Venice photographers hosted by Gerry Fialka and a photo show in the gallery (4-6pm).
Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Bl, CA
More Info here >
Subversive Cinema
Join Subversive Cinema Sunday, February 8 at Beyond Baroque for music and political film screenings with fiery discussions. Free admission.
Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Bl, CA
Eartha Kitt Film
Don’t miss Henry Schipper Monday, February 13 at UnUrban Cafe at 4pm to view Schipper’s engaging documentaries on actress, singer, activist, legend, Eartha Kitt’s life and career.
Free Jazz with Films start at 4pm
3301 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Jazz Funk Fest
On Saturday, February 25, the Jazz Funk Fest will get funky once again the Unurban Cafe! The AKFF has covered and attended this fun event before! We encourage you not to miss it this year. Improvisational rock, and blues with a touch of jazz plus spoken word is sure to ensure a great night for you and your friends! Starts at 7pm sharp. Check out our coverage on past Jazz Funk Fest events >
3301 Pico Bl, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Boomtown Brewery
Celebrate the grand opening of Boomtown Brewery Saturday, February 4 with music guest DJ Lola Langusta with food from Tumaca Spanish Truck, and Boomtown Brewery’s new crafted beers! Boomtown will be open from noon to 1am. Don’t miss it!
700 Jackson St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hammer Museum
Looking for a fun, free event to go to? The Hammer Museum will reopen its doors on Sunday to debut their newly reinvented galleries with a re-installed Armand Hammer Collection and exhibitions featuring pieces from Jimmie Durham and Jean Dubuffet. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024
by Editor | Jan 25, 2017 | Santa Monica Art Openings, Santa Monica Events, Venice Artists
ALAC returns as the premier International Contemporary Art Fair of the West Coast at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from January 26–29. The event offers an unrivaled perspective to the galleries and artists that shape Los Angeles’ position as one of the world’s preeminent art capitals.
The AKFF Team has been to this awesome art event many times and wants to share it with you, so you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity that includes over 60 local and international exhibitors, and welcomes a number of new galleries to the fair from Asia and Latin America.
Experience the experimental art/music/video/performance mashup, ANYTHING YOU SOW, curated byMarc LeBlanc, focusing on performative and time-based work by experimental composer William Basinski, screenings by video artist Pat O’Neill, a talk by performance artist Jasmine Nyende as well as Venice filmmaker Roger Corman and Mary Woronov in conversation with the film screening collective VEGGIECLOUD.
Check out on-site installations of local artists’ works, including Rafa Esparza and Timo Fahler, courtesy of Club Pro, as well as performances by Puppies Puppies.
Art Los Angeles Contemporary Hours:
Thursday, January 26 7–9pm
Friday, January 27, 11am–7pm
Saturday, January 28, 11am–7pm
Sunday, January 29, 11am–6pm
Tickets: ALAC Website & Box Office (at door)
AKFF TIP: Weekend Pass is $30 for Friday – Sunday
Exhibiting galleries present unique, dynamic works from their roster of represented artists, offering new ideas and directions taken in the world of art. The fair offers collectors, curators and enthusiasts a unique view of emerging ideas in contemporary art.
Barker Hangar is a historic arts venue in Santa Monica, California, located at the Santa Monica Airport.
by Editor | Jan 18, 2017 | Santa Monica Art Openings, Venice Artists
LA cannot be LA if not for its famous reputation of being home to many iconic murals and street art. Here are few spots the #AKFF team recommends you visit! Share your adventures with us on Instagram @abbotkinney1st

- Photo Courtesy of Instagram @caitlinharsch
The Paul Smith Wall
Look familiar? Everyone in LA hits up this iconic wall to get the perfect selfie. EVERYONE. It’s the perfect picture and the trendiest spot in LA.
Find It Here: 8221 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA

Photo Courtesy of flickr.com
Li – Hall Wall
This mural catches ones eye from a mile away. The white and black balances of the mural is different from the colorful and vibrant colors we see all around LA. It is worth a visit and an Instagram post!
Find It Here: Fabric Planet, 423 Rose Ave, Venice, CA

Photo Courtesy of Instagram @floriandelomme
Love Wall
Calling all hopeless romantics and couples! The Love Wall is yet another favorite on Instagram. With its fun and vibrant colors it draws everyone in. It also makes the perfect backdrop for couples and friends this Valentine’s Day!
Find It Here: Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera St, Culver City, CA

Photo Courtesy of Instagram @wrdsmth
Wrdsmth
One simply cannot miss these pieces when one is in Hollywood. These pieces are everywhere, as they should be. These infectious messages help lift up our spirits and inspire great Instagram posts.
Find It Here: The 3rd Stop, 8636 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA
Art Opening:
Featuring Venice & Santa Monica Artists at Fab Studio Saturday, January 21, 6-9pm
A fire burned down Flavio Bisciotti’s home art studio in Venice a year ago. After the initial shock of losing his art, he came up with the idea to salvage the remains of the fire to create new artworks. Flavio’s concept is a collaborative effort including Venice and Santa Monica artists.
FAB Gallery: 2001 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(behind Dog Town Coffee)
Artists:
Alexandra Dillon – Amy Kaps – Anthony Schmitt –
Barbara Kosoff – Barbara Mastej – Brian Murphy –
Campbell Laird – Christine Palma – Cristina Monmany –
Doron Gazit – Eric Schwabel – Felipe Martinez Carbonell
– Gary Palmer – Gus Harper – Javier de Aubeyzon
– Jennifer Verge – John C. Ransom – Joshua Elias – Juan Feldman
– Lula Flores – Mark Farina – Mark Lipson – Nikolas Soren Goodich
– Rana Wilson – Rohitash Rao – Sandy Bleifer –
Tori White – Michael Torquato deNicola.
Feature Photo Courtesy of www.donnadowney.com
by Editor | Oct 18, 2016 | Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays, Santa Monica Events, Venice Artists
The Phoenix Rises Again in Venice!
Old school Venetians came out in full force to support all around Renaissance Man, Artist, Architect, Gallery Owner, Flavio Bisciotti at his home this past Saturday for an art opening, highlighting the recent fire in his home studio and how it became a beacon for inspiring art. He invited local Venice Artists to create artworks from wreckage of the fire and it can definitely be said that a phoenix rose from the ashes at this amazing show!
A selection of artists included were: Barbara Mastej, John Ransom, Sandy Bleifor, Gus Harper, Rohitash Rao, Alexandra Dillon and Amy Kaps. The show, titled, Palimpsest, is derived from something altered that keeps some original elements intact.
The Palimpsest (still have trouble with that name) was curated by Delia Cabral, Owner of DCA Fine Art, former Venice art gallery owner. Kudos to Delia for a fine show, brimming with talent and inspiration!
Props to Barcito, serving tasty sangria and hard cider owned by Flavio’s niece, Andrea Borgen. Check them out when you’re downtown at 403 West 12th Street, near the Staples Center. Just hop on the Expo Line in Santa Monica and your on your way!
From the Pumpkin Patch to the Waking Dead
Not a typo there, it’s the name of a new craft cocktail at The Lincoln, which will be unveiled this week at a press tasting of fall cocktails, from expert mixologist and cocktail curator Cameron Dodge-White. AKFF is looking forward to sampling these tasty gems!
photo courtesy: The Lincoln
Shopping on AK
From the fun silver sequin gym shoes at Waraku seen at 1st Fridays to the unique Halloween themed Japanese gifts at Shuhari Matcha Cafe there is plenty to be seen on the boulevard – or is about being seen?
Love Shopping, Eating, Cool Apps?
Peruse the new kid on the block, launched by the AKFF Blog to whet your appetite by offering savings on them with an amazingly priced membership- yes, that event students will find attractive. Get the scoop and go VIP today>
Halloween & Pre-Election Warmup October 22*
If you haven’t checked out this event at the UnUrban coffee house in Santa Monica yet, now is the time to get your Halloween and Election warmup Saturday at 7pm. What’s on the plate? Local rock and roll poets perform original pieces along with improvisational live music. Yes, it’s unique and in the vein of the Beat Poets that hung out in Venice like Alan Ginsberg. You’ll be treated to contemporary writer/performers like Tryg Hanson and musicians Paulie Dee, Alex Sochin, Gerry Fialka and others with a host of guests. It’s free form, free flowing music and words mashup, aka the Jazz Funk Fest – more funk than jazz.
3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 (*note: date correction)
Back to all that glitters- these are the shoes mentioned earlier in the post from Waraku – fabulous!