Art Gallery's Writing Is on the Wall, the Sidewalk and the Floors

It was all about channeling your inner child when Mar Vista’s newest gallery  - Chalk - held its grand opening on Saturday night at 12513 Venice Blvd.

Guests were encouraged to contribute to a graffiti house with paint pens, draw with chalk on the ground in the back work area, on blackboards throughout the gallery and on the sidewalk in front of the store. Attendees were plied with alcohol and cupcakes and then lined up to purchase readymade T-shirts or have them silk screened on the spot.

Chalk is the brainchild of  Paul Ramierz, 30, Justin Mitchell, 31, Jason Wolske, 30, and brothers  27-year-old Chris and 29-year-old DJ Neff -  long-time friends and colleagues from the advertising industry.  DJ is also Chalk’s artist-in-residence.

“The gallery has been four years in the making, mentally and emotionally,” said Ramirez. The guys finally found the perfect place to open up their dream gallery in Mar Vista last month and quickly got to work. “Finally, the stars aligned,” Ramirez said.

"The first step is done," Chris Neff added. "We're open. We built the car. We now have to fuel it."

Chalk is divided into three sections: a front gallery, a workroom/studio and an outdoor area in the back and Ramirez  says they have "already lined up good friends and great artists" to fill the spaces and show their work. They plan to highlight installations from a new artist each month.

The group chose DJ's current project CANLOVE   -  art made from discarded spray paint cans  to showcase at the opening. "Spray paint is my chosen medium,"  said DJ, who has been doing graffiti art for nearly 10 years and began working with the cans a year ago. "One day, I thought it might be cool to open up a spray paint can and see what's inside. [I] always thought that a can deserves a lot more than being thrown in the bin.”

When it comes to their long-term ambitions, the guys say they plan to do outreach in the community and open the space to work in collaboration with other artists. They also hope to eventually help  young artists with their burgeoning careers by mentoring them.  Chalk's first employee, Mike Mazzola is currently being mentored by DJ.

As to the name of the store, Chris  Neff said, “Chalk is an instant medium. It's a creation tool and an educational tool. And that's what we are all about."

So when you walk by the gallery, look for the chalk sitting outside the front door. The guys hope that if you feel inspired you'll stop and create your own artwork on the sidewalk. 

For more information on Chalk, visit their website, Facebook page and Twitter or email them at  holler@chalkla.com.