Art around the block

We recently spent an inspiring evening at the 18th Street Arts Center, a home to an eclectic collection of artists experimenting with various mediums to produce thought-provoking social commentary and aesthetically soothing works. The center, a gem tucked away in a corner of 18th Street at Olympic Boulevard, hosted its annual Summer ArtNight, a free event where residents could listen to music, drool over classic cars, sip on some free booze and mingle with like-minded folks. It was a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such a vibrant arts community in Santa Monica. We encourage everyone this weekend to explore the arts center, Bergamot Station and the Santa Monica Art Studios, along with the scores of galleries and theater spaces, and embrace this cherished resource and challenge your imagination. You’re never too old to embrace your creative side.