What's Hot in the Arts District: Summer 2022
It’s finally summer and things are heating up in the Arts District! There is no shortage of things to do once you are in town. From immersive art exhibits to the grand opening of a $588 million dollar viaduct, there is sure to be something for everybody. We want to share all the exciting happenings in our community with you. Keep reading for a curated guide to Summer 2022 in the Arts District Los Angeles.
Let’s start off with an integral piece of our art focused neighborhood- Art Share LA - @artshare_la
Art Share is a 30,000 sq. ft building with a purpose to provide a platform for emerging artists to display their work. Their mission is largely derived from an overwhelming need for equitable access and inclusive opportunities to artists in LA. Art Share provides an environment free of complex systems of privilege, that in turn promotes a culturally and ethnically diverse space intended to uplift every artist who walks through its door.
The Arts District emerged into the art scene when a diverse range of opportunists converted former industrial spaces into working studios to practice their craft. Fast forward to today, ever rising rental costs have become the norm and gallery spaces are getting pushed out to make way for housing development. This is driving out the very community of people that made the Arts District the creative hub it is known as today. This further institutionalizes the idea that marginalized communities face added roadblocks in finding economic success through their art. Art Share recognizes this issue and therefore have made steadfast efforts to break the “starving artist” cycle by providing 30 affordable lofts that help to eliminate the fear of displacement.
Art Share has two exhibitions on view this summer:
The Observer and the Observed : On display July 22 - August 27
“As history moves forward and repeats itself they continue to document the interactions that take place within their ever changing environments. The Observer and the Observed invites the viewer to see a story of conscious and subconscious experiences that manifest themselves into a historical but deeply personal tale of each artist’s life in Los Angeles.’”
Media from The Observer and the Observed, Image from Art Share LA
Curated by: Eloy Torres and Juliane Backmann
Featuring artists: Michael Massenburg, Emila Cruz, Gabor Ekecs, Juliane Backmann, Eloy Torrez
Media from The Observer and the Observed, Image from Art Share LA
Inside Out: On display July 22 - August 27
“Inside Out explores the experience of the city of Los Angeles from the perspective of these emerging artists.”
Media from Inside Out, Image from Art Share LA
Curated by: Jimmy O’Balles and Rebecca Contreras
Featuring artists: Carlos Mares, Cristian Rivas, Andrea Castillo, Rich Romeros, Josiah O’Balles, Maritza Torres, Maricruz Sibaja, Art Carrillo, Rick Ortega, Nychole Owens, Ricardo Salvador Miranda, and Gregg Stone
*Parking: We recommend Best Auto Park in the Little Tokyo Galleria
Up next, our tour takes us to Hauser and Wirth - @hauserwirth
Another buzzing community hub that is directly across from Eat Drink Americano. They occupy a former flour mill and are highly regarded worldwide for their art exhibitions and events. They hold a distinguished reputation in the art world for their dedication in supporting artists and for their philanthropic investments towards scholarships and research. On site, you will find an oasis of sculptures, street murals, herb gardens, and even a chicken coop.
Exterior of Hauser and Wirth building
On view this summer:
Mika Rottenberg: On display now until October 2022
Mika Rottenberg exhibit, Image from Hauser and Wirth
“Rottenberg illustrates the absurdity of humanity’s rampant production, distribution, and consumption of objects by juxtaposing existing industry with her own, often unexpected, manufacturing systems. ”
*Parking: Street parking and nearby valet available.
*Admission: Free to attend. No booking required.
Continuing our guided tour, we arrive at Wisdome LA - @wisdome.la
Beat the heat in one of their five multi-sensory domes, home to some of LA’s coolest music and art events. Think of it as a fully immersive art exhibit. They explore a new concept of combining cutting edge technology with art to create an unforgettable experience that is unlike any other type of exhibition. They host a range of demonstrations, from healing sound baths to scientific films for kids to Pink Floyd concerts. Be sure to check in with their scheduled events, as they add new ones frequently.
Image from Wisdome LA
On view this summer:
Daft Punk Pyramid Dome Experience : Showings August 4, 5, 6
”A multisensory dance party meets immersive space opera inpired by the legendary duo: Daft Punk. This cutting-edge original narrative production works with an evolving roster of best-in-class DJs and multidisciplinary performers for the ultimate tribute to Daft Punk's legacy. Join two DJ robots from the future on a journey through the cosmos!”
Etherica Sound Journey Experience : Showing August 9
“This is a powerful sound healing journey combining sacred 432HZ healing instruments with live mantra music along with guided meditation, breathwork and energy healing surrounded by 360 dome visuals to take you on a magical journey so you can heal from within”
*Parking: Street parking available or we recommend Mateo Garage
*Admission: Tickets available here
Last stop, The Sixth Street Viaduct
If art galleries are not your muse, a modest $588 million dollar project is sure to peak some interest. Just this month, the largest bridge project in the history of Los Angeles has finally opened to the public. The Sixth Street Viaduct Bridge merges the Arts District and neighboring Boyle Heights. It is a magnificent architectural accomplishment that was initiated when the preexisting bridge was found to have seismic vulnerability. Have no fear, the old bridge is forever commemorated in iconic films such as Grease and The Dark Knight Rises. The mammoth undertaking of demolishing the old bridge and replacing it with a refreshed landmark, dubbed the “Ribbon of Light”, has been a six year project in the making. Thousands have already flocked to the bridge to view its sheer size and the remarkable arches that are outfitted with colored LED lights. We suggest a sunset outing and going for a ride or a stroll on the accompanying bike and foot paths. There is no doubt you will feel immersed in the spirit of Los Angeles while surrounded by vintage cars and lowriders with a backdrop of astounding views of Downtown LA. It is a breathtaking sight you just have to see for yourself!
Drone photo of sunrise at the 6th St Bridge
*Parking: Street parking available
We hope you enjoy our guide to the exciting events going on this summer in the Arts District. We love supporting our community, so we hope this gives you some ideas of our favorite local places to visit. Come stop by Eat Drink Americano to tell us about your experience!
Tag us along your journey! @eatdrinkamericano
#whatshotintheartsdistrict
Written by Izabelle Chow