Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825

An Evening of Fine Art Discovery and First Dibs for Savvy Collectors: Gem Celebrates 5th Anniversary as One-Night-Only VIP Preview, Exhibition and Sale Benefiting The Los Angeles Art Association, on April 2nd, 2011.

With more than 200 affordably priced original works for sale, the Los Angeles Art Association's 5th annual gem show allows everyone to become an "art gem" collector. This one-night-only opportunity at Gallery 825 on La Cienega Boulevard is widely embraced by the Southern California art community as an important showcase of emerging art trends. The first 100 registrants for the 6 to 7pm VIP Reception on Saturday will receive an original signed print by acclaimed artist Yoichi Kawamura; and they'll have the first opportunity to preview and purchase additional gems by an exceptional roster of emerging and mid-career artists, including Flora Kao, Michael Salvatore Tierney and Kareem Ralph Amin among others. They'll also enjoy sipping bubbly and sampling the international flavors from chef Susan Feniger's very popular restaurant STREET. The doors open for general admission from 7 to 10pm.

In the years since its inception the gem exhibition has proven to be both a launch pad for emerging artists, as well as a tremendous value opportunity for beginning and seasoned collectors. Past gem attendees have secured original works by Alexandra Grant, Meeson Pae Yang, Richard Artschwager, John Baldessari, Frank Gehry and many more! The 2011 Benefit Committee co-chaired by Tim Fleming, Director of Art Los Angeles Contemporary and noted collector Robert Galstian includes such art world luminaries as Franklin Sirmans, York Chang, Sue Hancock, Michelle Pobar and Louis Stern. "The Los Angeles Art Association — L.A.'s first visual artist organization, founded in 1925 — remains one of the region's most vital forums for the presentation of emerging artists. Its program of solo exhibitions, juried shows, and its annual gem benefit at Gallery 825 are wonderlands for anyone truly interested in what's happening artistically in Los Angeles, an international focal point for new art," said Howard N. Fox, curator emeritus of contemporary art of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and gem benefit committee member. LAAA Executive Director Peter Mays explains, "Our gem benefit is the best place to discover emerging talents early in their career paths, while they are still affordable to a broad base of collectors . . . it's THE perfect kick-off to L.A.'s spring art season." View an online preview of available works after March 15, 2011.