Came here for the Ryoko Kui "Dungeon Meshi: Delicious in Dungeon" pop up. I do a panel at anime…read moreconventions called "Food Reviewing Dungeon Meshi" where I analyze and review the dungeon floors from the series along with the monsters and dishes they cook, then give real life recommendations to where you can find these dishes in SoCal, so I HAD TO GO HERE. And you know, bring my past Yelpies awards so I can do what my boyfriend calls, "grosshikatsu". We got tickets beforehand online via Eventbrite. I suppose for more busier days, you have a time slot you book and enter. By the time we went, they were sadly already out of commemorative dishes. Also unfortunately, I had no idea that they had a stamp rally with Kinokuniya (would have been nice if there were signs or it was much more publicized -- actually, even when we went to Kino after, they were already out of the stamp cards), but after the kindness of the staff and some convincing and us dying from the heat, they understood our situation. Parking is awful as many such Little Tokyo cases are, but even more so during the weekend and during some events going on in the area, so either be ready to circle around or pay up and make the walking journey here. Getting in is easy, staff scan your QR code ticket and you get a free random post card. One side of the gallery was Ryoko Kui's other works with art drafts, sketches, some translated manga panels, information and background to her works, very nice if you're not familiar with her doujinshi or works outside of Dungeon Meshi. The other side of the gallery was all Dungeon Meshi. You are not allowed to take or record photos of the TV's showing the anime, but everything else seemed to be fair game. The gallery showed various art from scenes in the series and other standalone art of the characters in the world of Dungeon Meshi, the original and final cover art for the manga volumes, a written interview with Ryoko Kui, and much more. Afterwards was the real treat of the visit, all of the photo ops from the animated series, including replicas of the dishes from the series as well as the information of the monsters that were used for the said dishes. PERFECT MATERIAL FOR MY PANEL MIND YOU. Great for photo ops, I loved the color, attention to detail, the 3D aspects of seeing the dishes in front of you, and the detailed back drop and information for the dishes too (like floor 1 hot pot having the scorpion and mushroom cut outs), seeing the walking armor, love the frog photo op and much more. It only covers season 1 of the anime, but, again, perfect for the panel that I host and makes me even more excited for season 2. After the photo op area, there are some cut outs and food models for the concept art of the exhibit itself. Crazy to see that I'm taller than Marcille and my height in comparison to the main cast. Then of course, there's the gift shop at the end. Bonus goods if you spend more than $25, if you share on SNS, and sadly, of course things were already sold out. Solid visit and worth going out of our way to visit (I mean we're obviously otaku too, so kill 2 birds 1 stone in Little Tokyo), and definitely if you are a fan of the series, a foodie, or BOTH like me! NOTE: Since the pop up is in the summer, it gets SUPER hot in this art space. I don't think there's really strong AC in here so lots of fans on the ground and you will get warm. RIP to the cosplayers I saw here.

All over DTLA in what once were run down commercial areas, now public art, art galleries, cafes,…read morecoffee houses and unique stores have sprouted up. After the Grammy Museum which is in the Staples-Crypto Center/LA Live area that kick started the renovation of part of downtown after the theaters at the Music Center, I drove over to Art Share LA, an art gallery, theater and communal housing for artists. They had an exhibit of various artists working in the entertainment industry for Disney, Star Wars and other related animation work. When I walked in I really thought there was someone playing piano. Great space to enjoy art emerging artists.

Watts Towers has been named to the World Monuments Fund's inaugural Irreplaceable America list…read more recognizing 10 U.S. historic sites considered essential to preserving the nation's cultural heritage, officials announced Tuesday. The list was created as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlights historic places facing significant preservation challenges. The Watts Towers, created over more than three decades by Italian immigrant Sabato "Simon" Rodia, consist of 17 hand-built reinforced-concrete structures decorated with tile, glass and found objects. The tallest tower rises nearly 100 feet. The Watts Towers are a monumental achievement by one individual, Simon Rodia, yet are of cultural significance and meaning to all of the local community, and its visitors," Daniel Tarica, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, said in a statement. "The conservation and preservation of the Watts Towers ... reinforces a message to the community of investment, value, and stewardship, while also supporting increased cultural tourism and generating economic opportunities that benefit both the immediate Watts community and the wider region."

I grew up knowing that the Watts Towers were there. Sometimes, they were the photo on the front of…read morethe phone book. More often than that, they showed up as background photos of the Southland displayed between commercial breaks on TV news programs. I would have liked to have seen them in real life. It's just that you didn't go there because of the reputation of this part of South-Central Los Angeles. Things have changed. The 105 Freeway now provides that much needed link across between the top of the Gateway Cities and LAX, going but a few blocks south of the Watts Towers. What was called the Blue Line of Metro's light rail has a stop at 103rd Avenue, within walking distance of the towers. I'm also older than when Watts might have seemed ominous. Then, the neighborhood is changing, which is par for the course everywhere in Los Angeles. Predominantly African-American Watts has now become predominantly Hispanic. When I visited, I lowered the car window and asked two Hispanic twenty-somethings taking a very relaxed walk near this historic site what Watts was currently like. While not a "meet and greet" sort of neighborhood, the mixing of cultures probably helps bring a broader swath of people closer to seeing the towers. I took the 105, got off the large well-designed interchange at Central Avenue, and drove a few blocks north. The Watts Towers didn't seem as tall as I would have thought, but, when put under a different lens, they are very tall! The towers are the work of one man - Simon Rodia - and the tallest one stands about 100 feet (think 10 stories)! I am writing to review the towers and believe that, on the day I went, the Arts Center and tours were not operative. There are additional exhibits that can be seen and would be explained by taking the tour. However, you can definitely park within a block and visit the site. There is even a hardscaped plaza with tiered seating to the north of the towers. The towers are a little strange. They look like pyramidal cone shaped and opened up Slinky toys. Their cage structures are made of structural steel. However, the ribs are not just the steel. The ribs are "coated" with ceramic material, glass, mosaics, tiles, shells, and other objects that give them color and texture. They reminded me of some of the work that Antonio Gaudi designed in his native Barcelona, Spain in that the effect is organic ... and even a little hippie dippy. Knowing about the Watts Towers and knowing about Simon Rodia are intertwined. The Watts Towers are the largest major project built by just one individual, thus of historical import. He worked on them for 33 years! They are now under the purview of the California park system. Rodia was an Italian immigrant from a small town in the region of Italy in which Naples is the principal city. He was trained as a stone mason. I was fascinated by his trajectory. Upon coming to the United States from Italy, he first lived in Pennsylvania. From there, he moved to Seattle, WA, where he married, to Oakland, CA, where he had children, and then to both Long Beach and Watts in Southern California. People told him he was odd and criticized his work, but he persevered and we are richer for it. I'd say that a person had to have some unique wiring to push the envelope in terms of innovation, and even eccentricity, to be able to visualize and build the towers. Eventually, Rodia's health worsened and he moved north within California, dying closer to family members in Martinez, CA at 86 years of age. I had a school friend who lived not too far from the Watts Towers. He was Japanese-American. His parents did not move away until they retired. And I remember that there was a neighboring household where the couple occupying the house, and who also remained, was from France and that I would speak to them in my high school French. That said, it could explain how other immigrants, such as Simon Rodia from Italy, might have lived in the area, along with other newcomers. While not as singularly intriguing as the Watts Towers themselves, the evolution of and rationale for demographic changes in almost all of big L.A.'s neighborhoods would make for volumes of interesting accounts. I highly recommend visiting the Watts Towers, especially to Angelenos who have yet to do so.

A magical, special place with wonderful people and amazing events/screenings…read more The panorama exhibit is one of my favorite places to visit in LA. If you can, be sure to see The Man in the Tuskhut exhibit? Event? Encounter? Not sure what to call it but I loved it. And after your movie screening, Man in Tuskhut encounter, panorama viewing, etc., be sure to check out the lovely gardens and saloon out back!

This place is cute. As long as you what your walking j to before going and that it's not a huge…read moremuseum. It's a quick, inexpensive, different experience. Not very busy. The only reason i gave it 4 starts was because i was looking forward to the free drinks and it was all gone when i got to it. Other than that's cute. By downtown so there are plenty of other things to do before/after you go here

Wow wow wow - what an experience. We took our friend Keats for a birthday surprise - and had such…read morean amazing time. No matter if you are local or visiting, this is a one-of-a-kind-gem and a must-see. Host/ investor & Artist extraordinaire Gonzalo was the kindest host! Would I do a 30+ min detour just to go (mandatory to achieve 5 stars in my rating scheme). I just did - and can't wait to go again with other friends.

Opened Saturdays only 12p-3p. This is such a cool spot to visit while in Venice. Allow yourself at…read moreleast 30 mins to an hour. There are areas where you can sit and just enjoy the breeze and the art so spending more time wouldn't be an issue. It's very well-maintained. Reservations are required online, but I don't think it would be a huge issue if you just showed up and paid up the door. I guess that would depend on how busy it is that particular day. But definitely make reservations in advance if you can, but if you just happen to be in the area and want to stop by, it wouldn't hurt to just pull up. $20 adults, $15 seniors, free ages 12 under 90+ Read and learn about the artists behind the work, they have quite an interesting story. This is their home, they live and create here. Respect the art and the neighborhood.

Amazing artists and experience. Highly recommend going to the art walks hosted here! You will find…read moregreat artists and great items to purchase

I grew up in the Rust Belt in a city which is prominent on every year's "Top 15 Most Dangerous…read moreCities in the US" list. Flanked by mobsters and gangs, my hometown was brought to such devastation due to the fact that it was a steel mill town which became abandoned after shut downs. Typical story of the mid-west. However sad this may be, this environment made me who I am and caused my art to bud. My love for photography of industrial and abandoned places grew into a passion in that city and continues to this day. What does any of that have to do with the Brewery Lofts? The Brewery Lofts are not only a welcome haven as a work/live space for eccentric artists but it is also conducive to visitors to the premises. It doesn't take a scientist to know that these lofts were at one time an actual operating brewery. Thus, the compound has several warehouses, steel buildings, factories, and other industrial formations which provide studios for budding and established artists alike and lovely grounds for industrial photographers such as myself. Alright, maybe you don't think of rusty steel as "lovely" but I sure do. The Brewery Lofts provide various studio space layouts which range from one floor studios to 2-floor spaces which look straight out of Ikea. The best thing is that the artists have free-reign and live within their art with very little rules. I've attended some get-togethers at various studios and everyone lets their creativity run free. As a visitor, I feel the same freedom being allowed to walk the grounds and photograph the buildings to my heart's content without some guard telling me I need a permit which is usually the case at many LA buildings and parks. Basically, the Brewery Lofts satisfies my photography outlet of abandoned and industrial buildings which although rampant in the city I grew up in; more of a needle in a haystack in LA. Finding a spot like this provides me with a creative outlet and release which I direly need. If you want to check out the works of the artists and to roam the grounds, the Brewery Artwalk weekends provide free art entertainment. Photographers, woodworkers, avant-garde exhibitions, sculptures, cooking classes; you will find it all at the artwalk. The best part is that most of the attendees are truly art-appreciators versus pretentious folk whom want to seem artsy. Whether you are an artist seeking some studio space, an art-lover, or a individual who loves industrial settings; the Brewery Lofts will satisfy your cravings.

The Diorama-Museum of Bhagavad-Gita is a hidden gem, especially for those interested in ancient…read moreteachings, yoga, and spirituality. Located at the heart of Culver City, you will find yourself in a peaceful oasis where you will tap into the great teachings of the thousand-year-old text which will inevitably have you inquiring about the bigger questions in life. The Gita Museum has a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere, within an enclosed venue that makes the experience much more unique and personal. Intricate narration, sculpture work, lighting work, paintings, and music are displayed at each exhibition which emanates a magical feeling and will further engulf you in the ever-so-revealing story. Chapter 11 is truly a sight to see! Our tour guide was knowledgeable, kind, and helpful, he described the museum as "The spiritual Disneyland" which fits perfectly. Highly recommend it if you ever come across it.

This is the most amazing place I've ever been to. The best museum in Los Angeles, hands down…read more Inspiring for all!

Sooki Studio is by far my favorite studio for ceramics in Los Angeles. Natalia and Gina are…read moreincredibly kind and knowledgeable. This space is very community driven and offers a diverse array of classes taught by various artists. Highly recommend becoming a member or just stopping by to check out the shop and space. Beautifully located next to the LA River, close to restaurants and even a brewery on the bike path. Happy to have found it!

I stumbled upon Sooki Studio while searching for pottery workshops in my area. Depending on…read moretraffic, I live 5-10 minutes away. They also double as a supply & stationery store, so I had to check them out! I parked on Blake Avenue, a 6-minute walk along the LA River bike path. They were easy to locate, given their close proximity to the river and ample signage. The property is spacious, with the supply store and stationery section located at the front entrance. Behind this, the ceramic studios are set up toward the back, making it easy to explore the shop before heading into the studio area. The shop is charming! They offered goods from artisan clay to rustic twine. Exploring the shop was delightful. I bought a compact toolbox and a sleek folding knife. Gift cards are also available. Thank you, Gina, for the hospitality! The Armenian coffee was delicious and I look forward to attending a workshop. Support local and women owned businesses!

Amazing art, sound, sound art, performance art, snacks, and free Chicken Boy trading cards?…read more I love LA. It's galleries like Future Studio that encourage the absurd, the bizarre, and the innovative. If only there were more like it. Installations are the second Saturday of the month and are NOT your parents' ideas of art. Future Studio is also home to Chicken Boy, aka 'The Statue of Liberty Los Angeles" as coined by Art Fein, author, producer, once former manager of The Cramps and host of the cable access show 'Art Fein's Poker Party.' Chicken Boy is a 22 ft fiberglass mascot of the long since gone fried chicken joint of the same name. Luckily for Chicken Boy, he was recognized for the important piece of Americana he is and since 2007 has a home of permanence atop Future Studio. Yes, I do LOVE LA.

Quirky fun place to visit. We saw the amazing display of quilts to a wonderful backdrop of Chicken…read moreBoy fun stuff! A must visit!