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While the building facades along Wilshire Boulevard were designed to be seen through the windshield of a passing automobile, art aficionados will be taking to.... While the building facades along Wilshire Boulevard were designed to be seen through the windshield of a passing automobile, art aficionados will be taking to its sidewalks! On Saturday, January 16, 2010, the Miracle Mile Art Walk is uniting all the art galleries and museums in its domain to form the single largest arts district on the West Coast. From Wilshire to Melrose and La Brea to La Cienega, join the more than 40 galleries and museums in a tour de force offering of exhibitions, artist talks and events in all genres.

In launching a quarterly walk, a celebration of art within the Miracle Mile's entire cultural hub is possible, creating one grand art tour. Jack Rutberg, owner and director of one of the most recognizable gallery names in Los Angeles, is very pleased that "the galleries located within this district are joining together, planning major exhibition openings in conjunction with the new quarterly calendar."

With numerous high profile galleries, the art walk is a much sought-after showcase of the works of world renowned and local artists. Past exhibitions and lecturers include such significant artists as Lynn Aldrich, Holly Andres, Shepard Fairey, Camille Rose Garcia, Hans Burkhardt, Tom Fowlks, John Baldessari, Nick Brandt and shows curated by Stephen Westfall and many more. For a complete list of galleries within the Miracle Mile Arts District and a map, please visit our gallery list or the Mid City West website.

Art walkers will have the option of riding the Holly Trolley, a free gallery shuttle connecting all galleries in the district during the art walk (provided by city council members Tom LaBonge and Paul Koretz). In addition, the art walk will partner with local restaurants, creating a broader community experience for participants. "The new direction of the art walk in launching quarterly district-wide art walks with increased leadership of the galleries is a momentous move," says Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran, chair of the art walk. "It gives us the opportunity to increase city-wide participation."

The first Miracle Mile Art Walk of the year takes place during Arts Month LA. The dates for 2010 are: Saturday, January 16; Saturday, April 17; Saturday, July 17 and Saturday, October 16. The art walk is sponsored by the Mid City WEST Community Council, LACMA, the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council and local galleries, museums and restaurants.