GO! April Exhibits by Downtown Muse (and South Bay Muse, too!)

April is a busy month for me as my photography is included in TWO group shows that are featured exhibits of the Lucie Foundation’s annual Month of Photography Los Angeles series, plus my work is part of my FIRST museum group show and I’m the featured artist in an exclusive VIP studio brunch series for collectors! Woo hoo! Below are details. Hope to see you at one or more of these springtime events! ~ Melissa

INSTAGRAM JAM – One Night Only!
On view SAT 4/11 @ 8:00 PM to 12:00 midnight
FREE Admission
RSVP on Eventbrite AND you might win an Arts District photograph by Downtown Muse!

2015 marks the third iteration of the Lucie Foundation‘s popular Instagram Jam – this time, it’s happening in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles and is an official event of MoPLA’s annual Month of Photography Los Angeles! Originally conceived by photographer Shaughn Crawford @shaughncrawford, this year’s exhibit features over a dozen Instagram sensations worldwide, including Tasya van Ree @tasyavanree and the Arts District’s very own Melissa Richardson Banks of @DowntownMuse (also @SouthBayMuse). This event is produced in partnership with Edgar Varela and Melissa Richardson Banks of @WeAreDTLA. A portion of the print sales benefit SNAPSHOP!, the Lucie Foundation’s at-risk youth workshop program. Admission is free, but RSVP on Eventbrite is recommended. Details on Facebook, too. Cash bar and food for sale during this free event.

LOT 613
613 Imperial St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021

¡VETERANO! CARS presented by Frank Romero
On view SAT 4/16 thru SUN 6/14
Opening Reception on THU 4/16 @ 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

MY FIRST TIME SHOWING MY WORK IN A MUSEUM EXHIBIT! I am super happy to share that I have an artwork in this group show. The image is of a truck in the Arts District during the golden hour on the former dirt lot near SCI-Arc. This exhibition is about how the automobile has a consistent presence in the work of many artists, including pioneer Chicano artists of Los Angeles. Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Frank Romero, Carlos Almarez, and other “veteranos” of the Chicano art movement depict the ubiquitous cars of Los Angeles as nostalgic objects of past decades, colorful customized expressions of East L.A. culture, and as anthropomorphic forms embodying mythic presences in contemporary times. These paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, and other artworks chronicle a generation’s fascination with the automobiles of their youth and the transformations of contemporary production cars into vehicles of cultural identity.

SOUTH BAY SNAPSHOTS
SAT 4/19 thru SAT 5/9
Opening Reception: SUN 4/19 @ 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Closing Reception: SAT 5/9 @ 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Local photographers display images depicting daily life in the South Bay, including Melissa Richardson Banks, Jon Berry, Arlene P. Carley, and Richard Podgurski. Phantom Galleries L.A. revitalizes and energizes communities and pedestrian thoroughfares by transforming unoccupied properties throughout Los Angeles County into vibrant cultural hubs through the 24/7 public presentation of art. Curated by Martha De Perez and hosted by Liza Simone of Phantom Galleries L.A., this exhibition is a featured event of Month of Photography Los Angeles (MOPLA) presented by the Lucie Foundation. Admission to events is FREE, but RSVP through Eventbrite to save your spot AND you might win a photograph by @SouthBayMuse! Keep updated by RSVPing also on Facebook HERE.

Phantom Galleries L.A.
12609 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne 90250
Open during special events on 4/19 and 5/9 or by appt (213) 537-4483

JACKALOPE ART FAIR – Two Days Only!
SAT 4/25 and SUN 4/26
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Come see my latest photographic works of the Arts District and the South Bay accompanied by the stunningly beautiful and luminous paintings by artist Bonnie Lambert. We’re sharing a creative space during this FREE two-day art event that also features over 200 local artisans, crafters, and artists.

Jackalope Art Fair at Central Park
275 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105

ARTOPIA – One Night Only!
THU 4/30
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM – BUY TIX

Join me for LA Weekly’s celebration of our city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a special emphasis on the Arts District! Art, music, food, mixology and fun await you as you step into a wonderland that will excite all of your senses. Curated by Shana Nys Dambrot and accompanied by an inaugural Artisan Village produced by me and Edgar Varela, this event is sure to inspire. Be sure to stop by my @DowntownMuse table and snag some of my latest prints or a set of my new greeting cards! Admission is $30, but is subject to change as tickets ALWAYS sell out for this annual event, so BUY yours TODAY! You can RSVP on Facebook, but do not forget to BUY your tickets through the Ticketfly link on that page!

Artopia at The Container Yard
800 E. 4th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013