These Lovely Streets: Kohshin Finley

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Kohshin Finley is currently "living, breathing and making art in Hollywood." Finley has garnered widespread acclaim for his portraits - large grayscale paintings of his friends and community that reflect LA's diversity.

Finley says, "Through telling the story of the people in LA, and through my friends, and through this community of mine, their stories are really universal. Creating artwork that people can feel seen in, and that they can feel cared for, and loved, and that someone - me in this case - took the time to take care of that story and be the steward of that story, and their image, and know that will be something that can traverse time and essentially be immortalized."

"The neighborhood I grew up in influences my work heavily, as does the neighborhood I reside in now. It's really unique to be on Hollywood Boulevard and have my studio here. And to be present in it as a part of the creative community here, it just makes me really wanna double down on what this city is. And being here in LA it's something that you can't get anywhere else."

"I think to be an artist in LA, you have to support those communities that support you, and you create an infrastructure, a web of support and community that - I know that there's places I can always go to and be replenished. Not only somewhere where I'm seeking the community, but that I also am part of the community, and welcoming people in is how I celebrate it."

Founded by LA natives Ajay Relan and Yonnie Hagos, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen recently announced a partnership with actress, producer, and entrepreneur Issa Rae (Insecure). Hilltop's flagship location in Downtown Inglewood (170 N. La Brea Ave) occupies the 3,500 square-foot space that previously housed Sweetie Pies, across from the iconic KJLH 102.3 FM radio station owned by Stevie Wonder.

Opened in 2012, The Underground Museum (3508 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles 90018) is the realization of the dream of the late artist Noah Davis to bring world-class art to Arlington Heights. Davis was a rising star in the art world who established a relationship with MOCA to exhibit works from the permanent collection. Although The Underground Museum focuses on contemporary African American art, a message at the museum's entrance notes, "This is a black space, but all are welcome."

Opened in 1991 on the streetwear mecca of La Brea Avenue, Union (110 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90036) continues to bring its customers a curated selection of up and coming designers mixed with off-the-beaten-path high-end brands from all over the globe. Union’s concept is simple: menswear that walks the line between fashion and function, avoiding the "costumey" side of fashion by offering classics with a twist.