On the second Thursday of every month, something strange happens in Downtown LA. It starts in the morning, when owners of LA art galleries begin to hustle around making last-minute preparations — adjusting lighting, getting a lineup of drinks ready, choosing music. Come nightfall, the historic core of Downtown LA comes alive with remarkable energy.
From Downtown's burgeoning art scene to Venice's longstanding funkiness to San Pedro's eclectic collections near Los Angeles Harbor, local art walks give both locals and visitors an opportunity to get the true flavor of a community, not to mention a much-needed art fix.
Love arts and culture? Lucky for you that Los Angeles is the city for cutting-edge art and diverse cultures. Luckier for you that much of it is free.
There’s no better way to check out the art (and the shopping) on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, located in the heart of Venice, than stopping by on the first Friday of every month. The event starts around 6 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. The neighborhood merchants come together to feature the best artists, gifts, products and music. And, of course, beverages are available.
Los Angeles Metro’s public art showcases the city’s roots, providing visitors with an easy way to learn about various aspects of LA’s personality. Movies, culture, myth and architecture all appear in the public art works of LA Metro’s Purple Line, which runs from Union Station to Wilshire and Western. Take some time to explore, and see how public art in LA adds another dimension to the city’s art scene.