Best Winter 2014-15 Art Events In Los Angeles

From mixed media artists to dancers to international film makers, Los Angeles is heating up the winter months with several new art events throughout top galleries, museums and art centers. With packed calendars, inspiration and creativity will be running through the L.A. art community. Here are the latest art happenings to check out.

Date: Dec. 13, 2014 – Jan. 3, 2015

Holding her first solo gallery show since 2011, self-taught artist Lola Gil will be presenting her exhibit at the 80FORTY Gallery. Part of 80Forty's The Younger Pop Up shop and gallery in December 2014, it will showcase the pieces she has been working on over the last two years. Pulling much of her inspiration from the art world she grew up in, her father's work as a cartoonist and local muralist also continues to spark passion and creativity in her, which is reflected in her art. 80FORTY is a fun gallery to visit for pop-up art shows as well as trunk shows and is within walking distance of upscale eateries and boutique shopping.

Pan African Film Festival
Rave Cinemas 15
4020 Marlton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 296-1005
www.paff.org/filmfest
Date: Feb. 12-22, 2015, times vary

Known as the largest African American film fest in the US, the 23^rd annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) features an exhibition of the best films from "people of African descent in the US and around the world." From February 12-22, 2015, more than 150 films will be screened including director Steve Pink's "About Last Night" with Kevin Hart and Joy Bryant, "The Forgotten Kingdom" directed by Andrew Mudge of South Africa, "Kingston Paradise" directed by Mary Wells from Jamaica, "Brothers Hypnotic" from director Reuben Atlas of the Netherlands as well as documentary "Inner City Champions" directed by Kenneth Taylor from the United States. All-Fest passes are available for $175 each, day passes are $30 and audience members can purchase individual screening tickets as well. The full screening guide is available on PAFF's website.

"224 Miles"
The G2 Gallery
1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 452-2842
www.theg2gallery.com
Date: Jan. 13 - March 1, 2015

The new year will bring "224 Miles," an exhibit from four students (Leocadio Martinez, Mark Tomilin, Chelsea Ramirez and Zinnia Moreno) who took a Venice Arts-sponsored trip to the Grand Canyon in June 2014, experiencing nature in a singular way and creating art along the journey. The G2 Gallery will display their work with hopes of raising money for new students to take the same trip in 2015. It is an inspiring mixed media exhibit that supports the gallery's mission to bring attention to the environment by showcasing celebrated photographers and their nature and wildlife works.

Related: Best Places To Buy Local Art For Under $100 In Los Angeles

Russian National Ballet Theatre's "Don Quixote"
Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University Northridge
Russian National Ballet Theater's Don Quixote
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-3000
www.valleyperformingartscenter.org
Date: Feb. 13-14, 2015

Audiences will be mesmerized this winter by the Russian National Ballet Theatre's "Don Quixote" performance on February 13 and 14, 2015. Based on the novel "Don Quixote de la Mancha" by Miguel de Cervantes, the "Don Quixote" ballet is a thrilling dance set to Leon Minkus' powerful score. The Russian National Ballet Theatre, which was founded in the 1980s in Moscow, tells the "Don Quixote" story with lavish sets and beautiful costumes. Valley Performing Arts Center is a multi-purpose concert hall that features an array of art events such as orchestra, opera, Broadway, film and dance performances. Tickets range from $40-$65.

Community Beadwork Drop-in Workshop
A Program of the Floral Journey: Native North American Beadwork Exhibition
The Autry in Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-2000
www.theautry.org
Date: Feb. 7, 2015

Artist and educator Tiffany Jackson inspires participants in a community beadwork project which will be displayed in the Autry Museum and added to its education collection. Inspired by the museum's exhibition of "Floral Journey," Jackson will lead an interactive workshop demonstrating and teaching basic beading techniques. She will teach and share traditions and skills learned from generations past. "Floral Journey" explores beaded floral designs and art on bags, moccasins, dresses, hats and jackets from within the Native North American community.

Related: Best Ways To Celebrate Native American History In Los Angeles