Design Destination: Lowell Ryan Projects

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It’s no secret that the historic Los Angeles district of West Adams is hot. Boosted by the construction of the Expo Line, one of city’s oldest neighborhoods is experiencing a rebirth. Ornate Victorians are being restored, new restaurants have opened and abandoned storefronts are being turned into galleries. 

One of these is Lowell Ryan Projects. Co-owners Virginia Martinsen and Mike Weiss have transformed a former meat market and butcher on the corner of West Adams Boulevard and Harcourt Avenue into a bright, welcoming and elegant space.

The couple who met in Houston considered Houston and New Orleans, before finally setting their sights on Los Angeles, the location of UCLA, Martinsen’s alma mater, and a dynamic arts scene.

Their objective is to foster a contemporary program defined by a strong, visceral and conceptual approach to art making. The inaugural exhibit, Mind Body Soul, which opened January 12th, brings together three distinct artists who explore the complex relationship between abstract painting and our everyday surroundings.

While she has worked in many mediums, Los Angeles-based Iranian-American painter Maysha Mohamedi has chosen to share a set of work which incorporates the black tar she’s collected from L.A. beaches; Spencer Lewis, also from L.A., composes his works on jute and on cardboard, often using both sides when he paint on the latter; and, Samuel Jablon, from New York, uses words like found objects, applying them to canvas with thick paint, give physicality to language. 

In light of the recent fires, 10% of the gallery’s proceeds from this show will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. 

Lowell Ryan Projects, 4851 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90016. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm