Evolving Destinations For The Art Enthusiast: Culver City

Evolving Destinations For The Art Enthusiast: Culver City

It stirs and soothes hearts, minds, souls, and bodies across the world, all while taking on a variety of forms: silent, loud, simple, complex, bold, or abstract. In some cases, doing all of the above, all at once. That ever-changing thing that traverses mediums is art, and it is all around us.

As art aficionados continue to make their pilgrimages to the iconic art meccas in a post-COVID world, Paris, Italy, Tokyo, Jakarta, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have seen renewed popularity. But for those seeking the burgeoning art scenes and creative hubs where it’s still easy to spend a day popping in and out of galleries and curated local shops, a Los Angeles community known as Culver City has them all beat.

If you caught our coverage of The Shay Hotel last year, then it may come as no surprise that Culver City continues to deliver with its incredible support of small businesses and local artists.The Culver City Arts District encompasses a rich community of over thirty art galleries within its small footprint that showcase a wide variety of fine art, contemporary art, sculpture, pop, graphic, and street art. All the while, The Shay continues to be a lighthouse for wonderers far and wide in 2024 – remaining the best place to stay for those exploring and discovering art in Culver City.

Opened in October 2021, the young hotel has quickly become a mainstay that boasts the only rooftop pool in Culver City along with prime location at the helm of the incredibly walkable Culver City Arts District. On top of that, The Shay offers travelers and locals easy access to an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

With prominent galleries like Blum (formerly Blum & Poe), Anat Egbi, Thinkspace and Sixty29 Contemporary, and the promising new openings of FP Contemporary, Reisig and Taylor Contemporary and CadFab Creative Gallery, Culver City is becoming a focal point for contemporary art. Along with specialty boutiques, hyper local design retailers and a thriving gastronomic culture, the dynamic neighborhood buzzes with creative energy from architecture enterprises, advertising agencies and culinary arts campuses, interior design showrooms and some of the world’s leading entertainment production studios – like Amazon, HBO Max and Apple TV.

The Shay is only steps away from these globally inspired art galleries and museums, and reflects the neighborhood’s artistic buzz by lining its walls with collections from local artists and hosting monthly pop-up shops from small businesses. In the true heart of Los Angeles, The Shay in Culver City is centrally located between Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Hollywood/West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and offers accessibility to all of the artistic corners of Los Angeles County. See some of the highlights below for just a few attractions sure to complement your own stay at The Shay.

Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, or an art aficionado looking for your next piece, The Shay and Culver City are all-encompassing destinations that cater to your every desire.

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High Rise Art?

High Rise Art?

In 2011, MOCA presented a show called “Art in the Streets”, it was the first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and street art. It was controversial and provoked an academic debate about the nature of graffiti. Today, one need only look up—downtown, South Park, for the moment, home to nearly 27 floors of typographical messages commonly known as graffiti. Derived from the Italian word graffio(“scratch”), graffiti (“incised inscriptions,” plural but often used as singular) has a long history. The graffiti seen here may be short lived as the the Los Angeles City Council.The buildings are part of the Oceanwide Plaza which was meant to be a $1 billion real estate project in downtown L.A., but it’s been empty since 2019. According to the Los Angeles Times’ Summer Lin and Robert Gauthier, the plan was to build three neighboring towers that would serve as luxury condominiums and apartments alongside hotel and retail space. However, construction stopped when the Beijing-based developer backing the project ran out of funds.The abandoned buildings have been an eyesore for locals, and currently the cause of great debate about just what graffiti is. The building looks like an electrical panel with dull cement gray exteriors that have sat for five years, and at some point provided an opportunity for local graffiti artists to decorate the building. Currently, the Los Angeles City Council has voted to invoke the owners to clean up the “mess” of they will and send a bill.

Graffiti can be found throughout the city, from the streets of downtown Los Angeles to the neighborhoods of East LA. Here are some key points about graffiti in Los Angeles:

  1. Historical Roots: Graffiti has a long history in Los Angeles, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when it emerged as a form of expression among marginalized communities. The city played a significant role in the development of graffiti as an art form.
  2. Legal and Illegal Graffiti: While some graffiti is illegal and considered vandalism, there are designated areas and public spaces where street art is legal and even encouraged. The city has a complex relationship with graffiti, acknowledging its artistic value in certain contexts while also enforcing laws against illegal tagging.
  3. Venice Beach Walls: Venice Beach is known for its legal graffiti walls, where artists can freely express themselves without fear of legal repercussions. These walls attract both local and international graffiti artists, contributing to the vibrant street art culture of the city.
  4. Murals and Street Art Festivals: Los Angeles hosts various street art festivals and mural projects that bring together artists to create large-scale public artworks. The city has numerous murals that showcase a wide range of styles and themes, often reflecting the cultural diversity of the area.
  5. Melrose Avenue: Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood is famous for its street art scene. The walls of buildings along this iconic street often feature colorful murals and graffiti pieces, creating an outdoor gallery that reflects the trendy and artistic atmosphere of the neighborhood.
  6. Downtown Arts District: The Arts District in downtown Los Angeles is another hotspot for street art and graffiti. Former industrial buildings and warehouses in this area have been transformed into galleries and studios, attracting artists who contribute to the urban art landscape.
  7. Political and Social Commentary: Graffiti in Los Angeles often serves as a platform for political and social commentary. Artists use their work to address issues such as gentrification, inequality, and cultural identity, providing a visual voice for marginalized communities.

It’s important to note that opinions on graffiti vary, and while some view it as a form of artistic expression, others see it as a form of vandalism. The city’s approach to graffiti continues to evolve, with efforts to balance artistic freedom with the need to maintain public spaces.

 

 

 

 

 

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Idyllwild Arts Partners With Pioneering UK-Based Theater Company Stan’s Café to Deliver Thought-Provoking Performance Art

Idyllwild Arts Partners With Pioneering UK-Based Theater Company Stan’s Café to Deliver Thought-Provoking Performance Art

Idyllwild Arts Partners With Pioneering UK-Based Theater Company Stan’s Café to Deliver Thought-Provoking Performance Art

Free Reception February 9 a Highlight of Exhibitition Running February 6-14

 

The InterArts Department at Idyllwild Arts is pleased to present a special collaboration between

its students and UK-based interactive theater company, Stan’s Cafe.  Of All The People in All The

World is an internationally-acclaimed performance installation that turns abstract human

population statistics into emotionally gripping stories using grains of rice. The public is invited

to view Idyllwild Arts’ iteration Of All The People in All The World at a celebratory reception on

Friday, February 9 from 6 to 7.30 pm, featuring InterArts students and Stan’s Café founders,

James Yarker and Graeme Rose. The free event takes place at the Parks Exhibition Gallery

located on Idyllwild Arts’ stunning campus (52500 Temecula Road #38, Idyllwild, CA). The

unique exhibition will also run from February 6 through 14, 2024.

 

Of All The People In All The World has toured the world since its inception in 2003, landing at

top international venues, including the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the World

Financial Center in New York, adapting to the times and contexts in which it is found. 

 

President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, Pamela Jordan sais, “We are thrilled to welcome

Stan’s Café to the Idyllwild Arts campus because this collaboration reflects many synergies

between both organizations where the spirit of a Citizen Artist is the focus. This unique

opportunity bolsters our ability to foster creative, innovative, curious, globally minded problem

solvers. I have no doubt that our students will be enriched and inspired by this experience and

Stan’s Café will be inspired by our talented, young artists and mountaintop village.”

 

The rice is carefully measured to represent human population statistics. These statistics are

drawn from the most reputable sources available. Each grain of rice equals one person and over

a period of days, a team of performers carefully weigh out quantities of rice to represent a host

of human statistics. These statistics are arranged in labeled piles, creating an ever-changing

landscape of rice. Their juxtapositions can be moving, shocking, celebratory, witty and

thought-provoking. That’s it. This installation is that simple—and that elegantly complex.

 

Since its debut, Of All The People In All The World has used this deceptively straightforward

concept to communicate statistics that are otherwise difficult if not impossible to grasp. After

the performance the rice will be donated to charities and recycled.

 

Established in 1991 and based in Birmingham UK, Stan’s Cafe is a group of artists from a variety

of disciplines, but mostly theater makers, working under the artistic direction of James Yarker.

The company consists of an evolving team of long-term collaborators and associated artists,

and the lineup changes according to the project being worked upon.

 

Artistic Director of Stan’s Café, James Yarker said, “We can’t wait to collaborate with the young

creatives at Idyllwild Arts Academy. The students will share with us their vision of the world, we

will teach them how our show works, and together we will research and make a wonderful new

version of Of All The People In All The World.”

 

        For more information, visit: https://www.idyllwildartsgallery.org/of-all-the-people-in-all-the-world



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Evolving Destinations For The Art Enthusiast: Culver City

A New LA Icon In The Making: The Shay Hotel

Cowritten by Anthony Stafford

The Ingredients Of An Icon

There are some landmark hotels that are known in and outside of the state of California for their posh, chic, and luxurious experiences, from nightlife and dining to bustling with celebrities. And somehow there’s still room for yet another that has all the right ingredients for the “icon” status—and even more.

In the heart of Culver City’s Arts District, there’s a new promising icon on the block, The Shay Hotel. Opened officially in October 2021, this “Destination by Hyatt” hotel has swiftly become a mainstay, offering travelers and locals an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Now, just coming off their second-year anniversary, this new gem has a strong presence that tells us it will be around for years to come, while hopefully becoming an LA icon known for generations.

We were invited for a weekend stay to experience all that the hotel and its conglomerate of small businesses had to offer during their Mercado y Más event and Art Walk & Roll Festival, and we’re providing all the details on why The Shay should be your next “Shay-cation” stay. In addition, you’ll find a sampling of small businesses you should support this upcoming Small Business Saturday (November 25, 2023).

 

Home Away From Home In A Prime Location

The Shay Hotel is more than just a luxurious retreat. Nestled in the Culver City Arts District, it’s perfectly positioned for exploration. The hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s hottest bars, the best restaurants, and a treasure trove of globally inspired art galleries and museums. As you explore the surrounding area, you’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines Culver City. The hotel has even seen some incredible parties this year thanks to the presence of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé bringing their incredible summer concerts to Los Angeles.

Credit: The Shay Hotel

With the highly acclaimed etta anchored at its core and the glitzy Canopy Club as its crown, The Shay manages to purposefully and successfully integrate some of the community’s undiscovered and uniquely gifted businesses and artists throughout the inner workings of a hotel that feels more like a home, from the lobby’s gallery hall, which features the work of over a dozen artists and vendors, to the artfully adorned walls throughout the property. Some of these same artists and small businesses would grace the streets of Culver City and The Shay’s outdoor courtyard during our stay. The lobby isn’t your traditional kind, with a desk set front and center. Instead, you’re embraced by plentiful seating around a fireplace, a bar, a game room, a library/study, and the infatuating etta restaurant tucked subtly away, while the front desk is cleverly and stylishly hidden behind a wooden partition wall.

One of The Shay‘s standout features is its rooftop pool, an exclusive gem in the neighborhood. Guests can bask in the California sun and soak in breathtaking views while enjoying a refreshing swim, only steps from a decadent bite or refreshing sip from the enthralling Canopy Club. This idyllic setting adds to the allure of The Shay, making it a beacon for those seeking relaxation and luxury, or those who just want a delicious meal with fresh air and views.

When it comes to accommodations, the hotel offers 148 spacious rooms, including 19 suites, all designed with the utmost comfort in mind. The decor is sleek, modern, and functional, making each room a home away from home. The Shay’s commitment to guest comfort is evident in every detail, from the plush bedding to the thoughtfully designed interiors.

One historical tidbit about the hotel’s name and design worth knowing is that many of its decorations and furnishings present wooden and metallic surfaces, clean lines, and backlit circles. These touches are all reminiscent of the railroad industry and a particularly famous and successful steam locomotive’s creator, Ephraim Shay, from which its name is borrowed. We challenge you to find the trains throughout the lobby and the railroad-themed design references from the ground floor to the rooftop pool and everywhere in between!

 

Home-Cooked At The Hotel

When it comes to dining, The Shay shines brightly with its impressive on-property offerings. Award-winning chef Dan Perretta leads the way at “etta,” located at the lobby level. Here, guests can savor culinary delights that blend the best of local and global flavors. etta effortlessly delivers a gastronomic experience that rivals other hard-trying Michelin-starred restaurants—and it shows! etta was packed and lively, while making it quite clear that if you’re taking anyone out for an outstanding meal, this is the place to go. Creative and thought-provoking, it’s difficult to summarize the experience etta provides to anything less than a destination that every traveler and local should add to their bucket list of restaurants to try at least once.

And for those seeking another kind of elevated experience, the party-esque “Canopy Club by Mosaic” awaits on the rooftop. This is where culinary craftsmanship meets stunning panoramic views, creating a dining experience to remember. Our breakfast on the roof was nothing short of dazzling, as we enjoyed reimagined dishes under the October solar eclipse. Canopy Club’s version of French toast is by far superior to the thick-cut style we all think we love, while omelettes and even traditional breakfasts possess their own unique flair. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are a staple in LA, and you’d commit a crime by thinking Canopy Club doesn’t know any better.

The best part about both restaurants is knowing that they are merely steps away if you’re staying at The Shay!

 

It Begins and Ends With Community

We stopped by Mercado y Más during the sunset of Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month, where we discovered just over a dozen noteworthy small Latin and Hispanic-owned businesses practically having a party in the outdoor courtyard. Complete with music and food, everyone welcomed visitors with samples, smiles, and answers to their questions. Each small business had a captain at the helm, bursting with passion, purpose, and a story worth knowing. We invite you to explore the small businesses we encountered at Mercado y Más and all that they have to offer as we approach Small Business Saturday on November 25:

While visiting Atabey Coffee, we learned the subtle and meaningful differences between each of their blends’ flavor profiles and preparation, along with the stark contrasts of color and natural flavor. Best enjoyed without the addition of sugar or cream, we found each of these coffee blends to be sharp, rich, smooth, and easy to drink—comparable to sitting down and enjoying a favorite tea.

Tasty Dulzuras indulged us with the unique cultural twist of their incredible arepa/torta (cornmeal and coconut cake) and dulce de leche cake. Moist, fulfilling, and full of fun texture, these Dominican cakes are the perfect desserts with a cultural twist for parties and events to broaden the horizons of what many think of when it comes to cakes.

We found a new love at Maya’s Brigadeiro—handmade Brazilian sweets that could replace our favorite candies with no complaints. Bite-sized and in their very own lane of sweets, we appreciate this Latina-owned business for coming to Los Angeles and exposing us to a cultural gift that more should know about. Now, we’ve picked up new vocabulary, and a new craving has been unlocked.

Finally, VAVICA, helmed by sisters Valentina, Victoria, and Camila, impressed us with their line of skin and body care products. The Único Hand + Body Wash, Oil Spray, and Hand + Body Lotion smell amazing and absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it deeply moisturized, soft, and glowing to last throughout the day.

In its short existence, The Shay has already witnessed remarkable events. With Taylor Swift and Beyoncé gracing the stage at nearby SoFi Stadium for unforgettable summer concerts, the hotel has become a multipurpose hub of entertainment, attracting diverse crowds and further solidifying its status as a cultural epicenter.

The Shay Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a multifaceted experience that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Culver City. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, or a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, The Shay offers an all-encompassing destination that caters to your every desire. As it continues to flourish in the Culver City community, The Shay’s future as an LA icon for generations to come seems brighter than ever.

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LA Music Darling Goldie Heart Releases First Single: ‘Golden’

LA Music Darling Goldie Heart Releases First Single: ‘Golden’

In the whirlwind of life’s chaos, sometimes all it takes is the perfect melody to whisk us away into a world where time stands still, and joy knows no bounds. Goldie Heart, the gifted singer-songwriter and performer, offers us just that with her anthemic debut single, “Golden.” This song is not just another tune in the vast ocean of music; it’s an invitation to step into Goldie Heart’s world, where the only thing that matters is dancing and celebrating the present moment.

“Golden” is a serendipitous celebration of dance, friendship, and the transformative power of music. Drawing inspiration from the iconic era of 90’s pop, the infectious groove of disco, and the smooth R&B vibes of the 2000s, Goldie Heart’s single is a sonic journey through time and an ode to the timeless joy found in letting go of inhibitions and embracing the here and now.

The song’s upbeat tempo, pulsating beats, and irresistible melodies make it impossible not to move to the rhythm. Goldie Heart’s sultry vocals infuse the track with an undeniable charisma that captivates the listener from the first note. It’s a reminder that music, at its core, is a vessel for emotions, and in this case, the emotion is pure, unadulterated bliss.

In the words of the artist herself, “This song is about living in the moment, enjoying life, and being present with the people you hold dear. Time seems like it is moving faster and faster these days, and with so much going on in the world, I really wanted to write a fun, joyful, uplifting song that inspires people to dance, and to celebrate the NOW.” It’s a testament to the incredible power of music to uplift spirits, inspire movement, and create unforgettable memories. With every beat, Goldie Heart invites us to revel in the beauty of the present, to connect with others through the universal language of dance, and to cherish every fleeting moment.

The seamless fusion of past and present in “Golden” is a reminder that joy is a timeless and universal language, understood by all who are fortunate enough to hear it. “Golden” is more than a song; it’s an experience. It’s an invitation to step onto the dance floor of life and savor every beat. So, let go of your inhibitions, surrender to the music, and celebrate the now with Goldie Heart. It’s her world, and we’re all dancing in it.

https://www.youtube.com/@iamgoldieheart

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