by Noella Noelophile®
Love is an essential part of being an artist.
And this Valentine’s Day weekend, a number of gifted artists would like to share the work they love, with you.
In the Long Beach area, Cultural Alliance of Long Beach are continuing their Black History Month exhibition, entitled “A Celebration of Heritage”.
Paintings, pencil drawings, mixed-media pieces and African artifacts are all a part of this thought-provoking exhibition. Masks, woodcarvings and an intricate (and beautiful!) Nigerian beaded crown are just a few of the things you’ll see, and exhibiting artists include Shy But Flyy and Deborah Alvarez.
CALB’s “A Celebration of Heritage” art exhibit continues from now through Saturday, February 28th at their Shoreline Village location. The address is 423 Shoreline Village Drive, just upstairs from Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille, and gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays, from 3 to 8 pm, and Sundays from 3 to 7. 
Meanwhile, across the bridge in San Pedro, CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles has plans for Valentine’s Day.
In addition to their displays of eclectic work from more than a hundred local artisans, they’re featuring dancing to live music by the Harbor Jazz Ensemble, today from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. You can also show off your Valentine creativity at their “Creation Station”, where guests can create Valentine cards and wreaths both today and tomorrow. And some of the cool offering from their exhibiting artists, for you and/or your Valentine, include Cupid aprons, heart jewelry and (if you’re lucky) some pretty incredible hand-dipped chocolate marshmallows!
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, a year-round crafts marketplace, is located in Warehouse 10 at 112 East 22nd Street, near Miner, in San Pedro. Their hours are Friday through Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Now–OK. The next show we’re going to mention is NOT open this weekend.
San Pedro Art Association has a current exhibit called “It’s All San Pedro”, which is open on weekdays only.
But, we’ll tell you about it anyway, because it’s such a great idea–and also because we love them.
SPAA’s “It’s All San Pedro” exhibition features the work of fourteen artists, including Audrey Marlett, Carlos Boisselle, and Joyce Welsh. Media on display include paintings, digital art and assemblage–all inspired by life in San Pedro.
“It’s All San Pedro” is on display in the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Board Room Gallery, located at 390 West 7th Street, east of South Mesa. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (however, they’ll be closed on Monday, the 16th, for Presidents’ Day). “It’s All San Pedro” runs from now through Friday, February 27th.
A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and the special people in your life–and have a safe holiday weekend!