San Pedro is a treasure-trove of artist-owned galleries and dynamic exhibitions. Every first Thursday the area around the iconic Warner Grand theater from 6th to 8th Street manifests a bountiful art scene in an evening art walk from 6-9 p.m.
Yesterday, Erika Lizee and Echo Lew were among those featured at the opening of “Exuberance,” at Angels’ Ink Gallery, whose monochromatic theme was devoid of bright color, but nonetheless compelling.
At Huz Galleries, Ngene Mwaura was putting the finishing touches on a piece that offered a beautiful contemporary spin on traditional African effigies; the water images of Huss Hardan’s blissfully surreal photographs, and the stunning colors of Wawi Amasha’s “Peacock Manifest” vividly drew viewers into this new gallery.
“Holographic Enlightenment” is the artistic message spread at Jumbie Art, where the owners provided 3-D glasses to enhance the enjoyment. The eye-popping wow needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate.
At Studio/Gallery 478, Ray and Arnee Carofano respectively showed evocative photographic art, many of Ray’s depicting LA River scenes, Arnee’s pieces including travel shots illuminating ocean shores and windshield views.
And at Michael Stearns’ Studio 347, Stearns included pieces such as “Totem Forest” made whimsically from bathroom bamboo, in a vibrant exhibit that also included the work of Lance Green.
Beautiful origami cranes representing the prayers of all religions, and utilizing the wood from a toppled bonsai tree, formed one of many untitled creations in the poetic studio and gallery space of artist Hiroko at her Studio Hiroko at 382 7th Street.
If art isn’t enough, check out street performers – including a group of excellent rapping sailors; food trucks, happy hours at local watering holes, and sidewalk sales by local boutique shops.
There’s live music, delicious food, and a “feed and be fed” message at the welcoming Garden Church, too.
Other fine exhibits included the offerings at Warschaw Gallery. Artist Teresa Lewis Pisano exhibited in a converted-for-the-evening hair salon.
We’ll be profiling some of the individual San Pedro artists here in coming weeks, so stay tuned, and mark your calendar for September’s First Thursday art walk.
- Genie Davis, all photos by Jack Burke