Art to See and Art to Do in Long Beach!

By Kathleen Mest

In addition to the art to see and do we highlighted in our September 2022 issue including Beth Bowman, Chanmealea Huy, Helleda Gallery, and LaJon Miller, we have compiles this list to guide the art enthusiast around Long Beach for tasteful, artistic fun!

More Art to See

Art Gallery at Selva | @selva.art.galeria

Selva provides a platform for local artists to display their fine art (available for sale) on its restaurant walls. Follow @selva.art.galeria for upcoming art events including Doodle Fiesta, a fun day with food, DJ, and doodling.

Arts Council for Long Beach | @artslb | artslb.org

The Arts Council for Long Beach is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts, music, and culture. It is a wonderful resource that supports art in Long Beach in numerous ways:

• Artist Registry - You may join the registry as a Long Beach artist or search for artists by genre.

• Public Art Map - Search for public art in a database organized by project initiatives, council districts, neighborhoods, artists, or type of artwork.

• Artist Resources - Programs including Artist & Creative Residencies, Calls to Artists & Performers, Event Promotion, Jobs & Internships, Professional Development.

Artful Gallery Series at Beachwood

Brewing & Distilling | @beachwoodbrewing

Artful Gallery Series is a rotating exhibition that spotlights local artists. Beachwood’s initiative provides a unique space for local artists to showcase artwork. Every month, a new artist’s exhibit is revealed at an opening event where you can meet the artist in person. In September, Artful Gallery will showcase artist Ignacio Villanueva. Ignacio is a visual artist absorbed by the skateboarding and punk rock culture of the mid-80s and 90s.

Second Saturdays at East Village

Arts District | @eastvillageartsdistrict |

eastvillageartsdistrictlb.com

Every second Saturday, the small businesses in the East Village Arts District highlight the art and goods of local artists throughout the neighborhood between Ocean and 4th Street. After hours, enjoy pop-ups for dinner, live music, and gallery showings.

Local Artist Showcase at Steel Cup Café |

@steelcupcafe | steelcupcafe.com

Community and creativity are foundational tenets to this café as presented beautifully in their Local Artist Showcase. A rotating selection of pieces from thirteen amateur artists and photographers adorn the walls. Every artist is highlighted on their website and every piece is available to purchase. Once a year, new artists are chosen to display their art. This fall, you can nominate an artist or yourself for their next showcase in January 2023. Check their website for details!

More Art to Do

Clay on First | @clayonfirst | clayonfirst.com

Clay on First is a full-service ceramics studio offering introductory classes, workshops for practicing ceramists, and memberships for experienced ceramists to have use of tools, wheels, supplies, and firing for their projects. Pottery, clay and tools are also available for purchase.

Craft + Light | @craftandlightstudio | craftandlight.org

Craft + Light provides many options to help inspire your most creative self! The studio offers a variety of workshops for adults such as candle making, painting and more. Kids studio offers workshops and even has a preschool art program. Or join the Open Studio where you can explore watercolor, learn to color mix, and gain access to the tools required to complete your own project.

If you prefer to be at home, Craft Kits (aka “Workshops in a Box”) are available which provide detailed instructions and materials. The possibilities are endless!

Inspyr Arts | @inspyrarts | inspyrarts.com

Inspyr Arts is an art school that offers weekly classes for youths and adults in fine art, illustration, anime, digital art, and digital animation. Check out the student gallery on their website and be inspired!

Visionary Artware Gallery | @visionaryartwarelb | visionaryartware.com

Take a class in mosaics (beginning to advanced level, private available) or create a crushed glass sun catcher. Check out the amazing original art created by students on @visionaryartwarelb. Specializing in custom-made hand-glazed tiles and commissioned mosaic pieces, you will be inspired by their gallery of fine arts and unique gifts.