May has arrived, and with it comes a great run of arts and culture events that ought to remind you why you fell in love with Los Angeles in the first place. From a guided art tour to a boozy breakfast art show, here are five picks that should keep you cultured all month long.
Mr. Brainwash's "Life is Beautiful": You may recognize Thierry Guetta's “Life is Beautiful” street art plastered around the streets of LA. Or perhaps you know him best as Banksy’s protégé from the 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. This month, you can see the French-born artist’s latest work debuting during an opening reception at the Hamilton-Selway gallery on Melrose Avenue. Rumor has it there will be a special guest appearance (could it be who we think—er, hope—it is?). Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, 8678 Melrose Ave. Opening reception is Thursday, May 5, at 7pm; show runs through May 15. Free.
The Pancakes and Booze Art Show: Enjoy more than 125 emerging artists and live body painters as you nosh on a free pancake bar (yes, you read that right) at this two-day underground art show in DTLA. Breakfast, booze and cool art—what more could you ask for? Lot 613, 613 Imperial St. Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, 8pm-2am. $5.
Cartwheel Art Tours x Britweek: Cartwheel Art and BritWeek are teaming up for a bus tour around LA to discover and experience local British culture and art. The tour will include stops at galleries in Historic Filipinotown and visits to murals created by Shepard Fairey, Captain Kris, Hicks and more to understand how British culture has influenced the LA art scene. The five-hour tour will conclude with an Earl Grey Tea Pie from the Pie Hole and sausage and chips from the Lost Knight. Starts at the Gabba Gallery, 3126 Beverly Blvd, Saturday, May 7, 1-6pm. $60.
18th Street Arts Center Spring Champagne Social: More than a dozen artists in residence from all around the world will showcase their work in this bi-annual affair hosted by the 18th Street Arts Center. They will be joined by students from the OTIS Graduate Public Practice Program who will be performing throughout the space and docents leading tours ever hour. 18th Street Arts Center, 1639 18th St, Santa Monica. Saturday, May 7, 11am-3pm. Free.
P.S. ARTS' the pARTy!: Celebrating 25 years of bringing art education to schools and children across Los Angeles, P.S. ARTS is hosting an inaugural fundraiser to bring the world of art and innovation to adults. The host committee includes a long list of famed LA street artists, like RETNA, Gregory Siff, WRDSMTH, Curtis Kulig and more. Tickets to the cocktail party will support public school's art education programs. NeueHouse Hollywood, 6121 Sunset Blvd. Friday, May 20, 8pm. $175+.