People think of the art world as greedy and ruthless, as depicted on the television drama "Riviera," but the reality is much different. When beloved Los Angeles art preparator Bryan Chagolla was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer, his art world friends gathered in support. Opening Saturday night, September 14 at 6pm, five galleries on Chung King Road in historic Chinatown Los Angeles will be selling some very fine art to benefit their friend and colleague.
Zoot Suit, Ed Ruscha
This limited edition print by Ed Ruscha, honoring master printer Richard Duardo, number 6/40 was printed at the legendary Modern Multiples. As with all work in the silent auction, bidding begins $100, with a buy-it-now option at full retail.
Other major American artists in the show include Kim Dingle, Mark Dutcher and Tim Youd, making this an opportunity for both established and newer collectors.
Goat Shit, Frances Bean Cobain
Artists and collectors donated works creating a five gallery showcase/art fair on historical Chung King Road. At Lisa Derrick Fine Arts, the silent auction of works includes pieces from Frances Bean Cobain, Cris Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, and many more noteworthy artists. Bidding begins at $100 on art work in the LDFA upstairs gallery.
Trickster, Melinda R. Smith
In June of this year, Chagolla was diagnosed with an agressive form of stomach cancer the week his second daughter was born. Hospitalized, he was unable to attend her birth. He is currently undergoing first line chemotherapy at City of Hope, and is unable to work.
Onwanderlust, Gary Wong
The art in Bryanfest ranges from abstract to figurative, with proceeds from the five shows on Chung King Road benefiting Chagolla who was responsible for much of the art installation and handling on Chinatown's legendary gallery row, as well as working with numerous private clients.
Mike Vegas
In addition to having works in the silent auction at BryanFest, fine artists Mike Vegas, pictured here, and Chuck Swenson -- beloved by millions as animator Charles Swenson (Rugrats, Mike, Lu and Og, 100 Motels) -- have opened pop-up galleries with sales of the work benefiting Chagolla's ongoing medical treatment and to support his his family, as he is unable to work.
Both Coagula Curatorial and Charlie James Gallery are holding benefit shows, with James drawing on his roster of artists for a robust six-week long show. Coagula gallerist Mat Gleason has created "Exquisite Heart," series of prints featuring the combined art work of Abel Alejandre, Karen Finley, and Tim Youd. Youd also has two pieces at Lisa Derrick Fine Arts.
Wired, Leigh Salgado
Many of the artists showing have been featured in museums, international galleries, and art fairs.
Cris Kirkwood, Meat Puppets
Image credits: www.facebook.com
Chagolla is fan of the Meat Puppets, and Meat Puppets' bassist Cris Kirkwood is fine art painter. Kirkwood and one of his collectors arranged to have original art printed as a timed, limited edition print, available to order through the run of the BryanFest silent auction, September 29, at 6pm.
Chung King Road Art Scene
Image credits: www.facebook.com
The art scene in Los Angeles is pretty spectacular, and galleries on Chung King Road are showing some of the best to support their friend and colleague. You can find out more about Bryan Chagolla at https://www.gofundme.com/f/bryanchagolla