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.

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.

The C.A.V.E is one of my favorite westside hang outs for great art in LA, not to mention that gallery owners Patrick (& Tanya) are some of the nicest people I’ve met in the scene. The place was packed – umbrellas in hand, warms coats and hats and wooden paintings galore. With a drink to warm up both my innards and outs I checked out the exhibit oozing with dj spinning beats and a live painter doing his thing.

The night sky was saturated with an air of artistic excitement in anticipation of a brand new art opening in downtown LA on Saturday January 9, 2010. Having arrived a half hour early for the event, I could sense, in the words of The Black Eyed Peas, that tonight was going to be a good night. It was indeed a special night because a new art gallery, Temple of Visions, was opening its doors for the very first time. Two doors down, The Hive Gallery was helping to promote the opening by encouraging patrons to save on admission price by visiting the exhibits in both galleries (tickets were $8 for one gallery, $15 for both). With a promotions table and Forth Magazines aplenty, I set up shop at the entrance of The Hive to have a prime seat for all of the action. But before the place gets too packed, I take a look around both galleries to check out the scene and get the scoop.

Photos from the Forth Anniversary Party at G2 Gallery in Venice Beach