Recommended openings to catch this weekend…

Travis Louie
“The Most Dangerous Comb Over” 11×14″ / acrylic on board
Showcasing as part of Travis’ solo this Saturday at Copro Gallery

Fri, May 8th 6-9PM
La Luz De Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles / 323.666.7667
“Miss Mindy’s Sassy Paper Doll Bonanza” book release party & signing
(one-night only special event)
http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

Fri, May 8th 7-11PM
thinkspace
4210 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles / 323.913.3375
“…Away From the Things of Man” with Kathleen Lolley + “A Brief History” from Allison Sommers in the project room alongside “Inner Myth Pt. 1” from Joao Ruas as part of the “Fresh Faces” series
(On view through June 5th)
http://www.thinkspacegallery.com/

Sat, May 9th 7-10:30PM
Black Maria Gallery
3137 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles / 818.613.9090
“These Are Strange Times My Dear” featuring works from CJ Metzger, Catia Chien, and Danny Paragouteva
(On view through June 6th)
http://www.blackmariagallery.com/

Sat, May 9th 3-7PM
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art
1257 N. La Brea Ave in West Hollywood / 323.969.0600
“Total Sao Paulo: A Guide To The Unexpected” special book signing event with complimentary Brazilian cocktails courtesy of Leblon Cachaca – plus you can take in Thais Beltrame’s debut LA solo and the ‘Get Rich Quick’ group show that both just opened on Thursday evening
http://www.carmichaelgallery.com/

Sat, May 9th 8-11:30PM
Copro Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave, Space T-5 at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica / 310.398.2643
“Strange Grooming Habits” from Travis Louie + “Sentimental” from Kathie Olivas
(On view through May 30th)
http://www.copronason.com/

Sat, May 9th 7-11PM
Exhibit A Gallery
1086 S. Fairfax in Los Angeles / 323.954.7295
“Die Posers, Die!” featuring works from Steve Caballero, Tony Alva, Chris Pastras, Steve Olson, Lance Mountain and many more – limited prints and gift bags for those that get there early
http://www.exhibitagalllery.com/

Sat, May 9th 6:30-10PM (dog adoptions 4:30-8:30)
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd in Los Angeles / 310.445.9276
“Free To A Good Home: Art Exhibition and Dog Adoption” featuring works from Apak!, Robert Bellm, Evah Fan, Susie Ghahremani, David Horvath, Michael Hsiung, Little Friends of Printmaking, Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, Tom Neely, Tru Nguyen, Martin Ontiveros, Albert Reyes, Martha Rich, Rob Sato, Edwin Ushiro, and many more + dog adoptions on site too day of event from Los Angeles Animal Services
(On view through June 10th)
http://www.gr2.net/

Sat, May 9th 7-10PM
LeBasse Projects
6023 Washington Blvd in Culver City / 310.558.0200
“Hello and Goodbye” featuring new works from Yoskay Yamamoto + new works from Melissa Haslam in the project room
(On view through May 28th)
http://www.lebasseprojects.com/

Sat, May 9th 7-11PM ($100 at the door)
MOCA Fresh Silent Auction
At the Geffen Contemporary / 152 North Central Ave in Los Angeles / 213.633.5381
Annual benefit auction to raise funds for the MOCA – food, drinks, and music courtesy of DJ Rashida
www.moca.org/auction

Sat, May 9th 7-10PM
Billy Shire Fine Arts
5790 Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles / 323.297.0600
New works from Mars-1, Damara Kaminecki, Chris Roberts-Antieau and Ray Abeyta
(On view through June 6th)
http://www.billyshirefinearts.com/

Sun, May 10th 6-9PM
Billy Shire Fine Arts
5790 Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles / 323.297.0600
Dr. Sketchy Los Angeles Session #000 with Shag and Tim Biskup + a few surprise guests – join Baby Tattoo and the gang at BSFA for what promises to be a very fun evening
http://www.billyshirefinearts.com/
http://www.drsketchyla.com/

‘Worlds On Fire’ opening night shots…

Thanks to will.i.am and Justin Giarla of the Shooting Gallery along with Kris Lewis, the worlds of music and contemporary art collided head on last night in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ art district for the VIP opening of Worlds On Fire. The invite-only GenArt sponsored event was packed from the jump off and heated up as the night drew on.

Opening night crush…

Van Arno in front of his stunning BB King portrait.

Travis Louie with his portrait of Trent Reznor (NIN).

Kris Lewis alongside his portrait of Beck.

Mr. Brainwash alongside his mosaic piece of Jay-Z made out of old vinyl LPs.

Mike Maxwell poses with his piece of ‘The Boss’, Bruce Springsteen.

Artist couple Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas were in town for Brandt’s show at 1988 (opening this evening) and popped in to support their close friends Sas & Colin Christian and take in the festivities… if you get a chance, be sure to check out Brandt’s debut solo over at 1988.

Shawn from Thinkspace with man of the hour will.i.am

The man who pulled the show all together – Shooting Gallery‘s Justin Giarla with up and coming monster Henry Lewis.

Speaking of Henry Lewis, his portrat of Nas was one of the showstoppers in our opinion…

As was this stunning portrait of Snoop Dogg from Jeremy Lipkin. Just amazing – one of the best in show by far.

Some great photos can also be found here and here, as well as images of most of the works in the exhibit – so be sure to check out both AM and Daily D for more.

Each of the show pieces will be sold by silent auction with the proceeds going to the Peapod Foundation.

Worlds on Fire runs through Sunday February 8th, so there’s still time to catch this killer exhibit. For full details and hours check out http://worldsonfire.dipdive.com/

Pacific Electric Lofts @ 610 S. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles