by Sarah Steffens
Photos by Nancy Accomando

This past weekend, the Brewery ArtWalk, a semi-annual, open house art show hosted by live-in artists, took place at the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery. Uh, the brewery? Yes, that is correct. Built in 1902, the former “Edison Electric Steam Power Plant”-turned-Los Angeles historical landmark, serves as the ongoing home and studio for over 150 local artists. It’s 23 acres of industrialized grounds provide the canvass for the all-embracing hospitality offered to creative individuals, who not only use their spacious lofts as a place to lay their head but also their gallery, welcoming the curious and art-appreciating public inside their ever-inspirational homes.

I was among the crowd this Saturday taking pleasure in art galore, feasting in the display of brilliant creators and grasping talent brewing in each loft, pun intended. The Brewery ArtWalk is a diverse display of creation. From acrylic to photography, glass, oil, electronic and other mixed medias, the ArtWalk has enough diversity to satisfy anyone’s tastes. Based at an actual living community, it was like nothing I have ever attended. I approached the grounds expecting makeshift galleries to be set up under outdoor tents, separate from the artists (or anyone’s) actual living space. Were we really going to walk through these people’s homes and ooh and ahh over their work, pretending not to see their beds, kitchen pots, pans and refrigerator magnets? Well, yes…and no.

Each artist participated in their open house gallery by propping the door open and welcoming attendees into their personal space, where not only work is born, but also where dinners are cooked, friends are over, and everyday life is lived. It was fascinating to step foot inside each artist’s studio/home. You could feel each artist’s energy, sense how they are inspired, and gain appreciation for their talent in a completely different way than a storefront gallery. Their galleries were their homes and though casual and relaxed, I couldn’t help but experience a certain vulnerability in each artist. There is nowhere to hide if their art is not accepted. There aren’t walls muffling the public’s opinions. There aren’t even walls to separate attendees from the personal books or kitchen pantry. I chatted with Vaughn Hannon, an amazing artist working in charcoal and acrylic, about what it is like having masses of people walk through your home to admire your work. He has participated in the Brewery ArtWalk for over three years and somewhat used to his life being on display, but still found himself informing attendees that his DVD collection and kitchen were not, in fact, a part of his gallery. Some artists offered drinks and snacks, speaking with attendees like old friends who had stopped by to say hello.

I was inspired by the display of creativity in each loft I entered. The artists, remarkable and brilliant, were doing exactly what they were made to do. Entering the Brewery ArtWalk, I was met with pure, visual enlightenment. Departing, I left with newfound appreciation for local, inspired art, a thankfulness for each artist’s compulsion to create, for their vulnerability to welcome the public into their homes, and for their strength to showcase their passion and purpose to the world.

For more info, visit: http://breweryartwalk.com/

Brewery ArtWalk, October 2009