December Artwalk review

December proved to be a big and exciting art walk finishing off the year with a bang, or should I say burn. I was able to do the artwalk early and see most of the shows without the crowd blocking the art. There were a few notable events and that made this a special artwalk. To start, there were to "Impromptu" shows in some of the empty retail spaces. One was by Cal Poly student Alex who put together a benefit show with lots of student work and local artists work. He was able to raise over $500 for autism and Asperger's syndrome. The other show was titled "This Shit is Real" and featured art inspired by the famous Basquiat. There were murals with collage painted on the wall and also a dj playing for the crowd.

Down the street next door to Joey's BBQ, a new gallery opened. "Selkouth" is the creation of photographer Nate from Orange County. To our amazement, he was able to fix up the space, get some art together and open for the artwalk in a few days. Welcome to the neighborhood. Also new, "Gallery 375" had a soft opening featuring work of local artist and gallery owner, Jim. Watch out for their grand opening next month. Jim's gallery is located at 375 W. 2nd St. across from the billiards hall.

Back to mid town, Galeria Rustica on Thomas hosted a show curated by artist Oscar Magallanes. The theme here was "Revolution" and include work by Oscar, LA artist Germs a few other artists and 3 paintings by myself. Hint: look for the tanks.

A few blocks away, AMOCA hosted a chili cook-off which featured chili served in ceramic bowls donated by artists. I didn't make it to this one but heard it was a great fundraiser and good chance to purchase some art.

SCA Gallery in the basement had the work of painters Anna Friesen and Bob Pece. In the back of the gallery was also a fundraiser silent auction and small work exhibit. This help raise money for SCA who is planning to move upstairs to street level in the near future.

The dA Center for the Arts had one of their biggest shows of the year. "Quema del Diablo" was an event not to be missed. The gallery was lit up in red and featured "Devil" theme artwork. At one point, the patrons took to the streets following a hearse and people in costume holding devil sculptures. They made their way around the block and came to the front of the dA to start the bonfire. Paper mache sculptures were burnt as well as the crowd throwing their old credit cards and photos into the fire. I was able to throw in a few of my old drawings that needed to disappear.

On the home front, Bunny Gunner was showing the work of two of our friends and great artists, Clifford Matlock and Michael Aschenbrenner. Michael created close to one hundred ceramic styles that were hung in groups set next to Cliff's oil paitings of tea pots and Christmas ornaments. After enjoying the company of the late artwalk crowd, we headed over to the new Glass House bar that is now officially open for business and ended the night with a toast.
-Juan