The Gallery Association Los Angeles (GALA) and its digital counterpart, GalleryPlatform.LA, kicked off their inaugural DTLArts Day — a celebration of not just the Arts District, but also its surrounding contemporary art scenes. Whisked downtown on a special shuttle, this year's participants began their journey at Night Gallery / François Ghebaly and concluded at Hauser & Wirth / The Box, with engaging stops at notable venues such as Wilding Cran and Luis De Jesus Los Angeles along the way. Aimed at showcasing the richness of the Arts District and enhancing community accessibility, galleries came alive with unique events, performances, and some artist-led tours.
Painter Laura Krifka led a walkthrough of her solo Luis De Jesus exhibition, “Carousel,” which explores the politics surrounding sensuality, desire, and the representation of women's bodies. Meanwhile, at a members’ breakfast hosted at Soho Warehouse, Sarah Blaustein offered a behind-the-scenes look at her debut solo show, “Overture,” at Night Gallery. The Box hosted an engaging talk with artist Corazon del Sol, the daughter of the late Eugenia P. Butler. As dusk fell, neighborhood galleries extended their hours, effortlessly transitioning into vibrant afterparties at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA), and Soho Warehouse.
The ICA kicked off a membership launch party, complete with a DJ spinning eclectic tracks, bars serving refreshing beverages, a pupusa food truck, and an array of lawn games. The day wrapped up at Soho Warehouse, where gallerists, artists, and attendees of DTLArts Day mingled, reveling in the artistic energy that makes downtown Los Angeles a true creative hub.