If you think about it, an historic airport is the perfect place for an art walk. Planes themselves are kind of like functional works of art, in a way. At least, Howard Hughes thought so. Then it is fitting that the Santa Monica Airport – one of L.A. County’s oldest operating airfields and the birthplace of the DC-3 – has become a creative space housing artists and their works. This Saturday, the Santa Monica Airport hosts the City’s annual ArtWalk for the fifth year in a row.
Over 60 local artists will open their studios to the public on Saturday, and there will be live theater from the daring Ruskin Group Theater (who have been called “the fastest theater in town”), a socially conscious, collaborative exhibition and forum between Buddha Cat Press, ten renowned visual artists, Santa Monica Art Studios, and SociArts Productions called “Evolution Revolution: The Interconnectedness of All Beings,” which focuses on animal welfare and the environment, traditional French accordion music by The Mad Alsacians, and more. You can also check out firing demonstrations of Raku Japanese pottery – hand molded, one-of-a-kind pieces traditionally used as tea bowls. Today, the Raku techniques have been adapted by artists and broadened past the tea ceremony to include both the functional and the whimsical.
In addition, the Museum of Flying opens its doors this coming summer, and ArtWalk attendees will get a free sneak peek of their collections, aircraft, and exhibitions. There are also plenty of events to keep the kids busy, such as drawing and painting classes, a workshop that teaches them how to turn plastic bottles into planters, self-portrait painting, and theater improvisation for the tiny aspiring actors out there.
And what would any Westside events these days be without gourmet food trucks? The Border Grill truck and The Sweets Truck will be on site, and local restaurants Typhoon and Spitfire Grill will offer up plates as well.
The ArtWalk is part of the Buy Local Santa Monica Expo 2011, a free community event created to showcase local businesses and advocate the importance of buying local.
Event Details
Who: General public
What: 5th Annual Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk
Where: Santa Monica Airport, along Airport Avenue, between Bundy Drive and 23rd Street
When: Saturday, March 19, 12-5pm
Cost: Free Admission, Free parking, Free bike valet
