What a wonderful opportunity to visit and view so many wonderful galleries and places in the ecclectic East Village Art District in Long Beach, CA. Tour des Artistes talkes place Saturday, June 9 from Noon to 10 P.M. Ticket holders of the Tour have unlimited access to bus transportation for the day on the Passport buses, Georges Greek Cafe’s trolley and of “the Big Red Bus,” an original London double-decker. Parking for the event will be at the city parking lot on 3rd. St. just east of Pine Ave in downtown Long Beach. The $10 ticket price for the Tour des Artistes includes parking for the day. (Tickets are free to all city employees including fire, police, teachers and military with valid ID.)You may also board the Passport bus in Belmont Shore at any of the stops along 2nd St.
This year’s focus of the Tour is to highlight living spaces for creative professionals. Tour des Artistes Committee Chair, Ryan Smoler points out that “… Tour definitely extends behond art; it’s really about how people are creatively using the East Village Arts District in their lives to do what they want.” Several units in the historic Cooper Arms building will be open for viewing, as will units in the Temple Lofts and Courtyard Lofts. Several units in the recently converted Masonic temple will feature a photo exhibit curated by Sarah Vinci of Cal State University of Long Beach’s University Art Museum.
With more than 60 events taking place throughout the day, every part of street life in the area is being shown off. Vin de Pays will have a wine tasting, Broadlind Cafe is offering a free cup of coffee, Basement Lounge has half-off entry and more.
A small sample of the Tour’s activities includes:
- Entry into the Long Beach Museum of Art and picnic space on the bluffs overlooking the beach
- Display and auction of the SPIN bicycles sculptures displayed around town during February’s AMGEN tour
- Art shows in more than 20 galleries
- Photo exhibits of life in Cuba and Iran as seen through the eyes of Long Beach residents
- Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach’s Childrens Festival
- Access to Temple Lofts, Jet Lofts, Courtyard Lofts and more
- Artist Olympics with prizes for participants of the challenges
- Wine label making at the La Muse Garde Cafe
Don’t miss this low-cost open house for the arts-related assets that the Long Beach coastal community has to offer. The Tour des Artistes is a great opportunity to check out all the different things that downtown has to offer, so later you can come back to visit all your favorite spots or some of those that you couldn’t fit in. For tickets, Tour maps, driving directions, events and more visit: http://www.eastvillageartsdistrict.com/#event
Visit some of the TOUR DES ARTISTES artist and musician myspace sites at http://www.myspace.com/artwalklbc
See you at 12noon