Artillery’s January/February 2018 Launch Party was held last Friday at the newest Hollywood hotspot, Station 1640. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t take the Metro there, although I will think better next time with the parking situation in Hollywood.

 

 

The bar just opened this month featuring street-art inside and out. The back door graces a spectacular Kenny Scharf, while the front, facing Cahuenga Boulevard, is designed by RETNA (who made an appearance).

All the walls inside are decorated fashionably with graffiti by noted street artists including The Seventh Letter, Risk, Shepard Fairey, Eddie Donaldson of Guerilla One.

Artillery’s launch party kicked off the party, and Los Angeles Filmforum provided video art throughout the entire evening—Director Adam Hyman handpicked videos that would appeal without audio, for obvious reasons.

If you got there on the early side, delicious tequila drinks sponsored by Bandero tequila were on the house! Also yummy pizza by Delicious Vinyl was served to early comers. DJ Softcore provided excellent tunes which got the place hopping with dancing all night.

First on the dance floor was moi! A mix of Stones and hip-hop just couldn’t hold me back. Joining me on the dance floor was artist Michael Arata with dance-crazy wife Penelope Jones. In tow were photographers Davis and Davis, though they left their cameras at home. Artist and Artillery blogger Anthony Ausgang showed with his shutterbug animal lover/veterinarian gal, Liz Koskenmaki. Scribe, prof and artist Tucker Neel stayed for a drink or two.

Spirit Girls’ drummer Debbie Spinelli showed with dance artist Carol Cetrone. And Bravo! A showing of Italians spiffed up the joint with hipsters Danielle Montagna and Max Soria, artist Luigia Martelloni, along with film critic Luca Celada.  Fine-art photographer Susan Anderson, accompanied by her man Alan Harris made a showing.

Artillery staff writer Ezrha Jean Black made it just in time for the last of pizza; contributors Annabel Osberg, Leanna Robinson, Cayal Unger and Nadia Lili hung out for a while. Johnny Naked, i.e. Naked Slave stopped by for a spin to David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”—unfortunately he was clothed. Clad also, with the addition of some live canine fur—compliments by pet cur Scully—was artist duo Jud Fine and Barbara McCarren. Other aesthetes that braved Friday night Hollywood traffic were Lisa Adams, performance artists Dark Bob, Gary Brewer, Aline Mare, Tm Gratkowski.

I’m sure we missed a few names, but a special thank for the impromptu trombone player, making the evening a special one. Thank you all for coming!

Photos by Milana Burdette and Alexia Lewis