Courtesy photo
By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LINCOLN HEIGHTS — Art enthusiasts from around Los Angeles are expected to converge May 3-4 for the spring edition of the Brewery Artwalk, a twice-yearly open studio weekend located at what has been called the world’s largest art complex north of downtown Los Angeles.
Imagine strolling through a vibrant neighborhood, surrounded by street art, live music and the enticing aroma of food and libations, including craft beers.
Welcome to Brewery Artwalk, a unique event that showcases the city’s thriving art scene and an exceptional artist collective.
The Brewery Artwalk, which launched in 1984, is a free, educational, public art event designed to create an alternative venue for art exposure.
It allows artists at The Brewery the opportunity to open their studios — homes? — and connect with the general public, the art industry, other working artists and the community.
The Brewery Arts Complex is home to both innovative and pioneering artists in the Los Angeles art scene, many of whom have gained national recognition.
The resident artists work in a range of disciplines, including film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, architecture, interior design, immersive 3D environments, LED light sculpture, high-tech design, furniture design, innovative installations, environmental design, interactive displays, new media, digital art and more.
Families, children, students, and individuals are encouraged to view the artists’ work, meet with the artists in person, and engage in dialogue about the art. The event is a unique community service open and free to all.
Portia Iversen is an artist at The Brewery who, for years, did small collages and otherwise “painted with my eyes” on walls and ceilings as she dreamed of working on larger artworks.
“Finally, my decades-long dream came true when I moved into the Brewery Artist lofts last July,” she said. “I immediately began painting on a large scale and have done so every day since. People and patterns are my inspiration.
“Reflecting this, my favorite artists are Alice Neel and Robert Kushner. The Brewery artists’ community is wonderful, with a huge range of ages and talents and mutual respect, with the common denominator being creativity.”
Dave Lefner, whose chosen medium is reduction linocut, said the Brewery Artwalk changed his relationship with art.
“Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, by a certain age I thought I had seen everything,” Lefner said. “And I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon the Brewery Artwalk, but that day 26 years ago, literally changed my life forever.”
Lefner moved into the art complex soon after.
“I moved in and my life and my art suddenly became a reality,” he said. “From just having the loft space to having new, inspiring neighbors (many who have become lifelong friends), my entire view about becoming a real ‘artist’ blossomed into a reality that I will be forever grateful for. To this day, I feel blessed to live here.”
Susan Savory is also one of this year’s participating artists.
“Throughout my career, sharing my work with the public through galleries and museums has been a fairly comfortable experience for me,” Savory said. “Sharing my studio, which is also my living space, was always much harder.
“For a barely extroverted introvert, the idea of hundreds of people streaming through my home over two days used to make me cringe and run for cover, but the Artwalk experience has changed my perspective and opened my mind and heart to the possibilities that come with those visitors.”
Savory has called The Brewery home for 11 years and has participated in nearly every Artwalk during that time.
“I’ve sold work, of course, which is important, but of equal value to me are the friendships that I’ve formed with folks who return year after year, a fresh take and new insights into my work and my process from attendees, and the camaraderie between residents in the days leading up to the event,” she said. “The breadth of the artwork and experiences available to the public during open studios is remarkable.”
Savory loves being able to direct first-time “artwalkers” to other studios.
“I know that whatever they see and whichever artists they connect with, they’ll take something positive, and most likely unforgettable, away from the weekend,” she said.
Kate Hoffman, The Brewery Artwalk Association’s communications director and treasurer, agrees.
“The Brewery Artwalk is an interesting, wonderful place to explore,” said Hoffman, a Michigan native. “It’s so unique to be able to find art from the artist and meet that person while you’re buying it.”
Hoffman said that when people visit an artist’s studio, they can see their process and how they live.
“It’s exciting,” said Hoffman, herself an artist. “You get to connect with them. You can’t get that from a gallery. This experience supercharges our connection to the art they make. A connection that will never be erased from the art you take home.
“People want to personalize their homes with art that is meaningful. You are buying directly from the artist directly from out of their home. You can’t ask for more than that.”
Brewery Artwalk, a must-visit event for anyone who appreciates art, craft beer and community spirit, offers art aficionados the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and flavor.
Attendees can dine at the on-site restaurant and food trucks. Food and drinks will be available at the centrally located beer garden provided by Barbara’s At The Brewery.
Attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and exploring the neighborhood. Some vendors may not accept credit or debit cards, so it’s best to bring cash.
Admission and parking to the ArtWalk are free of charge. There is free parking in the UPS lot next door.
The Brewery is located at 2100 N. Main St., just off the Golden State (5) Freeway.
Information: www.breweryartwalk.com.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
