NELA Second Saturday In Eagle Rock

So far, we’ve been spared the terrible summer that the rest of the country has been experiencing. So why not take advantage of our relatively pleasant weather and spend this evening visiting the art galleries on the NELA Second Saturday Gallery Night, Northeast L.A.'s long-running evening of art, artists—and community.

Across Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glassell Park and Cypress Park every second Saturday, galleries keep their doors open for us from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Go to the Second Saturday site, print out a map, grab someone you love, get some food—go out and appreciate.

I got to visit three of Eagle Rock’s galleries Friday.

At on Eagle Rock Boulevard you’ll find tonight The Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival's first independently produced art exhibition of the work of eight prominent Los Angeles artists.

The featured artist is Margaret Garcia. If you are a metro rail rider you may have seen her mural, "Tree of Califas," at the Universal City Station. Her work is strong and beautiful.

Seven other artists are in the RRAFF exhibition: Abel Alejandre, Lili Bernard, Joe Bravo, Pablo Cristi, Yolanda Gonzalez, CiCi Segura Gonzalez and Patricia Krebs.

If you don’t know the work of Joe Bravo, there is a nice example of his work at Cactus Gallery tonight. Bravo is a muralist and painter—and there is one of his wonderful tortilla paintings on the wall behind the counter.

Just moved in the “annex” room, Craig Casey makes beautiful hand-made musical instruments, not to mention hand made incense.

“How lucky we are to live in this community, where there is so much art and life,” said Sandra Mastroianni, owner of Cactus Gallery. “These evenings are free—and an opportunity to meet people, see art, get to know our community better.”

 Another gallery you might want to visit is , also on Eagle Rock Boulevard. CROWDED TEETH + FRIENDS is a celebration of Leanna Lin's Wonderland turning a year old—a fun-filled land of happiness. 

Eagle Rock artist Michelle Romo, of Crowded Teeth, curated this group show with 17 of her artist friends. Most are from Los Angeles, but also from San Francisco, Florida, Maryland, Korea and Australia. This will be Leanna's first big group art show. The works are whimsical, delightful—and affordable.

Leanna’s husband, Luis Jaime, has created posters for each of the art events over the past year, and those posters are also there for you to enjoy. 

Just outside Wonderland, there will be food to nosh on—food trucks Don Chow Tacos serves delicious Mexican fare and Lake Street Creamery has some amazing ice cream. If you haven’t indulged in this part of L.A.’s rapidly growing food culture, here is a good opportunity. There will also be a Mugshots photo booth, , drinks, and music by DJ EV-1.

Happy Birthday, Leanna!

The newest addition to our art scene is Mary Clark Carmargo’s New Stone Age Mosaics. Carmargo will be celebrating her grand re-opening tonight. Formerly in the ‘annex’ space at Cactus Gallery for two and a half years, Carmargo’s work is hardly foreign to Eagle Rock or NELA.

Her new studio and gallery is located at 1754 Colorado Blvd., between La Roda and Argus. With her larger studio space, and the gallery space, and now more room for larger classes, she invites us all to celebrate with her with liquid refreshments and treats. You can also check out her new fall class schedule and sign up for one. Don’t miss her large mosaic Day of the Dead skulls in their new home, and be there for a new show place of art and learning.

If you are an early bird—and you enjoy Eagle Rock history—make a stop at on Eagle Rock Boulevard. Eagle Rock’s historian and president of the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society Eric Warren will be signing and discussing his new book, Eagle Rock 1911-2011, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.