Activities
A Guide to LA's Indie Art Galleries
10.7.25
Peruse work from emerging and established artists at one of these under-the-radar galleries.
- Location: West Hollywood
- Type of Art: Iranian contemporary
- In addition to showcasing Iranian artists - both based in Los Angeles and the larger diaspora - ADVOCARTSY also serves as an incubator for those artists to facilitate connection with arts organizations around the world.
- Location: Chinatown
- Type of Art: Contemporary
- Eastern Project features contemporary art in all mediums from around the world via individual and group exhibitions. The gallery is quite small, but located within easy walking distance of the best of Chinatown, so it’s recommended making an evening of it.
- Location: Boyle Heights
- Type of Art: Photography
- This nonprofit educates and mentors teen girls in photography as a means of self-exploration. Las Fotos’ exhibitions showcase the students’ work along with selected residence artists delving into their individual journeys.
- Location: San Gabriel
- Type of art: Chinese-American contemporary
- 4C stands for contemporary art, conceptual art, and Chinese community. This gallery provides a space for art at the intersection of Chinese and American culture. Not only does the gallery offer exhibitions for a variety of mediums, but they also offer in-depth courses such as art history, methodology of photography, and painting.
- Location: Atwater Village
- Type of Art: Contemporary
- A contemporary art gallery featuring artists in various stages of their careers, The Pit boasts a space totaling 13,000 square feet - sizable enough to house art and host events like artist talks and sound baths.
- Location: Santa Monica
- Type of Art: Dark
- Located in the Bergamot Station Arts Center among several other galleries, Copro Gallery stands out with its dark, often macabre, art exhibitions. Running strong since 1999, catch work by emerging artists that suits your spooky side.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type of Art: Neo-pop illustration
- Ok, this one isn’t totally under the radar but it’s too fun not to include! The Hive Gallery is a funky arts and community space that aims to make art more accessible to the general public. Stop in to see their two galleries featuring 5 artists per month, and make sure to visit the gift shop stocked with artist-made items all under $50.
- Location: Los Feliz
- Type of art: Counter-culture
- Located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko complex, La Luz de Jesus Gallery has been operating since 1986 to feature post-pop and underground art. If you’re a hands-on kind of person, stop into the monthly free collage workshop.
- Location: Inglewood
- Type of art: Black American contemporary
- A nonprofit gallery aiming to support the community to thrive through art access and education, The Creative House Gallery showcases local artists and offers artistic programming for all ages. While not exclusively dedicated to Black artists, the gallery leans toward showcasing artists of color.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type of Art: Emerging artists
- Since 2015, JOAN has highlighted artists outside of the commercial arena, many of whom have been early in their careers. This nonprofit gallery hosts programming like book launches and screenings for no or low cost to the public.
- Location: Glendale
- Type of Art: Emerging Artists
- Junior High is a multipurpose gallery and event space in the heart of Glendale, centering female, queer, and nonbinary artists of color. From tattoos to workouts to art shows, it fosters creativity, community, and care. The space features rotating local artists and experiences, plus a front consignment shop with handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans.
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