Art Galleries Get Wise During the Busiest Time of the Year

Art patrons scramble trying to figure out which exhibition will have the best opening and art party. Yes, there are a few galleries that choose a later date to celebrate the opening of the next exhibition, but most have not strayed from this ritual.
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Each year, Los Angeles galleries return from summer vacation choosing a date for their next big opening. The Saturday after Labor Day has notoriously been the busiest day in the LA art world.

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Photo: Courtesy of LA Art Party

Art patrons scramble trying to figure out which exhibition will have the best opening and art party. Yes, there are a few galleries that choose a later date to celebrate the opening of the next exhibition, but most have not strayed from this ritual.

This year, many more galleries are getting wise... recognizing that there is no way any one person can attend them all. Although this past Saturday (Sept 6) was a bustling one, it was not as busy as one would have thought. With openings taking place in Chinatown, Miracle Mile, Santa Monica, Culver City, and more, several galleries have opted to host openings on the second weekend after Labor Day. Here is a peek of what's to come.

Starting early in the week...(Thursday, September 11), GUSFORD | los angeles celebrates the work of British artist Oliver Jones in a solo exhibition titled "Love the Skin You're In." Featuring a series of photorealist drawings, this will be his first North American solo show. Jones pokes fun at Hollywood's obsession with youth through his use of industry slogans and beauty advertising campaigns. Exhibit runs through October 25, 2014;

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Courtesy of the artist and GUSFORD Los Angeles; Oliver Jones, You Can Shine, 2014, colored chalk pastel on paper, 37 x 49 in.

Opening reception Thursday, September 11, from 6-9pm; GUSFORD | los angeles, 7016 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038; 323.452.9563;

Also on Thursday, September 11, Cohen Gallery (7354 Beverly Blvd., LA, 90036) hosts a reception from 7-9pm; 323.937.5525;

Then Friday, September 12, pop by L.A. Louver in Venice, and enjoy an opening reception for two new exhibitions. Chinese artist Sui Jianguo's debut solo show at L.A. Louver includes eleven sculptures. In addition, the paintings of Frederick Hammersley (1919-2009) will be on view along with his rarely seen collage paintings ("cut-ups") created between 1963 and 1965. Be sure to stop into the sky room upstairs as you still have a chance to see the sculpture of Mark di Suvero. Exhibit runs through October 18 2014;

Opening reception: Friday, September 12, 6-8pm; LA Louver, 45 North Venice, Venice 90291;

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Courtesy of the artist and LA Louver; Sui Jianguo, Schwarzwald, 2014 bronze, 93 x 199 x 80 in. (236.2 x 505.5 x 203.2 cm)

Additional openings take place on Friday September 12, from 6-8pm at Marc Selwyn Fine Art, 9953 South Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212; 310.277.9953; and Michael Kohn Gallery, 1227 N. Highland Ave., LA 90038; 323.658.8088;

Turning to Saturday's events...

In Beverly Hills... M+B presents "Pictures, Chromogenic and Pigment." Marking Phil Chang's first solo exhibition with the gallery, the exhibit will feature photographic monochromes and works on paper. Exhibit runs through October 25, 2014. Opening reception: Saturday, September 13, 6-8pm; M+B, 612 N. Almont Dr., LA, 90069; 310.550.0050;

In Santa Monica, Bergamot Station offers several art parties at Rosamund Felsen Gallery and one much later at Copro Gallery (check websites for times).

The well-known artist Gronk will be celebrated with an artist reception at the Lora Schlesinger Gallery from 5-7pm. "Ruins" features new abstract paintings as well as works on paper. This is Gronk's first solo exhibition with the gallery. Exhibit runs through October 18, 2014.

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© Courtesy of the artist and Lora Schlesinger Gallery; Gronk, Untitled (14-002), 2014, monoprint 24-1/16 x 29-1/4" - fr.

Opening reception: Saturday, September 13 from 5-7pm. Lora Schlesinger Gallery (T-3) Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., SM 90404; 310.828.1133;

THE ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY celebrates thirty-five years with an anniversary exhibition opening this Saturday. The exhibit will feature the work of renowned artists...all who have shown at the gallery throughout the years. The four-month rotating exhibitions will feature the art of both emerging talent and art icons such as Keith Haring, Raymond Pettibon, Cameron Jamie, Bill Barminski, Alex Prager, Shepard Fairey and many, many more. Exhibit runs through December 20, 2014.

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Photo: Courtesy of ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY; JUST OCCUPY Ted Soqui, Christopher Felver, Shepard Fairey - January 7 - 28, 2012

Opening reception Saturday, September 13, 5-8pm; THE ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY, Bergamot Station, (B-7) 2525 Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, 90404; 310.315.1937;

Or in Highland Park, Avenue 50 Studio holds a reception for "Notes From the Chicano Sublime," and "Ruptured girls at eleven." The aforementioned exhibition features the abstract art of Linda Arreola, Val Echavarria, Cici Segura Gonzalez, and Ramon Ramirez. The theme of the group show encompasses the cosmic, biological, and spiritual worlds. The latter exhibit "Ruptured girls at eleven" is a solo show featuring photography by Meg Madison. Exhibit runs through October 4, 2014. Opening reception: Saturday, September 13, 7-10pm; Avenue 50 Studio, 131 N. Avenue 50, LA 90042; 323.258.1435;

There are many other openings taking place all over Los Angeles this Saturday from 6-8pm such as: Roberts & Tilton, 5801 Washington Blvd. Culver City, 90232; 323.549.0223; Cirrus Gallery, 542 S. Alameda St. LA, 90013; 213.680.3473; Minan Gallery, 1051 S. Fairfax Ave., LA 90019; 323 283 7663; etc.

Let's now forget that Sunday afternoon is a perfect time to enjoy some art. Pasadena's Offramp Gallery has cornered the market on Sunday openings. A solo exhibition titled "Claire Keith: Paintings," opens with an artist reception at the Pasadena gallery this Sunday. Also opening is "Minoru Ohira: Sculpture" and a group show titled "Olly Olly Oxen Free." At each closing reception Offramp Gallery offers artists talks. Exhibit runs through October 12, 2014.

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See photo: Courtesy of Offramp Gallery; Claire Keith, Games, 2002, oil on canvas, 12" x 12"

Opening reception: Sunday, September 14, 2-5pm. Offramp Gallery, 1702 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, 91103; 626-298-6931;

Los Angeles is home to an incredible array of art. If you are in the Los Angeles area, be sure to take advantage of the fabulous art happenings. For a full listing of art and entertainment events taking place each weekend in the Los Angeles area, see LA Art Party.

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