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Not Every Shop Can Have a Storefront Crafted by Barneys’ Simon Doonan, But that Doesn’t Stop Some from Trying

Nothing good can come of the recession, right? Wrong. When life gives you lemons … make art. Phantom Galleries LA (PGLA) is making our city streets more beautiful, one empty storefront at a time. Ever passed a perfect, vacant property location and thought, “Wow, I could do something amazing with that space”? Well, this innovative organization is doing just that, and the “something amazing” is art.

When stores began to close as a result of the down economy, the front windows that were once home to fashion-clad mannequins went bare. Rather than lonely alcoves filled with empty racks and remnants of consumerism gone by, these optimum viewing spaces are being transformed into open art displays accessible to everyone, from art connoisseurs to the regular passersby. On top of providing aesthetic pleasures, the Phantom Galleries concept creates its own little economic boost in the art world, and by encouraging foot traffic, it makes our streets a bit safer, too.

PGLA is an LA county-based organization inspired by the successful San Jose model of the same name. “Cherri Lakey and Brian Elder started Phantom Galleries,” says Liza Simone, PGLA’s executive producer. “It’s such a great idea, I decided to make it happen here in LA. In San Jose, it was used as a revitalization tool. In Los Angeles, we see it as a service that will benefit all communities.”

The idea: Property owners with barren ground-level stores supply local artists with a place to display their rich and colorful installations, and in return, owners gain an inspirational marketing tool for possible tenants, as well as participation in the beautification of the community. Simone says that the street traffic from Phantom Galleries exhibits also promotes business for neighboring stores and even reduces the acts of vandalism that have been plaguing vacant properties. The organization offers a win-win-win situation, being that owners get advertisement, artists get publicity and Angelenos have a chance to view captivating artistic works while merely walking down the street.

“When I find the perfect combination of space and artists, I am thrilled,” says Liza Mitchell, one of the five Long Beach-based curators for PGLA. Brought on by Simone in May, Mitchell has worked to bring art galleries to places that would otherwise remain desolate street-view cubicles. A former gallery director, Mitchell was herself an art victim of the recession, but on the same night she was laid off, a phone call from Simone changed everything.

“Liza contacted me and asked me to curate a show celebrating the change in U.S. policy toward travel to Cuba,” Mitchells says. “I have been hooked ever since.” The Long Beach resident has since been able to curate five shows and now represents around 25 artists. Always trying to showcase Long Beach and San Pedro artists in other Phantom Gallery cities, she says, “I am proud to try to help artists eat.”

Starving artists are able to turn a profit when street spectators become buyers of the work being displayed. Phantom Galleries allows artists to show and sell in prime locations for little to no cost at all. And property owners seem to be all for it, being that PGLA has claimed over 20 storefronts in the city of Long Beach, with many more to come. Outside of Long Beach, Phantom Galleries’ exhibits can also be found on Miracle Mile and in Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Pasadena. With major upcoming shows, the organization is getting bigger and better with each effort.

Agency Artists, curators and property owners alike have been gearing up for one of PGLA’s biggest exhibitions yet. The Let There Be Light exhibition and Art and Audio Walk illuminate the streets of Long Beach this month through January 17. Phantom Galleries, in partnership with the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency, have been actively seeking out 20-30 new locations to house the light installations of some of LA’s most talented new and renowned artists. Locations on Pine Avenue, East Third Street, The Promenade and The Pike at Rainbow Harbor will hold light-based art exhibits for all to enjoy. Locals can feast their eyes on the works of Richard Ankrom, Nancy Braver, Justin Lui, Meeson Pae Yang and many others.

In times like these, it is good to know that the creation of beautiful art is alive and well and right around the corner. Visitors are encouraged to take full advantage of the upcoming Long Beach shows, because like most phantoms, they won’t be around for long. And you never know, taking a walk through the Phantom Galleries exhibits this winter just might help us all lighten up a bit.

213.626.2854 | www.phantomgalleriesla.com

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