The Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) has launched a pop-up gallery featuring artwork and products by local artist Gonen Yacov at the Main Street Visitor Center now through Dec. 31.
“Santa Monica’s creative vibe is truly what makes our community unique and we are thrilled to offer that experience within our visitor center,” said SMCVB President/CEO Misti Kerns. “If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, Yacov has created some incredibly authentic Santa Monica-inspired pieces that will make a special gift for loved ones and clients.”
Yacov lives in Santa Monica and is the founder of GY Creative Studio, a boutique design house that exemplifies the marriage between graphic design and fine art.
A graduate of the prestigious Shenkar Academy of Engineering and Design in Ramat-gan, Israel, Yacov came to the US in 2007 to refine his skills and offer a new approach to design. His art reflects his appreciation for the natural beauty of Southern California.
“As a Santa Monica artist, it is really exciting for me to be able to show and sell my various collections on Main Street,” Yacov emphasized. “I am grateful to SMCVB for this opportunity and laud them for being such a supporter of the arts in this community. It’s this type of cooperation and recognition from the business community that will help sustain such a vibrant artist culture in Santa Monica.”
Items for sale include graphic t-shirts, acrylic art, 3D shadow box wall art, and oil canvases.
This marks the beginning of a new initiative to incorporate local artists into the Santa Monica visitor center experience. An official pilot program and application process will be announced in the first quarter of 2015 for local artists who are interested in participating.