As the largest art walk in Southern California, this event supports Venice Family Clinic’s mission to provide quality health care to people in need and honors three world-renowned Venice-based artists: this year’s signature artist Alexis Smith along with honorees Sam Durant and Ed Moses, posthumously. Taking place on Sunday, May 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at Google’s Venice Headquarters (340 Main Street, Venice, CA), Venice Art Walk is the largest public event held by the tech giant. Guests can enjoy free access to the city’s internationally-renowned art scene and all winning bids in the silent auction raise vital funds that directly impact the lives of people in need of healthcare. This year’s lead sponsors are Sony Pictures Entertainment and Frederick R. Weisman Philanthropic Foundation. The fundraiser features exhibitions, studio tours and a silent auction along with engaging community activations from live art exhibits curated by artist Bert Rodriguez to guided art workshops, live music and craft beer & wine garden, dog daycare and bike valet. For a $50 donation, guests enjoy special access to dozens of artists’ studios, a centerpiece of the event since its inception, showcasing Venice’s ever-changing artist community.
This year’s signature artist is LA-based collage and installation artist, Alexis Smith, who has exhibited extensively at prestigious museums from the Whitney to MOCA. The event will include a special tribute to Venice-based painter Ed Moses, one of the most experimental artists of the last half-century and a former VFCAWA honoree, who donated artwork every year. Limited-edition work will be provided by multi-media artist Sam Durant, renowned for his social artwork and who has a strong personal connection, having once been a beneficiary of the services himself.
During a particularly tumultuous time for health care, this year’s auction is more important than ever and will include the works of 250 artists including such luminaries as John Baldessari, Gary Baseman, Ed Ruscha and Alison Saar as well as emerging talent, with the goal of exceeding the $800,000 raised last year and supporting the Clinic’s mission. I’m happy to share a fun press release. www.venicefamilyclinic.org
