rj on December 16, 2009, at 05:12PM – #1

Art walk already is great, and can be even more amazing. Hope to see it grow and grow. Best of luck the Mr. Lopez

Rob C on December 16, 2009, at 08:20PM – #2

Art Walk has really evolved into a great monthly event and it really gives new exposure to the Historic core & downtown LA and how it is evolving into a great city. I wish Mr Lopez Luck and I am excited to hear his new ideas.

If i could give my two cents on Artwalk and as a future business owner in the area come spring 2010, Get ride of those darn Food trucks. What do they add to the Event or Historic core? From what I read in the article, Artwalk stands for Art, Economic developement and Galleries, they add no value to any of these goals. They just show up, sell thier low quality food and leave, they add no long term value to the area or Event. Just my two cents

Good Luck Jay, anything i can do to help as I open please do not hesitate to ask

Get rid of trucks on December 16, 2009, at 09:07PM – #3

I agree with the food trucks. They bring food but do not add jobs, pay rent in the Historic core, and don't clean up the trash.

Ralph on December 16, 2009, at 09:40PM – #4

I can understand the complaints about the food trucks. But sometimes it's impossible to even squeeze into a restaurant during art walk. So packed!

ethan on December 16, 2009, at 11:45PM – #5

That's just shortsighted. If there are problems with the food trucks, or if they need to participate in Art Walk revenue-raising, let's fix the problem. But it's undeniable that the food trucks have become an integral part of the Art Walk experience. Walking this back would do serious harm to the popularity of the event.

As a downtown resident and booster, I'm for everything that supports the continuing maturation of downtown as a place to live, work, and play, and the food trucks are part of the ecosystem now, like it or not.

(And some of the food is seriously good.)

Joe on December 17, 2009, at 12:14AM – #6

I wish the food trucks were downtown more frequently than they are, as it only adds to a limited and largely mediocre offering of permanent restaurants.

Most of the restaurants in the Art Walk area are mediocre - if they're even open. The only thing they are is close. It's one of the things I like least of downtown -- the limited good choices to eat. I'll take a Border Grill truck offering over D-towns burger any day.

A good place like Wood Spoon is often ignored as it's just one block "too far" for most of the art walk tourists.

Much luck, Jay, on the new post. The art scene downtown actually has a chance to make a statement for once and become something serious with you at the helm.

DawnC on December 17, 2009, at 08:40AM – #7

From the interview, I like this guy. He seems like a no drama, get it done, well rounded kinda person.

Please don't take a way the Kogi truck! I agree that the restaurants are too packed and the food trucks help to supplement the need for snacks. I totally disagree that the nearby restaurants are mediocre. I love Pete's, Warung, The Nickle Diner and Cole's. Heck I even like Weeneez!

Howie on the Hill on December 17, 2009, at 09:55AM – #8

It behooves us all to give Jay more than just a chance to manage Art Walk. He is obviously able and capable, let’s see where this goes. Welcome to the job Jay. Good luck.

Hang the DJ on December 17, 2009, at 01:09PM – #9

I hope there is some set of restrictions for "music acts" and/or other street performance types who pop up for Artwalk, but seem to operate without restriction.

For instance, this past Artwalk featured something new to my block. A pop-up "DJ" camped in the alley between the Rosslyn Hotel and the Security Lofts. He had his equipment blaring at full-blast from 6pm-11:30pm, and ending only because I went down and complained. I called LAPD three times when he was obviously still blasting at 10pm, but they never appeared.

Some of us do work in the morning. And some of us work day jobs. And some of us work early hours that require us to retire at 8pm. Any other music act in the past has been tasteful and respectful, not volume at full blast and usually shutting down after only a couple of hours performance. But this "act" is not tasteful, TOO LOUD, and takes WAY TOO LONG.

I heard this guy telling the crowd, "I'll be appearing here every Artwalk!" GOD, I CERTAINLY HOPE NOT. This nuisance needs some tight control, or needs to be shut down completely. We don't need impromptu Karaoke or rap on blast on a weeknight and in an alley where the noise bounces all the way up the walls of buildings where people live and sleep. This has nothing to do with art.

Russell Brown on December 18, 2009, at 01:05AM – #10

Probably not very realistic that Art Walk shuts down at 8 pm for the early risers, but agreed that realistic good neighborly cooperation is needed.

In working with the LAPD, gallery owners, local businesses, HDBID, DLANC arts committee and the Art Walk board and new director, there will be a team that has the same goal of sustaining a well managed art focused event that promotes downtown galleries, businesses, the creative community and its local residents.

We have all agreed that by 10 PM, all outside impacts will start to be toned down. By 10:30 PM, no amplified noise is allowed and public access is limited. By 11 PM, all outside events need to have moved inside or be completed. This seems to be the proper balance of having a great event and also being a good neighbor. Remember, all the bars and restaurants stay open until 2 am, so there are still avenues for enjoying oneself, if desired.

Last Art Walk by 10:30 PM, it was pouring rain so there was no amplified music in the alley after that time.

HTDJ on December 18, 2009, at 06:26AM – #11

To Russell Brown,

Thanks for the encouraging news that there will be restrictions on the aforementioned non-art noise performance. But he most definitely was sounding off well past 11pm, in the rain. The music may have been off, but the mic was still active (with PA), and there was still a small but active crowd (voices). Do you think I would have gone all the way down there and outside in the rain in my PJs if it had been completely shut off at 10:30? No. I could still hear him through 33db earplugs! Remember, the sound is much louder at a distance (up the sides of buildings) than it sounds at point zero.

Thanks for considering those of us who don't stay up and party on weeknights, and who have to work early in the morning.

Russell Brown on December 18, 2009, at 08:29PM – #12

Thanks

Will make sure in the future that the alley abides by the rules. Sorry abourt that.

Joe on December 20, 2009, at 04:36PM – #13

Art Walk has a curfew but film production operates noisily around the clock?

That speaks a lot about the priority of "cultural events" in Los Angeles.

We need a Nuit Blanche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuit_Blanche

Li on December 21, 2009, at 01:42PM – #14

Maybe the way to deal with the food trucks is how the street tchotchke vendors were dealt with: rent a parking lot and charge a small fee for food trucks to park there.You'd basically create a food court with outdoor seating and trashcans, which allows the trucks to operate while containing the trash and avoiding blocking the sidewalks.

Julie Rico on December 28, 2009, at 07:45PM – #15

Please put the old map back on line that included the Julie Rico Gallery.

nanorich on January 09, 2010, at 09:47AM – #17

Kim,

Let it go.

It is really getting tiresome.

Guest on February 24, 2010, at 09:06PM – #18

Jay Lopez has NOT been a perfect choice by any means. I called him several times to get informaion from him reguaring space on Main Street.

I got ZERO calls back. I had to text him to get any type of responce, and only then would he communicate.

How hard is it people to simply return a phone call or at least text them back!?!?!?!?

Once he did reply I got a fluff message with him brushing off my question and saying he could not help.

If you're in charge of Art Walk, be in charge Jay.