Winston Goes Studio for a Day

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — In September Crewest owner Man One was involved in a project with Friends of the River to paint murals on the sides of the river in the Arroyo Seco. After the works were done County Supervisor Gloria Molina objected, and a few days later a “mysterious” buffer took out a portion of the painted wall, despite all permits being in order.

Yesterday’s Warner Brothers commissioned project on Winston had none of that political drama. It was a film-related road closure of a different kind, as the studio provided backing to turn Winston into a studio for the day.

Man One recalled thinking that Winston provided the perfect spot for an event like this back when initially looking for gallery space. That’s what Man One suggested to Veronica O’Shea, who is working with Warner Bros to market the new Will Smith film, “I Am Legend.” Man One’s instinct was correct. Winston was filled with artists working on canvas, using a mix of style; from traditional graffiti, fantasy realism, or the mix of graphic design stencil and representational shadows.

Left, one of the artists tackles an image of Will Smith. Right, Man One, owner of Crewest.