DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —

The Lacy Studio Lofts are located a few stops out of the Downtown core, just off the Gold Line's Lincoln Heights station. Last Saturday, though, the Downtown art scene was well represented as the development held a grand opening celebration co-produced by Creative Environments, Lilli Muller, Edgar Varela and Bert Green. A healthy crowd braved the cold to check out works from several dozen artists spread throughout the complex.

While it would be easy to consider an art event as opening for an "artist loft" style complex cliche, the project seems to have been a success. Bert Green was manning the art sales table, and says that approximately $20,000 worth of art was sold over the course of the evening. "We covered our expenses, met a lot of great people, and made a new partner with the Creative Environments people." Plans include Saturday gallery hours throughout January and a closing event in February, so to see figures in the black so early bodes well.

The development proved to be quite the adept gallery space, with high ceilings and interesting lines that complimented the pieces being presented. The conversion carries through the aesthetic of its warehouse roots, and features like large wooden ceiling trusses are prominent and appealing.

Keep an eye on the Lacy Street Arts site for art event info. More information on the development can be found on the Lacy Studio Lofts site.

Photos by Cameron Carothers.