Soak Up the SoCal Summer at the 2nd Saturday Art Walk in Long Beach

In the eastern half of Downtown Long Beach, California is the East Village Arts District, Long Beach’s emerging arts community.  With nearly every art form represented in the East Village, there are unique galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes to enjoy.  The East Village Arts District is also home to the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA), the nation's only museum to exclusively feature art from Latin America.  On the second Saturday of each month, the East Village Arts District hosts the 2^nd Saturday Art Walk and street festival. On the day of the 2^nd Saturday Art Walk, Linden Avenue, between 1^st and Broadway, is closed to traffic, and the area is transformed into a street art fair.  Local art galleries and retail businesses stay open late, and two stages are set up for street performances and live music. Several major art galleries and museums, including the Museum of Latin American Art and the CSU Long Beach Art Gallery, have space at the Art Walk.  This gives participants the exciting opportunity to browse major exhibits alongside smaller neighborhood organizations. Those attending the 2^nd Saturday Art Walk can stroll through the East Village galleries, watch art performances, discover new art, and purchase great artwork.  With 45 artists' booths, two music locations, and space for theatrical performers, there are a variety of art forms represented, including painting, sculpture, photography, theater, music, and dance.  Adults and children can also participate in hands-on workshops where they can learn about and create art. A unique feature of the 2^nd Saturday Art Walk is that those attending have the opportunity to participate in the Long Beach Masterpiece contest.  At 5:00 pm during each Art Walk, everyone is invited to submit one original piece of artwork to the contest.   To participate, bring submissions to the Hellada Gallery at 117 Linden Ave.  A panel of judges, who are well established Long Beach artists, will select the most creative work and announce the winner at 6:00pm.  The first place winner will receive $75.00. The 2nd Saturday Art Walks hours are 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Admission is free, and paid parking is available in nearby structures and parking lots.  Those who are lucky may be able to find free parking on nearby streets. Enjoy the SoCal sunshine and the exquisite art that Long Beach has to offer!  If you purchase or create any artwork, the Long Beach AIM Mail Center is happy to help with any art shipping and packaging needs. 2nd Saturday Art Walks: Dates: Saturday, July 14, 2012 Saturday, August 11, 2012 Saturday, September 8, 2012 Saturday, October 13, 2012 Saturday, November 10, 2012 Saturday, December 8, 2012 Location: East Village Arts District First Street and Linden Ave (map) P: (562) 436-4259 Email: [email protected]