Norm Maxwell Gallery exterior and interior; click to expand
While I was checking up on The Golden State, owners Jason Bernstein and James Starr said I really needed to check out Norm Maxwell Gallery steps north at 430 North Fairfax Avenue. It just opened and, according to Jason and James, is pretty damn awesome (my interpretation of their enthusiasm, not a direct quote).
Owner Norm Maxwell in front of two of his paintings
Owner/artist Norm Maxwell has completely transformed the place from its former life as home to women’s boutique The Elegant Mess, now awash in white and gray, high-ceilinged with a loft. Maxwell, also an art director for music videos and commercials, did most of it himself. “Jason and James painted the loft gray, and I painted The Golden State exterior sign.”
In fact, Maxwell’s had his gallery for two years on Sawtelle until some redevelopment pushed him into residential territory and out of the hub of activity. “James’ dad collects my art, so he let me know about this space open next to The Golden State.”
Painting by Norm Maxwell
Maxwell’s art is primarily works of acrylic on canvas—detailed, colorful, powerful works—which take up one wall of the space. But there are also lots of local artists and some international artists represented throughout. “All the art has an urban feel. I really want to make this place a center for urban culture, create a dialogue,” Maxwell says. “What is the direction of urban art?”
If his gallery is any indication, then it is incredibly diverse, content ranging from the indigenous to the city, intricate drawings to ethereal brush strokes. His clientele are just as wide-ranging. “It’s really a mix of people and ethnicities and income brackets. I have prints for $20 and I think the most expensive piece in here right now is $6,000.” The $6,000 painting is one of his own, which would take up the better part of a wall. At the opening last weekend, a client showed interest.
I was definitely impressed with the current collection of artists, and look forward to seeing what’s next, as Maxwell will be changing up the roster about once a month.
Art at Norm Maxwell; click to expand
Art at Norm Maxwell; click to expand
Art at Norm Maxwell
6 responses so far ↓
1 alex the sea turtle // Jan 30, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Good to know. My home is over flowing with Art but I love checking it out regardless.
2 marino // Jan 30, 2009 at 11:11 pm
his work looks interesting. going to check it out. a def upgrade from the elegant mess.
3 B+S Weekly Round-Up—January 26-30, 2009 // Jan 31, 2009 at 10:28 am
[...] — Eats—The Golden State Looking Golden on Fairfax — Eats—The Little Door Launches Little Lounge — Shops—Big News, Douglas Fir Opening Third West 3rd Street Boutique! — Seens—Green Dream, Zimmerman Mixte Bike at OK — Shops—Jason Wu Spring ‘09 Collection at Satine, Plus Exclusive Mini Collection for Fall — Galleries—Norm Maxwell Brings Art and Culture to Former Elegant Mess Space [...]
4 tannaz // Jan 31, 2009 at 12:22 pm
this is wonderful. so exciting that fairfax is becoming even more neighborhoody, and in such a good way — funky art galleries, great restaurants, etc. now if only we could get a great tea/coffeehouse again!
5 Sales—Kendo, Two Shells to Gold Events, Trunk Shows at Tough Cookies, Norm Maxwell Drawing Session, TenOverSix ‘Crazy Courtyard Clearance,’ House of Cassette // Feb 27, 2009 at 1:29 pm
[...] artist while exposing the artist to potential collectors”; $10 donation; check the space here! WHERE: 430 North Fairfax Avenue, 323-528-1135, [...]
6 Sales—Jonathan Adler, Rory Beca, Norm Maxwell Studio Gallery // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:56 pm
[...] drawing class and it was very, very popular, and cool to see these artists at work; check the space here! WHERE: 430 North Fairfax Avenue, 323-528-1135, [...]
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