Tribute to Actor Robert Hegyes

From the Publisher of the Abbot Kinney Venice Blog:

Actor Robert Hegyes, best known for the role of Juan Epstein in the seminal  1970's tv series, "Welcome Back Kotter" passed away last week at age 60.

Robert was a resident of Venice for a number of years before deciding to move back to New Jersey appoximately two years ago.
 
Several years before he moved, we met each other when he was working on the edgy internet series he created,  "The Venice Walk".  I worked with him in updating  the website for it, plus the Official Robert Hegyes Website.

Robert was a generous and genuine person and truly funny, always reeling off the one liners.  He talked about his family frequently and was very proud of his four kids.

I was privileged to be his friend and am sad to see him go. A few photos are below from a few events that I hosted when he made guest appearances.

Robert Hegyes & Janet Gervers

Cheryl Gelling, Robert Hegyes, Edizen Stowell

Fishbone Video: Founder Norwood Fisher on Venice

The recent screning of " Everyday Sunshine" was an amazing documentary on the band Fishbone. Those of us in attendance at the screening at The Unurban were treated to a live interview with Norwood Fisher, the Founder and Bassist of Fishbone with Venice Independent Filmmaker and Historian, Gerry Fialka. See the video here and make sure to check out the AK Blog's new Event Photos & Videos page for more!

See more Fishbone Videos and Photos!

A Chance to Own a Piece of Venice History!

925-927 Coeur D'Alene Ave. Venic

Come experience this enchanting Spanish compound on a nearly 12,000 sq.ft. lot west of Lincoln. Originally built in 1926, used as the Brothers Rectory & recently restored- this home is exquisite. Enter the main house, enjoy 2 Bdrms/1 Baths on the lower level, plus another space for a family room or office. Go upstairs & enjoy an open living room w/ an amazing original fireplace - a stunning centerpiece. See it now!

Exposed beam-vaulted ceilings that completely open the space. Another 2 Bdrms/2 Baths upstairs that include a large master suite w/ a Juliette balcony overlooking the outdoor area & master bath w/ spa tub & steam shower. Spacious kitchen includes a breakfast nook, Viking appliances., & Traulsen fridge. Original Spanish tiling details & gorgeous finishes throughout. Full guest house w/ 2 Bdrms/2 Baths, kitchen w/high end appliances, high ceilings, attached garage, & private yard. 3 separate garages. Large landscaped yard ties the property together.  Get Details on this Property.

925 - 927 Coeur D'Alene Avenue, Venice $2,950,000

Luxeyard.com Sale on Prints by Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer, January 28 - February 1

LUXEYARD.COM Sale

This Saturday the 28th ending Feb. 1st . They will have a variety of wonderfully talented artists. Michelle is featuring a bunch of  hearts for valentines day.

All art will be shipped ready to hang.
Go to Luxeyard.com

This Week in Venice: It's all about Art & Architecture!

Just added New Friday Events! - Week of January 16-22:
- Must See Architectural Home in Venice

- Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer Making Waves
- Venice Art Crawl Thursday Night
- Art Opening at G2 Gallery Friday Night
- Suzy Williams at The Moose Lodge Friday Night

Must See Architectural Home in Venice

Stunning Venice architectural designed by Res4 Architecture. This home sits on an oversized lot in fantastic Venice neighborhood.

Completed with 3 Bedroom & 3.5 Bath, this home is simply gorgeous! Built by true craftsman with features such as custom metalwork exterior, glue lam post & beam construction, framework built with kiln dried wood and true truss construction (second floor and roof deck). Spacious open floor plan with Fleetwood doors and windows wrapping the entire downstairs and polished concrete floors. Sky lights which saturate with natural light, clean lines, gourmet kitchen with custom walnut cabinetry & high-end stainless steel appliances. Master suite w/ deck, overlooking the front garden. Where modern architecture meets the beach! See the Home now!

Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer Making Waves in Chi-town!

Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer  is in a group show of original art at a fine art gallery in Chicago, Chicago Art Source. See the Chicago Art Source website: Chicago Art Source.

Pictured here is one of several original art works available.
More of Michelle Oppenheimer's abstract art can be seen  on her website.
See Michelle's  Website >

Venice Art Crawl Thursday Night

The first Venice Art Crawl of the year takes place Thursday from approximately 6-11pm in locations close to or on the Boardwalk from Venice Blvd. to Rose Ave.

Venice Lights
The Abbot Kinney Blog's Art Crawl pick is "Venice Lights" by the Momentum Group on Market Street (between Pacific & Speedway). The show is organized by Venetian Mark Rojas and will be a visual feast for the eyes.

Cadillac Hotel
The historic Cadillac Hotel hosts a rich tapestry of Venice art, featuing local artists: Barbara Mastej, John Ransom and Drew Dunlap from 6-10pm at 8 Dudley Ave. (1 block south of Rose on Boardwalk.)

Figtree's Cafe
This boardwalk cafe is known for it's delicious food and serving up free wine and appetizers with art on the walls for Art Crawl. Starts between 6-7pm until 10/11pm. 429 Ocean Front Walk (2 blocks south of Rose Ave.)

Art Opening at G2 Gallery Friday Night

Join The G2 Gallery and World Wildlife Fund in welcoming Florida's State Photographer Clyde Butcher. Complimentary valet, hors d'oeuvres and wine provided.  A $5 donation at the door will directly support the World Wildlife Fund. RSVP HERE AND PLEASE SAY YOU SAW IT ON THE ABBOT KINNEY BLOG!

Suzy Williams at The Moose Lodge Friday Night in Santa Monica 

Venice local chanteuse, Suzy Williams performs at The Moose Lodge in Santa Monica from 8pm - 11pm with Brad Kay and special guests. $10 Cover Charge. 1600 Ocean Park Blvd.

What's Going on in Venice this Week: Special Deals, Art, Live Music, Venice Homes, More!

From January 9 - 15:

SPECIAL DEALS:

Regi's on the Venice Boardwalk has an Exclusive 20% OFF LEATHER Apparel & Shoes just for the AK Blog
GET COUPON > 

LIVE MUSIC:Tonight , Wednesday at Danny's 7pm FREE show with Nickname, featuring Suzy Williams, Eric Ahlberg and Sam Clay.

VENICE HOMES FOR SALE:
Check out this stunning home near Abbot Kinney and the beach
VIEW THE LISTING > 

ARTISTS & ART OPENINGS:
Venice Artist Michellle Oppenheimer on Chicago Art Source
GET THE SCOOP >

Opening Reception at SPARC Saturday night from 7-10pm, photography exhibit, "Created Equal"
685 Venice Blvd. free parking

Opening of "Noirfest" Saturday night featuring Venice photographer, Helen Garber, from 7-10pm at: dnj Gallery, Bergamot Station. After-party immediately following @ the Upper West Restaurant, 3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 9:00pm - Midnight. no-host bar

COMING SOON:

The AK Blog's new Photo & Video Page from recent events like the Fishbone screening with  exclusive footage from a live interview with  Norwood Fisher from Fishbone!
Venice Art Crawl Thursday, January 19, 6-10/11pm

Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer Featured on Chicago Art Source

Chicago Art Source is the largest art and custom framing business in the country - recently adding Venice mixed media artist Michelle Oppenheimer to their outstanding collection. She is in a group show of original art at a fine art gallery in Chicago, Chicago Art Source.

An example  of Michelle's art on the Chicago Art Source website is seen here. View more of her art that's featured on Chicago Art Source.

Over the past 10 years, Michelle Oppenheimer has become well known for composing paintings that capture the imaginative and organic possibilities of abstract watercolor. Her art has been heralded for its calming and therapeutic nature: a true reflection of the artist herself. Beautiful and transformative in her focused use of the medium, patrons enjoy the healing power that an original painting or print brings into their space. Michelle’s skilled blending of color and texture has earned her national acclaim, with representation at LACMA Sales and Rentals and Exhibitions at Bergamot Station, as well as numerous supplementary showings at galleries across the country. Her prints can be purchased at Z Gallerie and Macy’s, and adorn the walls of many exclusive boutique hotels nation wide. See Michelle's Online Gallery >

Check out this Live/Work Space in a Venice Hotspot!

This stunning Mark Mack designed live/work space is in a prime Venice location, seconds from Abbot Kinney, the Farmers Market & the Beach. 

This modern, flexible space consists of 2 Bedrooms on the upper level each with their own bath finished with limestone & slate, a loft that works as your living space and a bonus downstairs space perfect for your home office or family room. Enjoy an open floor plan, soaring ceilings and an over-sized architectural roll-up garage door that leads to your private outdoor patio and saturates with natural light. Entertain or relax on your own private roof-deck with 360 degree views. This home is simply stunning.

Get more info on this Listing >


Property address:
2120 Narcissus Court, Venice, CA 90291
$1,495,000

Monday Night: FREE Screening about Legendary Venice Band, Fishbone "Everyday Sunshine"

On Monday, January 9 at 8pm there is an absolutely FREE SCREENING of "Everyday Sunshine, The Story of Fishbone" at the Unurban Coffeehouse in Santa Monica, located at 3301 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90404. See trailer below.
Bonus Screening  at 6pm with the Godfather of Funk!

Fishbone, the original ska, funk,  punk band from Venice!  photo: Ann Summa

From the shifting faultlines of Hollywood fantasies and the economic and racial tensions of Reagan's America, Fishbone rose to become one of the most original bands of the last 25 years. With a blistering combination of punk and funk they demolished the walls of genre and challenged the racial stereotypes and political order of the music industry and the nation. Telling it like it is, the iconic Laurence Fishburne narrates EVERYDAY SUNSHINE, a story about music, history, fear, courage and funking on the one.


"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" - documentary trailer from Tilapia Film on Vimeo.

Ohm and Norwood Fisher from Fishbone will do a post-screening Q&A. Make sure to get there early. There is a 6pm screening of another documentary film that will kick off the night at Unurban, produced by Venice Film Historian and Independent Film Maker, Gerry Fialka. The monthly event, "Documental" is from 6-10 pm and features a diverse range of documentaries with Q&A plus interviews during the event. Mr. Fialka provides the audience with interesting details and unparalled stories related to the films.


"Gerry Fialka is Los Angeles' preeminent underground film curator." - Robin Menken, CinemaWithoutBorders.com

Get more info on the Fishbone documentary,  see the website. 

Bonus Screening  at 6pm with the Godfather of Funk!

Happy New Year! Thursday: Venice Film Festival, Friday: Abbot Kinney First Friday - Just Added: Cirque de Soleil

Venice starts the year with: The  Venice Film Festival and Abbot Kinney First Fridays. See our previous posts below for Special Deals & Featured Venice businesses!

Abbot Kinney 1st Friday Friday, January 6, 6-10pm, Free Admission

Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice CA (from Venice Blvd. to Westminster)

Just Added:
Cirque de Soleil!
To celebrate 25 years of performing in Los Angeles, Cirque is bringing the Cirque du Soliel Truck to Venice for Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays! Customers that visit the Truck will receive FREE SWAG and receive an exclusive offer on tickets for both OVO (Santa Monica Pier) and IRIS (Kodak Theatre). Make sure to say you heard about it on the AK BLOG! THANKS!

Altered Space Gallery 
Store-wide sale on EVERYTHING in the gallery, with most items marked down 10-20%, and even 25% in some cases.  open from 12-9pm.
1221 Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Zingara
They always have something happening at their store on 1st Friday. Look for the red awning with cool clothes and shoes, step right in, check out their fab merchandise and come on down to the back patio for s'mores and more...  open til 11ish, sometimes later... 1507 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

PS Food trucks please respect the local businesses and our neighborhood!

Legendary Peter Demian photo: Margaret Molloy

Venice Film Fest

January 5, 6-10pm, Beyond Baroque
681 Venice Blvd., Free Admission

Colorful history of films made in Venice CA, in this 9th Aannual festival and celebration of theotherwordly happenings at the legendary Venice West Gallery (birthplace of the Beats), aka Sponto Gallery with live performances in front of ultra rare Venice films. Experience the essence of Spontofication Rituals in art,music, poetry and the freedom of creativity from 7 Dudley Cinema. Check out the Legendary Peter Demian who will perform at 8pm on Thursday.

Eric Ahlberg & Alfred Johnson (from left)

6pm- Rare Dr Video film of jazz at the Comeback Inn
6:20- Black Shoe Polish live music with Rich Mann's rare Venice film NORTH BEACH 90291 (1970-85)
7- Mary Jane's Beachhead Oct 2, 1988 film with Arnold Springer, Emily Winters, Phil Chamberlin, Carol Fondiller and more in lively discussions that delve deep into timely issues that still concern Venetians.
8- Legendary Peter Demian performs  live music with rare Mary Jane film of 1988 Venice scenes
8:40- Linda Albertano live poetry with rare Sponto films
9:15- Alfred Johnson live music with rare Sponto films

20% OFF ALL Leathers at Regi's in Venice - EXCLUSIVE for the AK Blog!

Didn't get all the gifts you wanted for Christmas! Now is your chance to rush to REGI'S on the BOARDWALK for 20% OFF ALL LEATHERS: JACKETS, SHOES, BOOTS AND ACCESSORIES!

From your favorite brands:
Harley Davidson
First Racing
Schott NYC

Print out the coupon on the right to get your discount. Offer Expires January 13, 2011 - HURRY!

Regi's
613 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
310.392.0098

Located on the Venice Boardwalk, just north of American Apparel & Thornton Ave and south of Sunset Ave.

Featured Venice Businesses:Artist Michelle Oppenheimer & Pardee Properties

 This week the AK Blog is features 2 businesses located in Venice that are worth your while to check out, Venice Artist Michelle Oppenheimer and Pardee Properties.

See this art in Chicago Art Source

Michelle Oppenheimer
Over the past 10 years, Michelle Oppenheimer has become well known for composing paintings that capture the imaginative and organic possibilities of abstract watercolor. Her art has been heralded for its calming and therapeutic nature: a true reflection of the artist herself. She is a firm believer in the inspirational and regenerative power of color, texture and design, and taps into the energy of her surroundings to imagine paintings that soothe the soul and foster an environment of peace and relaxation. Just as creating each work of art is a personal journey for the artist, she invites the observer to draw their own connections and embrace each individual painting as their own. As such, she refrains from adding titles to her work that might influence the viewers’ interpretation of the piece. Her art is showcased in Chicago Art Source in addition to Z Gallerie and Macy's online.

See Michelle's website: http://www.michelleoppenheimer.com

See this Featured Venice home here

Pardee Properties
Pardee Properties is committed to making a difference locally and began a donation program to raise funds for local charities.  They donate 10% of net proceeds from each sale to the local charity of their clients choice.  Since its inception in 2009 they donated over $185,000 for local charities.  

Enjoy this absolutely charming Venice home nestled in a wonderful neighborhood. See the  Venice home here.This 4 Bedroom/2 Bath home has been updated with an open floor plan, french doors that open onto your backyard & gives a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow- perfect for entertaining. Completed with gorgeous hardwood floors, open tiled kitchen with built-in cabinets and ample windows that saturate with natural light. Spacious master bedroom and updated bathrooms with beautiful fixtures and tiling detail. Lush backyard with wisteria vines, fabulous fruit trees & grape vines. Detached studio is perfect for your home office. A great family home seconds to Abbot Kinney, Whole Foods & the Penmar Golf Course! Live here and enjoy all that Venice offers.

See Pardee Properties website:  http://pardeeproperties.com

20% Off Leather Jackets at Regi's Venice Beach Exclusively for the AK Blog!

1 week SALE  at Regi's Venice Beach, 20% on ALL Leather Merchandise when you mention the AK Blog or print this post out.

Choose from your fave brands:

Harley- Davidson
First Racing (seen on left)
Schott NYC
Unik International

and more!

Regi's is located on the Venice Boardwalk, just north of American Apparel & Thornton Ave and south of Sunset Ave.

Regi's
613 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
310.392.0098
Sale Ends January 5, 2012

The Most Heavenly Desserts in Venice, Sinners & Saints

The newest dessert sensation in Venice, Sinners & Saints offers decadent desserts from cakes, pies and cookies to specialty breads plus low sugar and gluten free desserts such as the flourless chocolate cake,  (pictured above upper right with raspberries) simply delectable. Finish the year with some deliciousness and start your new year with even more of it!

Sinners & Saints is located  at 2547 Lincoln Blvd, west side of street, across from ATT store and is just north of Washington. Park on meters or free parking on side streets.
Wednesday - Sunday: 12am - 6pm

www.sinnersandsaintsdesserts.com 

Check out Main Street's Restaurants, Galleries and Shops from here!

This dramatic three story contemporary sits on a double lot behind Main Street's restaurants, galleries & boutiques. Front patio has a waterfall & outdoor shower. Enjoy the expansive floor to ceiling windows in living room with a wood burning fireplace. Formal dining room. Kitchen complete with concrete countertops, Ann Sack tiles, Sub Zero and commercial Viking appliances. Sunny breakfast area opens to private backyard oasis with firepit, patio area & grassy yard. Downstairs bedroom has a full bathroom. Alarm system, intercom, indoor/outdoor speakers, hardwood floors throughout. 
Click Here for details & to see more photos

Second floor has a spacious master suite with separate sitting area, wood burning fireplace, walk-in closet, large solarium and master bath with spa tub and separate steam shower. Two additional bedrooms on 2nd floor share Jack & Jill bathroom. Garage converted to studio with sink, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings & heat/air. Huge attic perfect for office/playroom. Basement. 4 car parking along driveway.
2916 2nd Street Santa Monica, CA 90405 - $3,100,000