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Between 15,000 and 20,000 homeless people live on the streets of ‘Skid Row’ in downtown Los Angeles. On any given night, about half of Skid Row’s population sleeps on the streets in makeshift tents, cardboard boxes, or on sidewalks. Many transients flock to the ten-block area to access the shelter, food and other resources provided by local charities. But in the past few months, access to such services has become increasingly difficult after the LAPD banned nonprofits from serving food to homeless residents, citing food safety violations, in an area already marred by drug violence and lawlessness. The newest exhibit at Crewest, a Los Angeles-based art gallery, bears witness to the struggles of the residents of Skid Row. “Faces of Skid Row”, the first exhibition presented by Curator Luna George, will showcase illustrators, sculptors, street artists, fine artists, graffiti artists and photographers inspired by the experience of being homeless in downtown Los Angeles. At its opening reception this Saturday, spoken word artist Mike the Poet will perform a piece written exclusively for the show. One week before the exhibit closes, Crewest will hold a fundraising drive benefitting the Midnight Mission, an organization dedicated to providing Skid Row residents with shelter, housing, educational services and job placement.

GUESTS: Luna George, Assistant Gallery Director at Crewest and Curator of Faces of Skid Row, Orlando Ward of the Midnight Mission

Faces of Skid Row Opening Reception is on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 6 to 9 p.m with live spoken word performance by Mike the Poet and beats by DJ Phyz Ed. On view through October 31, 2010

Exhibiting Artists:
Bob Motown, Branded, Dash, Dave Kawano, Dytch, Else, Enik, Eriberto Oriol, Estevan Oriol, Euth, Ezra, Graham Walzer, Gregg Stone, James Gillette, Juan Balandran, Lalo Alcaraz, Man One, Michael Pizarro, Mike Street, Oscar Magallanes, Philip Lumbang, Preston Craig, Shing Yin Khor, Sims, Smear, Thomas the Messenger, Two Rabbits, Mas, Ruthie Pie

Artwalk Event:
Thursday, October 14, 2010 6 – 9pm

Fundraiser Night:
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm.

Find out more at www.crewest.com and www.midnightmission.org.