What a great place to have and art show!…read more Icehouse Arts Complex is an old seafood cold storage building that has been transformed to a mixed use space. It has 20ft high ceilings, an outdoor courtyard with seats and also quieter back room that houses some more permanent works. I was invited here for a friend's showing of her work (along with other artists). It housed multiple artists works just fine, but is large enough to do a more expansive exhibit for just one or two artist showcases also. They have a speaker and mic set up in case they need to hold artist talks, lectures or other events. A lot of natural light comes in from the courtyard so it's a good balance of concrete industrial look with old school in this venue. There is limited parking in front and then there is parking along the streets surrounding the building. If you hear about an interesting showcase here, don't hesitate to stop by and check it out!

I have to say that this venue is NOT AT ALL EHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN THE PICTURES. We had my nephew…read moreand girlfriends baby shower there last night 2/9/20. The owners were AWESOME with the space. It was very clean and beautiful. You have to see the space and see all of the natural eliminates that are provided. Here are some pics.

Wonderful artists and great art. My first stop on First Thursday. It's not on 6th or 7th, but worth…read morethe walk.

I went to the Loft last night as part of the San Pedro 1st Thursdays Artwalk, and to visit a friend…read more(Carol Hungerford), who has recently gotten a space there. The building was built in the early 1990's, and the lobby/entry area looks like it was last renovated in the 50's or 60's. However, once you enter the artists spaces you will find a mix of current paintings, sculptures & assemblage artworks. Plus, they've got a very cool, old-school elevator. During 1st Thursdays, you also have the chance to meet the artists.

I visited this art gallery recently. The quality of the art was impressive. The people sitting…read morethere gallery were friendly and helpful while not hovering. The art had a wide range of prices.

While looking up art museums in Long Beach, the first that caught my eye was the Museum of Latin…read moreAmerican Art (MOLAA), but LBMA Downtown was the second that caught my eye since it wasn't too far from MOLAA. While I don't have a keen interest in the arts, I do appreciate good artwork shown around the city. You won't find great artwork here compared to MOLAA, but the free admission does make it worth stopping by if only for a few minutes. You can find this museum on the southwest corner of 3rd and Elm. This is *not* to be confused with LBMA, minus the Downtown. LBMA is on Ocean Blvd, and the lone staff member inside the museum was happy enough to tell me more about that museum. He was roaming about the floor before my arrival, but after my arrival, he sat at the front table with some flyers advertising their featured artists. He handed me a couple of them as well as a pin of one of these artists. The second floor was closed off to visitors, so I only had access to the first floor. And the first floor wasn't even a whole lot that I felt silly about asking if there was even a map for the museum. For such a small size, a map would have been of minimal use, and if the exhibitions change every now and then, it certainly wouldn't be of any use after the fact! I thought the artwork here paled in comparison to the ones at MOLAA, where general admission is $15, so you definitely want to keep in mind the tradeoff. Quantity wise, there is also less, but on the flip side, I can see a special event happening here with an abundance of floor space that could be used for serving wine and food. Maybe throw in a mariachi band as well for a more festive atmosphere? lol There are restrooms in the rear of the museum as well as a water fountain. The women's restroom door was initially open, and I saw a portrait inside that I *almost* walked in thinking it was another gallery! In regards to parking, I parked at one of the City Place parking garages that provide 2 hours of free parking. There are three garages that are located about 2-3 blocks west of the museum. I parked in Lot B, but Lot C is a little closer to the museum. Otherwise, your best bet would be metered parking if you really don't want to walk that far. LBMA Downtown is definitely not the most interesting museum in Long Beach, and it's definitely not worth visiting if you have to pay even just $5 to see just a few pieces of artwork. But if you happen to be in the area and can afford a few minutes before your parking timer expires, then it's worth stopping by to see what they have inside. Based on what the staff member told me about LBMA on Ocean Blvd, I think it's fair to say LBMA Downtown could be a nice preview of what LBMA has in store without having to pay the general admission fee at LBMA.

2nd Saturday Art Walk is a monthly street fair held in the East Village Arts District of Long…read moreBeach. It's held on either Linden Ave between 1st St and Broadway or sometimes on 1st St between Linden Ave and Elm. The street is closed to traffic and sides of the street are lined with artists and their work, as well as, other jewelry and craft vendors. It's a nice chill event to stroll around and admire (and hopefully purchase) the works of these talented local artists. The galleries and shops in the area remain open and you can also enjoy the festivities with a cold beer or your favorite wine with front row seating on the parklets of the wine bar and another restaurant. All of the other great coffee shops and restaurants in the area are open, as well. You will also be entertained by fire dancers, singers, musicians, and spoken word artists. If you live in the area as I do, it's a great time to hang with the neighbors.

Fun, family-friendly event occurring the second Saturday of each month in Long Beach. Lots of…read moreinteresting booths, live music, and good food around. We will frequent this event throughout the summer.

Interesting art gallery with eclectic shows that change monthly. Worth checking out when you're in…read morethe area South Coast Plaza area. Just across the street in South Coast Village behind The Corner Bakery. They have opening receptions usually on the first Saturday of the month featuring new works with music and refreshments, and you get to meet the local artists. They feature a wide range of contemporary art from Oils and Acrylic Paintings, Glass Art, Photography, Sculpture to Mixed Media. The piece range in size (and cost if you're looking to buy). Always interesting. It's also part of the Bear Street Gallery next door. It's across the street from South Coast Plaza off Bear St.

This is an interesting gallery that is surprising large. Right across the street from South Coast…read morePlaza in the Morton's Steakhouse parking lot. They have a lot of different types of paintings (acrylic, watercolor, etc.). They also have small art items, and artistically printed fabrics (scarfs, etc.). Well worth checking out!

I love this part of China town, little galleries and importer shops that carry items that truly has…read moresome artistic value and shows the great craftsmanship of quality Chinese products. Unlike the cheap knock-off's that you commonly see in LA's chinatown, this section will expose you to the finer things you wouldn't see along Broadway. Souvenir shops aren't as prevalent compared to the main Chi-town artery, venture into the importer shops or simply marvel at some exquisite wood work, furnitures, home decor, the delicate porcelain jars, vases and figurines...they are truly a work of art. This section is very well tended, clean streets with decorative lanterns of vibrant red and gold, it's a real contrast to the otherwise old and boring stained beige building walls. Small galleries are also in this area, showcasing modern, contemporary and self expression art. There were a couple shops open when I visited but most were close, not sure if its the sign of the times but it is a shame if they've really closed their doors. See the best of LA Chinatown by foot and make sure those wandering feet takes you to this area, it is an absolute contrast to the bustling College/Alpine/Broadway section of LA's Chi-town!

If you remember what this section of Chinatown used to be, just a year or so ago, it was very-very…read moredifferent. It was full of shops that sold very similar tourist-based items to those offered in the main section of Chinatown. This section was just a bit less cared for than the main section of Chinatown. That has all changed. Now, there are galleries, art shows, and artists preparing their work. It is a great experience and a must see whenever you are in Chinatown. The Chinatown Arts District is easy to get to. It is right across the street from the Chinatown Central Plaza. You know, "Chinatown." :-) Parking in the Chinatown area of L.A. has always been a bit of a problem. This is especially the case at peak hours. Plus, the traffic can be a mess. In term of finding a parking spot there are few lots around the area but they can really be a mess to get in and/or out of. Your best bet is to grab a meter parking spot on the street. That is, if you can find one. In terms of the Chinatown Arts District I suggest looking along Hill St. or Broadway. If you don't find one right away look to the side streets. Again, parking can be a problem here. So, good luck. But, it is worth the adventure to check out the galleries and the artists of this newly redeveloped section of Chinatown. Highly Recommended !!!

I am re-posting my reviews... My account was hacked into and SOMEONE thought that it would be cute…read moreto delete some of my reviews.... Yelp HQ retrieved them) Jul 27, 2008 / 4 Stars So, I have heard a lot about The Light Gallery and I have never made it in for any of their openings till last night..... It was not an art opening however it was for a private B-day White Party... (yes everyone was in white) The art that was on the walls was more of a low-brow art scene.. Mind it was a B-day party and it was very dim in here. I met the owner and he was nice really didn't talk much about art because like I said it was dim in here with a DJ spinning and people all over dancing... I always get the invites for events here on myspace and have yet to make it to any of the exhibits... This place is located near the Little Knight bar off of E. 17th street just past Irvine Street. You can't miss the BOLD LETTERS BOASTING THE NAME LIGHT GALLERY... Entrance was in the back... From what I saw the gallery with whatever lighting that made it possible to see was not the sort of galleries that I am accustomed to going to. But, the bathroom was well overly lit.. The art on the walls in the bathroom were cool... The DJ's were fun.. People fun.. Dancing fun... FREE COCKTAILS.. fun.... The random chatting... fun...

The Light Gallery has become a regular weekend spot for me. I like it mostly because the art show…read morechanges every few weeks and feature different themes and artists.....AND.....the DJs spin good music! If you go to the opening or closing event, you'll have a good chance of meeting an artist(s), who do live art many times, which is really cool!. One time I was there and watched 3 artists draw a model at the same time. It was interesting to see how talented they are and the different styles and techniques they use. Definitely not your ordinary OC spot. I've also attended some charity events, which were pretty cool. It's always nice go to a place where you can have a good time and support a good cause. I've also bought a piece from the gallery, and worked with the owner directly. The owner is always there and has a great appreciation for art and has been really nice to work and hang out with. If you haven't been there yet, I highly recommend check out the Light Gallery! http://www.myspace.com/thelightgallery