LA’s non-traditional gallery guide with Jim Hedges

In recent years, the look and feel of art galleries has changed substantially. Major galleries have become keen on embracing the trend of finding alternative environments in which to present their artists’ works. Working outside of traditional museum-like spaces appeals to me enormously, and no city in the world has seen an explosion of ‘gallery homes’ more than Los Angeles. Let me introduce you to some amazing spaces led by talented tastemakers.

Founded as an exhibition space and residency project, the name originates from the Farsi phrase for open-handed and open-hearted. Since July 2020, Del Vaz Projects has been located in Santa Monica, in what was Shirley Temple’s childhood home. The house includes exhibition and studio space as well as bedrooms for guest artists, a garden and an apothecary filled with artisanal products.

Open by appointment
259 19th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402
+1 (310) 999 3060

Located at the base of the Hollywood Hills, The Future Perfect is the Los Angeles iteration of Casa Perfect. Built in 1916 by Arthur S. Heineman, it was once the home of famed movie producer, Samuel Goldwyn. The exclusive environment of an old Hollywood residence operates as a gallery, offering unique space to see culturally important works in a novel setting.

Open by appointment
Goldwyn House, Hollywood Hills
+1 (323) 202 2025

Creative director Alexander May works with a carefully selected network of artists and designers to display limited-edition objects, organize site-specific exhibitions, and provide access to creative studios and spaces. With over 15 years of industry experience and a pioneering spirt, SIZED SERVICES has worked on a host of collaborative artist-led initiatives – transforming locations into points of connectivity through curation, installation and immersive experiences.

Open by appointment
526 N Western Avenue LA, 90004

This is the place to be for 20th-century postmodern and contemporary design furniture. The collection is housed in the Danziger Studio & Residence complex, which was designed by Frank Gehry and lived in by the Danzigers for 30 years. It’s a wonderful example of Gehry’s fascination with balancing aesthetics and sustainability.

Open by appointment
7001 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA,
+1 (3230 591 0156

Founded in 2018 by Rodney and Taka Nonaka-Hill, this a gallery focused on Japanese art. Working with contemporary artists and artists’ estates across a wide range of media, Nonaka-Hill features paintings, ceramics, glass and photographic works by notable Japanese artists, often on show for the first time on the West Coast.

Tuesday to Saturday 12 – 7 pm
720 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
+1 (323) 450 9409

This is a place of wide-ranging group exhibitions of emerging artists without representation, perfect for spotting fresh talent. Housed in a former mechanic shop, The Pit comprises three exhibition spaces and is a member of the New Art Dealers Alliance. The gallery’s programme creates conversations and connections between emerging and mid-career artists, across an array of genres.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm
918 Ruberta Ave, Glendale, CA 91201
+1 (747)273 8240