by Elizabeth Manson
photos by Nicole DeVries

I always jump at the chance to go to the Hive because I know that they can put on a killer opening, and this night didn’t disappoint. On Saturday, July 3rd, The Hive Gallery hosted a group show featuring the work of Van Saro, Leyla Akdogan, L. Croskey, Jun Duras, Gaia Bracco, and Charles Swenson as well as their 26 resident artists. With so much art and the promise of live shows and burlesque dancers, how can you not have a good time?

As soon as I entered, I made a beeline (get it?) to the bar so that I could sip on a mixed drink as I perused the art at my leisure. The Hive knows how to throw an opening party, but, amazingly enough—with pole dancers, live bands, DJs, and a bar—the art never takes a back seat to the fun and the debauchery. Even with the distractions, I was able to fully appreciate the work of featured artist Van Saro and his stunning, mural-esque piece “Dream Big” and Leyla Akdogan’s intricate linework in “The Gryphon.”

The resident artists, too, always put their best foot forward at these events. They stand in their respective “cells” and eagerly chat about their work to onlookers and would-be collectors. I also have to make a note of one of the Hive’s featured artists, Stephen Canthal, since my friend bought her first real piece of art from him at this party. Canthal prints photographs of cityscapes and movement-inspired figures on aluminum for a stunningly subtle effect. Be sure to check him out.

As always, there is so much art to explore at the Hive, that I’m pressed to even fully appreciate a fraction of it. But I did my best, and after I decided I had a healthy amount of alcohol in my system and a sufficient eyeful of artwork, I decided that it was time to call it a night.

As I left, I was reminded of my first trip to the gallery where an obviously drunk guy with what was clearly alcohol spilled down the front of his shirt turned to me and slurred, “This is a gallery!”

It sure is, dude. That’s why I know I’ll be back.

Quick View:
WHAT: The Hive Gallery Group Show and Performances
WHERE: The Hive Gallery, 729 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

WHEN: July 3rd, 8 PM-12:30 AM
EXHIBITION DATES: July 3-31, 2010

WEBSITE: http://www.hivegallery.com