A Celebration of Art in Downtown Los Angeles
The LA Art Show, undoubtedly one of the best things to do in LA, wrapped up its triumphant 30th-anniversary edition last week. It was a great weekend where the Los Angeles Convention Center transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and expression. Angelinos from across the city experienced an unforgettable celebration of global art and culture. This year’s show featured over 90 galleries from around the world, including Ukraine, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the UK, and Canada. The event has solidified itself as LA’s longest-running art fair and a cornerstone of the Best Of LA cultural scene.

The show started with actress and producer Jenna Dewan hosting the Opening Night Premiere Party. In addition, the event supported two worthy causes: the American Heart Association and the California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Recovery Fund. Furthermore, acclaimed LA muralist Robert Vargas and LA Art Show Producer & Director Kassandra Voyagis walked the red carpet alongside true heroes. Specifically, they were joined by LA County Fire Department members and first responders who worked tirelessly during this year’s wildfires. Later in the evening, Vargas painted a massive live mural appropriately titled “HEROES” in their honor.

Angelenos turned out in impressive numbers for this year’s fair. Viktor Freso’s impressive 30-foot “Bear Sculpture,” a powerful emblem of strength and resilience, welcomed them right at the entrance hall.

Diversity and Resilience: Themes That Defined the Show.
Under the thoughtful curation of Marisa Caichiolo, the fair’s non-commercial platform, DIVERSEartLA, presented a riveting eight-year retrospective. This section of the exhibition emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the arts. Artist Antuan Rodriguez’s interactive installation “Left or Right” showcased punching bags portraying world leaders and tyrants were people could take their own action. I saw a few attendees channeling their frustrations, transforming these objects into tools for emotional release. Meanwhile, the Argentinian artistic duo Chiachio& Giannone (MOLAA) presented “Celebrating Diversity,” a striking 120-foot-long textile pride flag. Previously, this flag was paraded by more than 100 volunteers during the Long Beach Pride Parade.

One of the most moving exhibitions at the LA Art Show was “Breathing Resilience” by Building Bridges Art Exchange. It featured works of artists who lost homes or studios in the recent wildfires. Their work not only marks their resilience but also the unbreakable bond of community.  Bernie Taupin unveiled a mixed-media mural titled “The Wall” at Gallery Dana Bay. The artwork showcased the American flag and reflected that, despite wear and tear, the flag will ultimately recover and persevere.

Among the most potent exhibitions was “She, Unbroken” presented by Snisarenko Gallery (Ukraine). Above all, it was a stunning homage to Ukrainian-born female artists who have lived through the horrifying experience of war. Ukrainian women have endured unimaginable challenges. These include displacement, mental health struggles, economic instability, and vulnerability to violence. Despite these profound hardships, however, their resilience and spirit have shone through in countless ways, especially through their art. Through each piece, therefore, the artists shared their stories and strengths.

The LA Art Show has long been a fixture in the LA Guide to cultural events. Yet this year’s exhibition seemed particularly significant given recent global and local challenges. The show once again demonstrated art’s power to heal, unite, and inspire even in difficult times. There were areas where people could explored themes of displacement, reinvention, and transformation, delving into the ways conflict reshapes identity and creative expression. This collection served as a tribute to their unyielding strength and creativity—a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Another highlight was artist Elizabeth Healey’s remarkable life-sized dog sculpture “Bowie” at Daphne Alazraki Fine Art. Interestingly, it was crafted from materials including quartz, stone, crystal, glass, ceramic, and precious gems. Drawing inspiration from David Bowie, the sculpture incorporated the iconic lightning bolt along with Bowie’s distinctive eyes. Additionally, abstract expressionist works from the 1950s and 1960s were featured at Daphne’s booth by artists such as Paul Wonner and Julian Schnabel.

The Events in LA calendar has many excellent offerings throughout the year. However, the LA Art Show stands out as a truly special occasion for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Multidisciplinary artist Arch Hades featured her sculpture “Isle” at Licht Feld Gallery (Switzerland). Specifically, it honored the island of San Michele in Veneto known as “the island of the dead.” The inspiration stemmed from the line “poems are like gravestones, marking where love lies,” which was inscribed on the sleek, black “lagoon” surface.

A Showcase of Global Talent
For those who love to Discover LA through its vibrant art scene, the show definitely provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience diverse artistic expressions. World-renowned artist Fabian Perez was another featured artist in the 2025 LA Art Show. His work is known for its figurative compositions and emotional intensity. As a leader in the international art world, Perez’s paintings are a culmination of his life experiences and emotions. Moreover, his style, called “Neo-Emotionalism,” is characterized by dark tones and moodiness. Rather than focusing on details, Perez prefers to paint ideas and moods.

Korean ceramic artist Inyoung Han Lee also showcased her exceptional talent at the show. Born and raised in Korea, Lee’s work is influenced by both Eastern and Western culture and her mother whom she played making origami animals. Through the ceramic medium, she creates three main types of artistic creations: animal-shaped origami Zodiac Sculptures with their cultural representation of human characteristics, teapots decorated with the graceful shapes of birds and flowers, and Biblical scenes revealing God’s eternal presence and guidance.

Sculptor David Crawford, who was born in Walla Walla, Washington, and grew up in southeast Oregon, brought his unique perspective to the show. Crawford focus his artistic energy on creative forms that surrounded him in the western setting. He owes as much to his rural upbringing and surroundings as to any other influences for the bronze sculptures he produces.

Youngkwan Choi, also known as Steel Che, was featured in a presentation of his metal sculptures. The exhibition was called “Art in Dongsan” and was presented by Art in Dongsan, a gallery with locations in Seoul and Goyang. Steel Che’s work is known for repurposing industrial materials into artistic forms. Additionally, his work is influenced by his family’s connection to the steel industry. The centerpiece of his exhibition space was “Steam Robot,” a large-scale sculpture that demonstrated Che’s mastery of steel manipulation. His work evolves in the Korean art and the intersection of industrial heritage and contemporary sculpture.

Another fascinating artist featured was Shima Shanti, who paints with beeswax, pigments, and fire in the ancient art form of encaustic painting. Her work is inspired by nature and is intended to evoke a sense of peace and introspection. Shanti applies layers of molten beeswax to birch wood, with each layer fused with heat. She may apply up to 50 layers, creating a luminosity depth. Her paintings are textured and iridescent, combining bold and rough-yet-refined texture with satin-smooth finishes.

The LA Art Show proved once again why it’s considered one of the best things to do in LA for art enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The show created a rich tapestry of global artistic expression by bringing together such diverse talents and perspectives. Furthermore, it provided a platform for artists to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs through their creative work. Attendees left with visual memories and emotional connections to the pieces they encountered.

The LA Art Show has become an essential part of the LA Guide to Cultural Exploration. It connects Angelenos with global artistic movements while celebrating local talent and perspectives.

For those who missed this year’s show, there’s good news: the next fair is already scheduled for January 7 to 11, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Marking your calendar for next year’s show is highly recommended whether you’re a dedicated art collector or simply someone who enjoys experiencing creative expression.

As one of the premier Events in LA, the LA Art Show continues its commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices. It remains a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric and an essential experience for anyone wanting to Discover LA in all its creative glory. With each exhibition, the show enriches our understanding of both art and ourselves.