

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Mendelsohn-Bass.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been working as an artist in Los Angeles since receiving my Bachelor’s degree in art at UCLA in 1990. Since then I’ve seen dramatic changes in the art world. The main shift can be seen in the gallery’s role and their importance to artists. With social media and alternative spaces, many artists are abandoning traditional galleries and, more importantly, the politics that they involve. It was at an art show at one of these alternative spaces in which the idea behind ArtBar was created.
The show was curated by LC Croskey of Thinkspace Gallery. Because of the restrictions of running a conventional art gallery, LC could not show every artist he wants for reasons such as sales history, price point, or where there are in their career. Because of this, he has curated shows in alternative spaces for many years under the name Cannibal Flower. As a Cannibal Flower artist, I watched LC find it increasingly more difficult to find spaces in LA as the years passed. We wanted to find a permanent home for Cannibal Flower. We wanted a space to showcase the work of all creatives.
Has it been a smooth road?
The main struggle was finding a space. We needed a place with enough wall space for art as well as a stage for performances. We did not want to just show visual artists. after looking for a space for over a year, LC and I had the opportunity to partner with Demetrios Mavromichalis and Pete Panos, two business owners in Mar Vista who presented us with the space on Venice Boulevard which had previously been a sports bar. We knew it was the perfect space to make our vision a reality.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
ArtBar is a space that showcases the work of all types of creatives. It is the best of what the Los Angeles art world has to offer without the conventional politics often associated with commercial art galleries. we introduce new and underexposed talent. Having a stage opens up the range of artistic expression even further. In addition to visual arts, the stage provides anything from performance art, bands and DJ’s to over the top shows consisting of anything from burlesque to magic. ArtBar is a gathering place for the community, innovators, and free thinkers in the art world. ArtBar is an open space for open minds. This sense of openness and innovation brings something to the art world Los Angeles has yet to experience.
ArtBar is a delight to the senses, not limited to sight and sound, but taste as well. We have partnered with local micro-breweries to provide fine artisan craft beers which can be consumed straight from the tap or bottle or enjoyed in a tasty beer cocktail. our hard kambuchas, ciders, and seltzers are very delicious as well. All beverages are savored in our unique setting. Guests can sit back and relax in our whimsical bar and lounge area. Every piece of eclectic furniture has been carefully curated to provide a fun, playful experience.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great place for businesses like ours. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and appreciate what our city has to offer. There is so much talent and creativity here. We are open to celebrate all forms of creativity. and when these like minds come together amazing things happen!
Contact Info:
- Address: 12017 Venice Bl
Los Angeles, Ca
90066 - Website: artbarla.com
- Phone: (310)881-9312
- Email: artbarlainfo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @artbarla
- Facebook: @artbarla
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