TWENTYWONDER, an event described on its website as a “One Night World’s Fair” to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA). I knew the night would involve comics, musical acts, art, and science, but I never could have imagined or expected to encounter the overall magic and yes, wonder that made TWENTYWONDER such a special event.

Friday, March 5th was the opening reception (but “party” is more apt, I think) of “Soundtrack of Your Life” at the Black Maria Gallery. The theme of this collection is how films and their soundtracks (obviously) influence our lives and our art. When the Oscars are just days away, how can you turn down anything movie-related? You can’t.

Sunday, February 21 was Offramp Gallery’s opening reception for Myron Kaufman’s “Still Perplexed,” Marilyn Cvitanic’s “Watercolors,” Elaine Carhartt’s “Ceramic Sculpture,” and Francesco Siqueiros’s “Paraiso Terrenal/Earthly Paradise.” People braved the somewhat ominous weather in order to view the combination of sculptures, paintings, and installation pieces that took over the entire interior and exterior of this unique gallery.

It’s hard to believe Yuri Elvin has never received formal training in art. The self taught, naturally talented artist started drawing at a young age and quit for 15 years during which he received a BA in Film Studies and a MFA in Film Producing. It wasn’t until November of 2007 that Elvin began drawing again when his mother sent him his old paints in the mail. Now, only a little over two years later, the artist opened his first solo exhibition this past Thursday, February 18th. The event took place at 410 Boyd, a bar and grill in downtown Los Angeles on the border of Little Tokyo that graciously hosts art work from local artists on a monthly basis.

Friday, Feb. 12th, was opening night to Damon Soule’s “Modus Alone,” solo exhibit and “Fresh,” a group show, both at Thinkspace Gallery. After enduring an excruciating hour and forty-eight minutes on the 105, 110 and 101 freeways (Damn you, Friday-evening-rush-hour traffic!), I arrived at my destination: 4210 Santa Monica Boulevard in the fine city of Silverlake. It was a chilly night, but Little Spoons Desserts and John Park (one of the exhibiting artists and designated live-painter for the evening) were both outside, representing.

Inside, I encountered an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Very interesting creature – lots of wisdom to share with the world. Seems to have endured quite a bit more than my 108 minutes of hell on the freeways. He told me to go “Reflect” on his creator’s (Damon Soule) work and that he’d like it very much if we could discuss what I thought afterward. So I did.