Art at the Beach: Skate boards, glass, plein-air and classical art
by Kimie Joe
Boards Across Hermosa exhibit
Through April 20
Local artists and shop owners come together for the Third Annual Boards Across Hermosa art installation. Boards Across Hermosa pays tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Hermosa Beach Skate Park, and Hermosa’s prominent role in the history of skateboarding. Using skateboards as their canvases, 50 artists have created one of a kind art that is featured alongside a factoid of Hermosa skateboarding history provided by the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, and curated by local skateboarding legend Cindy Whitehead. Now through St. Patrick’s Day, 50 boards will be on display in 50 storefronts along Pier and Hermosa Avenues. Walkers can start at The Source Cafe on Pier Avenue, then wander down Hermosa Avenue to the Hermosa Brewing Co. return to Pier Plaza, and then continue down Hermosa Avenue to return to the Hermosa Cyclery. The exhibit comes to a close on April 20 with the boards being auctioned at Indivisible Art’s State of the Art fundraising gala. Proceeds from the auction benefit the artists and the Hermosa Beach Chamber Foundation.
Manhattan Beach Art Center: Return to Form Art Exhibit
January 19 through March 31
Return to Form explores classical ideals through the works of contemporary artists Nora Martin-Hall, Edgar Silva, Lucy Cui, and Brittany Ryan. Each pays homage to traditions of the past. 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard., Manhattan Beach.
Easy Reader: Thomas H. Redfield exhibit
Through March 31
A rare showing of over 20 paintings by the Portuguese Bend Plein-Air Artists group’s Thomas Hunter Redfield. Open daily. 67 14th Street, Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-4611
Palos Verdes Art Center: The Optics of Now
January 27 through April 13
The Optics of Now: SoCal Glass, a survey of contemporary glass art highlighting the diverse and interconnected glass community in Southern California. The objects in this exhibition depict techniques and ideas that artists are currently generating in the medium of glass. 5504 Crestridge Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes
Hermosa Library: Coloring for Adults
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Rediscover the relaxation and joy of coloring. Free. All materials will be provided. For Adults. Generously sponsored by Hermosa Beach FOL. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
Mychal’s Art Show
Saturday, Feb. 10
The 10th Annual Friends of Mychal’s Art show open house, featuring 25 local artists with disabilities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mychal’s Learning Place. 4901 W. Rosecrans, Hawthorne. For more information visit Mychals.org
CONTRAST, an art show El Segundo
Saturday, Feb. 10
Get ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of artistic perspectives at CONTRAST, an art show featuring Local LA artists. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of paintings, sculptures, and music that explore the contrast between light and darkness, chaos and order, and everything in between. 5 – 8 p.m. 215 Arena Street, El Segundo. $12. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.
ESMoA: Open Makerspace
Saturday, February 10
Every Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm. Join in an afternoon of art-making. Take inspiration from the featured artworks, experiment with different techniques to create art. Start with an easy warm-up drawing exercise and then explore the art activity of the day. All materials are provided. This is a space for all ages and skill levels. Free. 14929 Hawthorne Blvd., Lawndale.
Destination Art Reception: “It isn’t easy being green”
Saturday, February 10
What does the color green evoke? Down-to-earth? New beginnings and growth? Renewal and abundance? Jealousy and inexperience? See how 76 artists interpret green in 93 paintings. Enjoy in-person at the gallery or online, where most of the art can be purchased. This show runs through March 2nd. Reception on Feb. 10, 3 to 5 p.m.
Hearts of Hermosa Tickets
Wednesday, February 14
The Annual HBEF Hearts of Hermosa Gala at the Hermosa Beach Community Center March 23rd. Tickets go on sale February 14 online at hbef.org/events.
Make Your Own Jean-Michel Basquiat Button Hermosa Library
Friday, February 23
Celebrate African American and Black History Month by learning about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Draw inspiration from the work of this artist and express your creativity by making your own art buttons to wear or gift to friends. Free. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach Museum: Insomniac Poetry Open Mic Night
Thursday, February 29
Interested in sharing poetry of your own, reading and discussing poetry, or hearing from the local arts community? In honor of the historic Insomniac Cafe, the Hermosa Beach Historical Society is hosting an Open Mic Poetry Night featuring local high school students and seniors. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Hermosa Beach Museum, 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach. Registering for the event provides general admission. To be added to the program and read a poem at the event, email hermosabeachmuseum@gmail.com.
Boards Across Hermosa Skate Art Auction
Saturday, April 20
Boards Across Hermosa skateboards will be auctioned with sales benefitting artists and the Hermosa Beach Chamber Foundation at Indivisible Art’s State of the Art fundraising gala. Artists range from professionals whose works sell for thousands of dollars to Hermosa Valley art students just discovering their talent.