There was plenty to see – and nosh on – at galleries in mid-city this past weekend, from new solo shows to lively group outings.

Mitra Fabian sculpture at George Billis.

At George Billis on La Cienega, three terrific solo shows offered a wide range of work. Audra Weaser’s Gathering Light created a moody, abstract look at exquisitely watery images; Sharon Felder’s in between offered still, spare architectural images bathed in light; and Mitra Fabian’s Iterations generated plenty of buzz for her super-cool, porcelain and resistor-adorned sculptural abstractions.

Genie Davis with artist Linda Sue Price at Fabrik Projects.

Down the street at the group show Fun House at Fabrik Projects, there was a carnival of color, including the gorgeous, textural neon of Linda Sue Price; Betsy Enzensberger’s glittery soft-serve ice cream, melting popsicles, and other visceral sculptural sweets; and Chelsea Boxwell’s sequin fabric installation and dimensional sparkly paintings. Curator and exhibiting artist Courtney Rackley, among other exhibiting artists, presented bright and inviting works; champagne and big cookies were on hand to add to the fun.

Artist Hwang Seon Tae and his work at CMay Gallery.

Over on Wilshire Blvd., CMay Gallery’s reception for Korean artist Hwang Seon Tae included an artist talk assisted by myself, along with tasty breaded shrimp skewers, veggies, and Korean meat pastries. More delicious than the food was the glowing art of Night Windows, in which Tae presented dazzling illuminated images that bestowed importance and poetry on quiet domestic rooms and objects. Guests enjoyed the bites and were dazzled by the art. Overheard: “I didn’t know it literally lit up, not just figuratively.” Yes, it does.

Group shot at Launch Gallery: Artist Lynne McDaniel talks with attending artist Samuelle Richardson, while attendees Jack Burke and musician Johnny Rich converse in background.

At Launch Gallery, two beautifully paired solo shows served as A Love Letter to Los Angeles. Lindsey Warren’s oil on canvas series gave viewers magic-hour colors and precise, compelling photo-realistic images of buildings and palms and near-twilight skies; while Lynne McDaniel’s lush, primarily monochromatic oils on paper provided moody, beautiful images of Arroyo Seco landscape. Dotted with the red of imminent disaster – there’s fire in those hills – McDaniel’s largest exhibition piece, “Eastbank,” created an image of great loveliness and foreboding. Viewers, many artists themselves, marveled at the artists’ work and at the “kind of spectacular” place we live.

Alicia Piller and her work at Lowell Ryan Projects.

Our last stop of the evening was Lowell Ryan Projects, where LA-based Alicia Piller’s massive latex and vinyl installation and wall works captivated a literal full house. Sipping ice-dripping beers and champagne, guests were awed by the scale of Spirit of the Times, and the expansive floor installations in this exciting series of multi-media works.

Viewers conversing within Alicia Piller’s installation at Lowell Ryan Projects.

Following the must-see opening, an after-party drew art lovers west on Adams Boulevard to Bee Taqueria, a lively outdoor dining spot serving up sizzling meats and veggies on skewers, spicy potatoes, tasty salad cups, and beer, wine, and sparkling water. The air was chilly but the hip bomber jacket and faux-fur-wearing crowd was not, posing for selfies around two large blazing fire pits and devouring the eats.

Lights, action, and a party to conclude the evening: what could be more LA than that.

Grilling at Bee Taqueria.