Exhibition at Gallery 825 April 2nd 2011
An Evening of Discovery and First Dibs for Savvy Collectors: gem Celebrates 5th Anniversary as One-Night-
Only VIP Preview, Exhibition and Sale Benefiting the Los Angeles Art Association, on April 2nd, 2011.
With more than 200 affordably priced original works for sale, the Los Angeles Art Association’s 5th annual gem show allows everyone to become an “art gem” collector. This one-night-only opportunity at Gallery 825 on La Cienega Boulevard is widely embraced by the Southern California art community as an important showcase of emerging art trends. The first 100 registrants for the 6 to 7pm VIP Reception will receive an original signed print by acclaimed artist Yoichi Kawamura; and they’ll have the first opportunity to preview and purchase additional gems by Flora Kao, Michael Salvatore Tierney, Brad Howe, Kareem Ralph Amin as well as work by other emerging and mid-career artists. They’ll also enjoy sipping bubbly and sampling the international flavors from Susan Feniger’s STREET. The doors open for general admission from 7 to 10pm. LAAA Executive Director Peter Mays explains, “Our gem benefit is the best place to discover emerging talents at the onset of their career paths and while they are still affordable to a broad base of collectors…it’s THE perfect kick-off to L.A.’s spring art season.”
In the years since its inception the gem exhibition has proven to be both a launch pad for emerging artists, as well as a tremendous value opportunity for beginning and seasoned collectors. Past gem attendees have secured original works by Alexandra Grant, Meeson Pae Yang, Richard Artschwager, John Baldessari, Frank Gehry and many more! The 2011 Benefit Committee includes such art world luminaries as Franklin Sirmans, Robert Galstian, York Chang, Sue Hancock, Michelle Pobar and Louis Stern. “The Los Angeles Art Association — L.A.’s first visual artist organization, founded in 1925 — remains one of the region’s most vital forums for the presentation of emerging artists. Its program of solo exhibitions, juried shows, and its annual gem benefit at Gallery 825 are wonderlands for anyone truly interested in what’s happening artistically in Los Angeles, an international focal point for new art,” said Howard N. Fox, curator emeritus of contemporary art of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and gem benefit committee member. View an online preview of available works after March 15, 2011.