January 2011: 1st Friday, Art Crawl, Art Shows, Events!

by | Jan 5, 2011

It’s a New Year and there’s lots of great events happening in Venice! Scroll down for all events.

The First 1st Friday of 2011: January 7, 6-10 pm
Just Updated Parking Options for 1st Friday!

Just in as of Friday, 01/07 at noon- parking will be allowed on Abbot Kinney. (the city attorney’s office denied the no parking permits at the 11th hour). See editorial below on how parking, etc is affected by the food trucks that have taken over First Fridays. See event info below that.

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So this First 1st Friday will be fun as always, however, a bit different… parking is restricted on Abbot Kinney Blvd. – No Parking from 4-11pm- in effect Jan., Feb, & March. Don’t Panic, see our parking tips below. Originally, 1st Fridays was to promote the  eclectic array of businesses on the infamous boulevard in Venice, when it started in 2007. Take it from this blogger, I’m a local and was instrumental in getting this off the ground and on the map.
I worked with the Venice Chamber and Neighborhood Council in promoting the event, plus created graphics for various community to drives to help the underprivileged in Venice. After this blog was started in 08′ to help promote it, it really took off. Before you could blink in 09′, there were 40-50 food trucks lined up on the boulevard who have treated our neighborhood as a cash cow, all the while leaving behind piles of garbage, crowds so big that people were forced to walk in the streets, monopolizing parking, &  blocking storefronts and taking away business from the merchants.
If you are a FOOD TRUCK OWNER, I HOPE YOU READ THIS AND CHOOSE TO BE A RESPONSIBLE VISITOR IN VENICE. While it’s great to have quick, cheap eats, the inconsiderate actions on your part is has led to a completely out of control situation. Don’t blame the merchants here- the LA City Council has been completely inept with this situation and most food truck owners uncooperative. Nuff said here…
Fashion Show:

Bohemian Exchange is hosting a Runway Fashion show for First Fridays! Introducing Sita Couture’s Eco Spring Collection 2011. The show starts at 8:30pm. Reception following with light refreshments & music. FREE! 1358 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (across from Abbot’s Habit)

Hungry? Quick Cheap Eats on AKB:
These are my fave places on AKB to eat that are affordable with quality food!

Abbot’s Habit – the best Coffee anywhere, plus sandwiches, wraps and yummy pastries
Abbot’s Pizza – 2 die 4! 2 doors down from Abbot’s Habit. After you get your new habit going, get in line for the best pizza anywhere- east your heart out New Yorkers! I love the salad pizza- the BEST!
Casa Linda – across from Abbot’s Habit, same side of street, newcomer on the block, owned by Hal’s Bar & Grill, so you know this will be good. I love the chicken tamales! You can get one for 2.50, much bigger & better than  what the food trucks serve, plus the salsa bar!
Lemonade – another new kid on the block with healthy salads, excellent seared ahi and too many flavors of lemonade – even watermelon! corner of Venice Blvd., east side of street

PS- for  those  who are diehard food truck fans they will be at the Brig and Bigfoot parking lot – address below.

Parking Tips:

– Get there early when the parking is ripe for the picking!
– Park in 1 spot only, carpool and drive a small car if possible

– Parking lot s w free 2 hour parking on Electric Ave- check signs
– Paid Parking lot off  Navarre Court- alley street on AKB nr light at California

Art Openings:
At G2 Gallery, 6-9pm and Cave Gallery.

Enjoy, have fun and let me know how your experience is on 1st Fridays! Email me

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Art Show at the Happening Gallery, Saturday, January 8 Featuring International Artists
This is the final showing for 7 international artists, including owner Natalie Gray, who was the featured artist in American Contemporary Art Magazine! Gallery is open from 12 noon-7pm.
4047 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey (just down the street from Venice near Walgreens)

Whole Foods Events, Saturday, January 8
Pet Adoption (pooches n’ pups), Winter Wine Tasting
There are numerous events at the Whole Foods at Lincoln and Rose.
Pet Adoption from 9am-3pm. Kids Yoga from 11am-1pm- FREE.
Wine Tasting starting at 6pm featuring Winter Whites $15.

Venice Art Crawl, Thursday, January 20, 6-10pm

Mark your calendars for this one!  Boardwalk between Venice and Rose. More info coming when it’s closer to the event.

Janet’s Circle at SPARC, Monday, January 31, 7-9pm  
Mark your calendars for this one too! Janet’s Circle for Entrepreneurs, the leading Westside networking group is hosting a mixer at SPARC, a longtime LA landmark and community arts resource center! Meet Entrepreneurs and business professionals and jumpstart your business in the New Year! More info coming soon.
685 Venice Blvd. Venice CA 90291 free + plentiful parking! Event cost: $10 prepaid, $15 at door

I will appreciate it if you spread the word about my blog- and let businesses know you saw it on www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com Thanks, Janet







It’s All About Venice!