How much free booze can you drink in four hours?

Los Angeles
10th Annual Art & Design Walk West Hollywood

I don’t know about you but the crossroads of the paparazzi at Robertson and Melrose is the last place I want to be seen on a Saturday afternoon. Even if it is a safer place now that Lindsey Lohan totaled her Mercedes. But if you throw in four hours of free booze and hors d’oeuvres in some of the finest fashion boutiques, furniture showrooms, restaurants and art galleries in town…I may just reconsider.

A mile wide radius of West Hollywood is having a virtual open-house of style this Saturday when the backdrop of tabloid photography fodder has it 10th Annual Art & Design Walk from 4 till 8pm. This is not your average sidewalk sale or artwalk. The avenues of Art & Design include businesses on Robertson, Beverly and Melrose and will feature special appearances and events as well as plenty of champagne and finger foods. To make it more fun for myself I will dress up in my most luxurious finery and make believe that I can afford a $30,000 rug or better yet a $1000 dress at Stella McCartney. Truth be told I’m just in it for the free booze and hors d’oeuvres.

For the art and design connoisseur in you be sure to check out Walker Zanger on Melrose for the FIDM Chairing Styes featuring a display of chairs designed by Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s graduating Interior Design Students. Hamilton-Selway Fine Art will feature rare works of art by Andy Warhol in the exhibition titled “Andy-Warhol-Factory or Fiction” with an opening reciption from 5-9. Papillion Gallery on Melrose will host an exhibit of American and European paintings and sculptures from the 1920s to 1950s with an emphasis on the “School of Paris.” On Robertson the Ambrogi/Castanier Gallery will have an opening reception from 6 - 9pm to view Golden Man: New Paintings and Sculptures by Guy Ferrer. And Glass Garage Fine Art Gallery will have an exhibit showing called “The Exorcism of Camille Paglia” by master Italian photorealist painter Saturno Butto.

And if you are like me and are just shopping for a $30,000 rug (wink, wink) I’ve compiled a list of the what seems to be the best free offerings about the streets.

On Robertson Dominique Cohen will serve chocolate covered strawberries and champagne to tickle your tongue from 5-7 pm. Le Bra Lingerie and Swimwear is having a “Food and Fashion” event. And Francois and Co. will be offering complimentary French wine, champagne and pastries.

Moura Starr on Melrose will be mixing things up with live Brazilian music, caipirinha’s and hors d’oeuvres. As well as Cake Jewelry which will be serving wine and hors d’oeuvres while you try on jewels.

My last food thought of mention would be Carl Marias Carpet Design on Beverly. I can’t really explain it but something about olives, cheese and carpets just sounds good to me.

Be sure to check out the website for more details-
www.avenesartdesign.com

Saturday, June 2, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free. Parking meters free as well.
Event proceeds benefit Inner-City Arts.