Last weekend, John and I ventured to the Arts District downtown to check out the twice-yearly Brewery Art Walk at the old Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery. The complex is one of the largest artists-in-residence communities in the world, and more than 100 artists open up their home studios for people to walk through and get an intimate glimpse of their lives—fun for those of us who like to see how these uber-creative types live and work. Best of all, the event is free.
All kinds of artists live there—photographers, painters, sculptors, and mixed media artists. Some of the art was cool—and some of it sparked a discussion about how art is subjective anyway—but the neatest part about it was checking out the sweet lofts and the architecture of the buildings in general. Who wouldn’t want to live in a converted industrial space with giant, gorgeous windows and tall ceilings? It felt a little strange slinking in and photographing strangers’ homes while they chatted with other guests in the kitchen. You could tell some people cleaned up before they opened their doors to the world, while others still had dirty dishes in the sink.
The atmosphere was casual and festive, and it felt like one massive house party. People were walking around with their dogs, there was food and beer (some people even brought their own), and the weather was perfect.
The rooftop was pretty special, too. You could see all the way downtown and all the way to the mountains. Gotta love those clear days in Los Angeles.
The exploration of a new city continues! I love how it’s impossible to be bored here, and you don’t have to spend a lot (or sometimes any) money to have fun. The next art walk will be in the spring, and I’ll be bringing my own six-pack.
I love the whole idea of it! You basically get to be nosy and no one will think twice about it. I love how you said it felt like a big house party too, with food (!!!) and people basically hanging out. Sounds like a good time.
It was! Perfect day for it, too. And the artists totally love people ogling their homes and art… the whole thing is genius.
interesting.. so it’s an art walk that originated from a brewery.. i thought there would be some beer tasting involved. i had no idea pbr was from la.
No tastings exactly… just drinking. 😉 And I didn’t know that, either!
So cool, and such pretty pictures! I am coming next time fo sho.
Sanks! And most definitely. You’ll love it.
I’ve never heard of an art walk before, but it looks like a pretty cool concept! Interesting stuff too, and well photographed.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I hadn’t heard of an artwalk, either. At least, not this kind.