There has been a lot of talk recently about the possibility of turning Santa Monica Airport into a large, multipurpose park. While there have been some recent setbacks in the push for such an eventuality, the people in charge of the movement continue on with their efforts in the hopes of one day turning the airport into a healthy public facility.

Screen Shot 2014-03-11 at 2.28.13 PMOne facet of the plan for the park includes the conversion of airport buildings on Airport Avenue to arts and cultural facilities. In order to get a taste of what such a change would look like for the community, one need only look to the facilities that are currently in place. This week, the 8th Annual Airport ArtWalk provides a perfect chance to do just that.

Who: The ArtWalk is presented and produced by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs and Airport Divisions.

What: Explore open studios, see art and ceramic demonstrations, participate in art and theater workshops, and enjoy live music and food trucks in the airport’s converted airplane hangars. The airport is an arts incubator and is home to more than 60 artists and creative venues. Painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media will be represented and many artists sell work from their studios and offer refreshments.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 12  – 5 p.m.

Where: Santa Monica Airport, along Airport Avenue between Bundy Drive and 23rd Street, Santa Monica, CA

The Airport ArtWalk is free of charge, and open to all. No reservations are required. Parking and bike valet are also free. For a complete brochure and schedule of events, visit the event’s official website.

Other Events: 

Tuesday: As part of its ongoing Beach=culture series, the Annenberg Community Beach House hosts a “Creative Site Activation” discussion, moderated by Helen Lessick. There will be two speakers- architect Frederick Fisher and LA River activist Lewis MacAdams. The discussion will cover “public places, public sites, and artistic actions.” Tickets are free but space is limited and reservations are required. If you would like to attend, please reserve online.

Saturday: The Santa Monica Public Library presents “Women in Nanotechnology” in the MLK auditorium at the main branch. From the website: “Celebrate Women’s History Month by joining us for a discussion with three women Ph.D.s from the UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC-CEIN). Panelists Elise Fairbairn, Hilary Godwin, and Ivy Ji will discuss nanoscience and the environment and why interdisciplinary research is important for society.” The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and on a first arrival basis.

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