Blog: Santa Monica Studios Hosts Airport ArtWalk Saturday, March 16

Santa Monica Studios consistently hosts evocative group shows featuring the work of both local artists as well as artists from all over the world. In addition to housing Arena 1 Gallery, many local artists rent studio space at the very popular arts center. This Saturday, March 16th, its annual Airport ArtWalk takes place from noon to 5 p.m.

Arena 1 Gallery features "Decade of Dissent: Democracy in Action, 1965–1975." The group show originally opened on February 23rd and spotlights California activism. Curated by The Center for the Study of Political Graphics, it will also be participating in the Art Walk. 

The work of photographer Nick Busco is also on view as part of the art walk. Nick has led a fascinating life touring with world-renowned rock stars. While on tour, he has captured incredible images of classic rock stars.

He started his professional career in college, where his roommate ran a ticket agency for concerts. This allowed him free access to many of the most sought after shows. He recalls, “I learned so much just by shooting rock concerts. I ended up working for a rock and roll lighting company in Somerville, Mass. - Tom Field Associates.”

While on the road, Nick had the good fortune of inside access, which allowed him to take up close and personal photos of stars such as Freddie Mercury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty, Rod Stewart and more.

To this day, he still looks for that perfect shot and continues to photograph performers. His most recent project was photographing Toots, from Toots and the Maytals. “Toots was doing an acoustic set at the Belly-up, in Solana Beach...His manager, my old roommate from college, asked me to come on down and take a few shots. They are using previous images of Toots for promotions, on this tour that were taken at the drum circle in Venice back in 2010,” says Nick. Yamaha Music division will be using some of the photos from that show at the Belly-up for their promotions.

Busco has graciously agreed to donate work benefit for Oakgrove, a non-profit based at Venice High School. Hosted by Trunk Gallery, Busco has donated one of his photographs for the silent art auction to benefit Oakgrove, a human relations retreat program based at Venice High School. 

The event will take place on Saturday, March 30 from 6-9 p.m. and will run through April 26. Trunk Gallery is located at 12818 Venice Blvd, 90066. trunkgallery.org   veniceoakgrove.org:

Nick Busco’s work is also on view at Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills. mouchegallery.com/  nickbuscophotography.com/

The exhibition runs through March 23rd. The Santa Monica Art Studios is located at 3026 Airport Ave. in Santa Monica 90405.

The Santa Monica Airport ArtWalk will be held on Saturday, March 16th from noon to 5 p.m. santamonicaartstudios.com/