From chalk artwork to abstract paintings, Los Angeles creatives gathered in everyday business to display their artwork to visitors and collectors alike on Thursday, Feb. 6. Regardless of the rain, downtown Los Angeles was illuminated with artists, DJs, and art enthusiasts during the second Downtown L.A. Art Night of 2025.
Every first Thursday of the month from 6-10 p.m., Los Angeles businesses open their doors to aspiring and accredited artists to promote their artwork. Over 30 businesses scattered across downtown L.A. push merchandise aside and open doors for visitors, turning their stores into temporary galleries.
Notably, on Feb. 6, the Adidas store on 761 S. Broadway offered an exhibit of works from different artists alongside their store catalog. The store featured custom-designed shoes and custom pieces, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work.
Frank Rodriguez, owner of Harvard and Yale retail coffee shop in Claremont, came to support his friend Tyler Vanay Morgan, one of the many artists. Rodriguez notes how knowing the artists adds depth to their artwork. “The relationship with the artist helps me understand how he came to create this artwork,” Rodriguez says. “This stems from real-life situations. I get to actually experience the emotion and see where he came from.”
At Base Caffe on 731 S. Broadway, a diverse group of artists, each specializing in a different craft, converged at a café’s backroom. Among them was Gloria Ing, a chalk artist known for work in San Diego and across California, who brought her vivid work inside for the art walk.
She expresses her gratitude for the Downtown L.A. Art Night as it turns downtown into a hub for artistic minds alike. “You get to meet artists you never thought you’d be able to meet,” Ing explains.
Nearby, painter Chris Teddy Jordan displayed his art pieces on a large display wall in the backroom. Surrounded by other artists, Jordan’s acrylic and oil pieces were able to stand out with their vibrance and rich, layered meanings.
Jordan explains how every stroke reveals a deeper layer to the painting. “Brother Earth,” a profound painting from Jordan’s catalog, portrays a young man carrying the weight of a bowl filled with planets. Though moving through deep depths, the water remains still as the character resiliently balances through the river, holding the weight of the universe. “Everything here is made with intentionality,” Jordan explained.
With his prices ranging up to $10,000 once stretched and framed, Jordan displayed his paintings not only as a representation of his portfolio but as a source of income. With this in mind, many businesses see the Art Night as an opportunity for revenue.
Riq Muñoz, owner of the furniture store Deep House, opens his store to many artists during the monthly Downtown Los Angeles Art Night. As a business owner in downtown L.A., Muñoz notes how businesses often earn commissions from artists selling pieces, and how there are nights where there can be consistent sales.
On the other hand, art galleries such as Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts open their establishment for full contribution back to the artist. Petra Wright, owner of the gallery, explains how this allows not only an environment for a thriving art community but also for prospective customers to look at these growing artists and their artwork firsthand. “The gallery is different from the museum,” Wright said. “In museums, it’s more about education. But this is to catch your eye.”
DTLA Art Night showcased on Thursday night that weather couldn’t hinder the art movement that brought creatives, collectors, and spectators together in everyday businesses. The partnership between the Los Angeles art community and local businesses allowed a fun and invaluable bridge for residents to witness and participate in the growing, underground art scene in L.A.
The following Downtown L.A. Art Night is set for March 6. For further information, follow @dtlaartnight on Instagram to stay up-to-date with any changes and announcements.
