Can’t Miss Exhibits, Eats, and Shops in L.A.’s Exploding Arts District

All the Art in the Arts District

Old, new, and avant garde creative endeavors are brewing in this area.

Although gentrification is sowing its seeds in the area, the community of artists who live here are fighting to keep the creative energy alive—with murals. Walking around you'll notice work from notable graffiti artists like Brooklyn-based artists Adam Dare; LA-based painter Kim West; our very own, Fnnch; and LA local Wrdsmth. To take in all of the pieces and learn about the artists behind them, book an intimate walking expedition with LA Art Tours and learn about the street art world. These are usually guided by a notable graffiti artist or writer like Shanduone—who began his career as LA graphic artists in the 70s. // The esteemed Hauser & Wirth (901 East 3rd Street), with locations in London, New York, Somerset, Gstaad and soon in Hong Kong, now has an LA location. Built inside of an old flour mill, the gallery has two art spaces, a public courtyard, bookshop, gift shop and restaurant. On view (until the end of January) are two exhibitions—Mike Kelley: Kandors 1999–2011, a mixed media show with a Superman theme, and local painter Ellen Gallagher with her first solo show in LA. // New pop up museum, Happy Place (1242 Palmeto Street), revels in happy moments—see a giant birthday cake and a neon XO installation celebrating love and marriage; and dance under a dome swathed in flowers and confetti. // Venus Over Manhattan (601 South Anderson Street), is the second gallery in the arts district founded by private investor and influential contemporary art and design collector, Adam Lindemann. The 14,500 square foot exhibition space primarily showcases work from young and emerging artists including sculptor Elaine Cameron-Weir and painter Dan McCarthy, and painter Nolan Hendrickson. // Maccarone Gallery (300 South Mission Road) is another space opened by a New Yorker—Michele Maccarone. In a sprawling 35,000 square feet of indoor space and another 10,000 square feet of outdoor area, Maccarone transformed the warehouse into an urban-chic gallery focused on sculpture and pop and conceptual art. On show now conceptual artist David Lamelas in The Other Side until January 27th. // Museum as Retails Space aka Mars (649 S. Anderson Street) is a 6,000 square foot commercial, contemporary art space and shop founded by first-time gallery owner Robert Zin Stark. The program is pretty diverse ranging from contemporary art to mixed media and photography. On January 13th Mars will open Reintentions by queer photographer, Josh Paul Thomas, in an exhibition focused on the portrayal of the nude male a the past ten years and the taboos and objectification of the body. // Opened by artist, Davida Nemeroff, and gallery dealer, Mieke Marple, Night Gallery (2276 East 16th Street) was named after its opening times: 10pm to 2am. The two wanted to create a space that includes a post-studio scene where artists can chill after work. Now, the gallery not only has daytime hours, but has become a landmark for artists and art collectors alike in search of emerging talent. Upcoming exhibitions include works from painter Mira Dance with High Hell and photographer Barak Zemer with Transit (both from January 20th through February 24th). // The new Denk Gallery (749 East Temple Street)—owned by husband and wife duo, Belgian endocrinologist Dr. Katja Van Herle and British yacht captain David Hoey—opened with an emphasis on conceptual artists. The roster of names includes Belgian artist Arne Quinze, well-known in the Burning Man community; LA-based photographer Augusta Wood; and abstract painter Matthew Anthony Stokes. They will be participating at Untitled SF January 15th in San Francisco, where they'll feature a sculptural program by artists Jeff Colson, Tim Hawkinson, and Pontus Willfors.

Eat + Drink in Arts District

Explore hip bars, urban farm-to-table eateries...and pie.

BARS

The Resident (428 S. Hewitt Street) is a fusing of a bar, beer garden and music venue. Upon walking in, it's no surprise why this place is frequented by designers, architects and artists. The place has free concerts, a falafel wrap to die for, and delish hand-crafted cocktails, like the Naked & Famous with El Silence mezcal, Aperol, yellow chartreuse and lime. // Arts District Brewing Co (828 Traction Ave.) is an urban interpretation of the old school brewery. They brew more than 30 beers onsite including IPA, Pale Ale, light, and dark. There's no kitchen here, but there is a window connected to Fritzi Coop, where you can order take up to eat there. Also to note: there's an entire wall with skee-ball machines, and arcade games.

HOME-GROWN EATS + PIE

Located inside of the Houser & Wirth building, Manuela (907 E 3rd Street), not only has an art collection with original pieces by well-known contemporary artists like Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford and Raymond Pettibon, but also chickens and a garden where they grow fresh veggies, herbs and fruit. Chef Wes Whitsell combines his Texan roots with SoCal flavors and artisanal techniques like in-house smoking, fermenting, preserving and pickling for a delicious seasonal menu. Favorites include the roasted pumpkin soup and Bloomsdale spinach with sesame vinaigrette, satsuma, almond and crisp parsnip. // Try secret recipes passed down in the family at The Pie Hole (714 Traction Ave). Opened by mother-son duo, Becky Grasley and Matthew Heffner, this intimate space is ideal for a cup of coffee or dirty chai and treat. The menu is updated often with new goodies. For a saccharine delight, try the Mexican chocolate, mom's apple crumble, and the strawberry lavender hand pie. Those looking for something savory can indulge in the chili pot pie or the chicken 'n cornbread pie.

Shop in Arts District

This area is teeming with clothing and accessories made by local artists, and a hint of vintage.

Founded in 1994 by Jason Wein, Cleveland Art (451 Colyton Street) is a furniture store with tables, lighting, cabinets, chairs and armchairs, all made with recycled materials. They even offer custom installations. // Eclectic, unique, and stylish, Arts District Co-Op (453 Colyton Street) is a new concept of retail stores inside of a warehouse. Vendors here consist primarily of locals, each with a corner to display clothing, furniture, accessories, jewelry, and home goods. // Alchemy Works (826 E 3rd Street) is a gallery and event space, in addition to a shop. Founded by Raan Parton, creative director of Apolis, and his wife Lindsay, the high-end boutique carries apparel, lifestyle books, ceramics, accessories, stationary, Warby Parker glasses, and some vintage items—including a Porsche in the middle of the store. They're also connected to Blacktop Coffee, so you can get your caffeine and retail fix at the same time.