I admit that I was very excited for this event. With three stages featuring musical and theatrical performances, an eco-friendly vibe, arts and literature “villages”, and more food trucks than the food truck festival (which I can’t believe I missed), how could a girl go wrong?

The corner of North Venice and Pacific was abuzz with art enthusiasts for the opening of “Alice Neel: Paintings” at LA Louver last Thursday, May 20th. I readily admit to my ignorance about Neel and her legacy, but her name is obviously a big draw in the sophisticated art community—the gallery echoed with intense intellectual discussion as throngs of art-lovers poured through the doors.

Guest curator Robert Marbury (along with his partners Scott Bibus and Sarina Brewer) coined the term in 2004, upon forming the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. Road kill becomes a central part of their “recycled” philosophy, as are discarded livestock, destroyed nuisance animals, casualties of the pet trade and animals that have expired from natural causes. Other sculptures utilize taxidermy materials with custom stitching to fashion beasts from the recycled pelts of toy stuffed animals. Elements of technology and decoration combine to create ornaments that approach high art, not only in craft, but in concept.

Brilliant artwork, informal talks, interactive and hands-on opportunities – an exhibition to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about van Gogh and his work with an exhibition opening with a public reception from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010, at the Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 W. Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes.
The free exhibition runs through July 18, 2010. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday.