January is a big month for art fairs in L.A.: Both the LA Art Show and Art L.A. Contemporary take place this week. Why is January such an art fair magnet? Organizers say the weather helps attract out-of-town collectors . Here's a cheat sheet on the two events.
The L.A. Art Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center
Focus: modern and contemporary, 19th century and historical, prints and vintage posters, all in their own section
Special project: "Letters From Los Angeles," a group show curated by Jack Rutberg with text-based work by dozens of California artists, such as Ed Ruscha, Ed Kienholz, Lita Albuquerque and Alexandra Grant
PHOTOS: Arts and culture in pictures by The Times
First out: Four "diamond dust" prints by Shepard Fairey (meaning diamond dust is applied to the surface of the screenprints) at Paul Stolper Gallery booth
Celebrity quotient: James Franco is guest of honor at the VIP reception from 7 to 8 p.m.
Opening-night party: Wednesday, 8-11 p.m., $125
Regular hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday 11-5 p.m.; $20 daily admission
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Art Los Angeles Contemporary at Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport
Focus: Of-the-moment works in all mediums
Special project: An installation by L.A. artist Jon Pylypchuk of cigarette-men sculptures holding picket signs will greet visitors at the door.
First out: Video screening of MOCAtv, its new YouTube channel, will feature the debut of Jim Shaw's "The Hole and the Whole" on Thursday
Celebrity quotient: Regulars include Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Griffiths
Opening-night party: Thursday, 7-9 p.m., $50
Regular hours: Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $20 daily admission
INTERACTIVE: Christopher Hawthorne's On the Boulevards
VOTE: What's the best version of 'O Holy Night'?
PHOTOS: Arts and culture in pictures
