Topanga Canyon Gallery— “Same Place. New Space.” January 13

Members of Topanga Canyon Gallery (TCG), a cooperative gallery in Topanga since 1989, have undertaken renovation and technology upgrades, to maximize the experience for gallery patrons.

As the number of physical spaces to show and sell art decreases, the members of TCG have chosen to buck the trend and invest in the gallery.

The re-opening celebration will be held Saturday, January 13, from 2-5 p.m., and is open to the public. “Same Place. New Space.” runs through January 28, and includes the work of four new artists who have recently joined the Gallery.

Reinforcing their commitment to the community, TCG is donating 20 percent of all January proceeds to the Topanga Community Center (TCC) to complete its Senior Classroom Annex. The project, shared by the Canyon Sages and TCC, is slated to break ground in early spring.

The renovations include expanding and opening the space with a unique “moveable wall,” which will hold additional artwork, and interactive technology to display art not exhibited in the physical space.

Monthly shows will alternate between exhibits featuring four artists at a time and themed shows representing the work of all the Gallery artists. These same artists have directly participated in the project by performing the physical labor, creating video presentations, developing new branding, outreach to the community and creating materials to increase access to the artists and their work.

“The artists of the Topanga Canyon Gallery are strongly committed to keeping art alive in the canyon.” says TCG president Patrick Ramsey. “There are fewer outlets for artists to show their work, with fewer opportunities for art lovers to see and own high-quality art throughout Los Angeles County, and, unfortunately, across the country. Topanga Canyon artists want to be a community apart from that trend. We think what is needed today is more access to thought-provoking art, not less, and we have committed our own resources to that end.”

“Topanga has always been able to come together to make good things happen,” said Susan Nissman, volunteer project manager of the senior room addition and long-time artist member of the TCG. “It’s that same spirit of community that built the Community House 70 years ago, and later the TCC ballfield and playground, that we’re counting on to complete the senior class room annex. And, it is the same spirit that that recognizes the importance of art as an integral part of a healthy environment and community.”

The Gallery, located at 120 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga CA 90290, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Fridays. For more information: topangacanyongallery.com; (310) 455-7909.