Best Gallery Receptions That Feel Like House Parties in Los Angeles: Elephant Art Space

Elephant Art Space

3325 Division St., Los Angeles, CA 90065

(323) 793-1559

Elephant Art Space's casual Sunday afternoon receptions are a whirl of dogs running in the backyard, kids crawling around, Christmas lights, exhibitions of stellar local and national up-and-coming artists and Tecate beer in cans with sizzling hot links on the grill (as opposed to wine in little plastic cups). Devoted to curatorial experiments and a collaborative vibe, the space is run by six local artists who make work there, in six separate studio rooms. They collectively keep up the building, review proposals and orchestrate the shows and opening receptions. When the first group of artists — many colleagues and mutual friends have passed through over the years — leased the old stucco former medical clinic in 2008, the intention was merely to share expenses and make work there. But in 2009, the Elephant crew renovated the onetime waiting room and backyard area and hosted the first show in March of that year, inaugurating what has come to be an activated public space. Elephant's slate of exhibits, dancing, readings, music, sewing workshops and other surprises have made it a consistent fixture in local arty circles. 3325 Division St., Glassell Park. elephantartspace.blogspot.com. —Wendy Gilmartin

Source: LA Weekly