Despite the overwhelmingly positive protests in May in support of Black Lives Matter, some local businesses in Los Angeles were looted and vandalized by rioters deemed on the "fringe." Melrose Avenue storefronts were among those that bore the brunt of the destruction — much of which wasn't covered by insurance. Now, community members and artists are rallying support for their neighbors along the indie shopping stretch in the form of a fine art fundraiser happening on the streets and online.
Today and tomorrow on Melrose between North Curson and Genesee Avenues, independent boutiques are hosting live outdoor painting sessions on their sidewalks — and attendees can bid on the art, enjoy live music and astrology readings, and more while supporting independent businesses. The two-day auction will raise funds to help rebuild Pearls Organic Nail Salon, shoe boutiques Tony K. and Dr. Martens, and clothing shop Reloaded, which were all heavily damaged or burned during the unrest. (There are also online crowdfunding efforts for each shop.)
The effort is being helmed by punk rock music shop Headline Records and Rebel Rebel Hollywood and with the support of anonymous artists and musicians from local creative collective Some Cult. Social distancing will be in place and hand sanitizer and masks will be available for IRL attendees, and the event will also be streamed online Friday and Saturday between 2 to 5 p.m. for those who prefer to attend from home.
Get more details at SaveMelrose.com.
Main photo: Melrose District
Melrose Avenue between North Curson and Genesee Avenues L.A., 90048
