The artwork was spectacular – but of course it was… what else would you expect from the people who create the cool concepts and amazing visuals that bring LoL to life? Not only did we get to see what these artists do for personal expression, we were able to take a piece of their talent home. Creations from the Riot artists were available as part of the evening’s silent auction to benefit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, an organization that funds research for a cure. The event coordinator, also a Rioter, holds a very special place in her heart for this cause, as do all of the artists who participated in the event. 

“Unseen” by Edmundo Sanchez

“Unseen” by Edmundo Sanchez

“Unseen” by Edmundo Sanchez

Highlights of the show and auction were a sweet yet sinister-looking illustration, “Unseen” by Edmundo Sanchez (senior concept artist), which is reminiscent of classic large skull illusions, and a giclee print entitled “Rusty”, by Justin Albers (concept artist), which features a small robot character hiding behind a large tree being pursued by a rider atop a monstrously huge T-Rex-like creature. I bought a copy of the the former, while the latter was JP’s auction win. What sold the piece for me was that this giclee print on wood had been custom-cut into a puzzle! So I’ll have to earn the right to hang it up as it did in the gallery, no matter how many hours, days, or even years it may take me. (UPDATE! Aless unceremoniously completed it one night.)

“Rusty” by Justin Albers

“Rusty” by Justin Albers

“Rusty” by Justin Albers

A little more about the gallery itself: Nucleus is a combination art/event/boutique shop space in downtown Alhambra, CA, and is always open to the public. The store front features apparel, books, toys and neat little accessories as well as prints from previous shows for sale. JP and I each actually ended up with additional prints: He with a neat, polygonal deer illustration, “Deer” by Laura Bifano, and I with an adorable watercolor piece “Dogs Being Dogs” by an artist who just so happens to be the next upcoming show. “If Dogs Run Free” by Scott C celebrates his latest book release of the same name. The opening reception welcomes both humans and dogs, complete with free refreshments for both species, and dog adoption opportunities with event partner What’s Up Dog! L.A.! Almost makes a good excuse for me to get a dog just to bring him to this show, doesn’t it? The show itself runs until September 15.

Check out Gallery Nucleus’s website for more future exhibitions, and level up your exposure to some art and culture why don’t you? @alessfuse

IOTA Brew Cafe was buzzing with activity when we arrived. The amount of people showing up for a ‘coffee competition’ on a week night was surprising. How special was this event? How exciting could pouring steamed milk into an espresso shot contained in an 8oz. cup to create patterns be? Flanked by my barista roommates I was about to find out.

As the clock struck 7:30pm, the DJ lowered the volume of the fill music and the MC began to chat with the already sizable crowd. The audience then took this as their cue to surge forward towards the coffee bar and huddle en masse as the first challengers made themselves comfortable behind their espresso machines. My roommates and myself being of the shorter variety clamored as close to the front as possible to get a better look at the action. One thing I can guarantee you, if anyone even whispered the word ‘Starbucks’ they would have been immediately pitched outside.

Two baristas face off competing head to head in pouring a design-by-request. The rounds go as follows: hearts, tulips, rosettas. Whoever’s latte is chosen as the winner advances to the next round. Each round lasts between five to ten minutes as the baristas steam and pour their milk, awaiting the judges’ decision. The three judges, selected for their coffee-making prowess, look for aesthetic qualities such as the contrast of color, the consistency of color, crispness of design, proportion of design, cleanliness of pour, the ‘ripple’, and if the beverage meets the top rim of the cup. If the winning cup is questioned by the audience, the judges give the crowd the reasoning behind their choice.

Being entirely unfamiliar with this ‘sport’ and its festivities I was pleased to spot complimentary macaroons and beer while the crowd of baristas and on-lookers thickened. According to my roommates, these ‘throwdowns’ are taken very seriously because you represent the cafe and fellow staff members that you work with. Some competitors are so dedicated that they come prepared with their own steam cup, so as not to be thrown by using unfamiliar materials. But really, the best part of the entire night was being able to consume complimentary lattes since they don’t want to let them go to waste just in the name of competition.

These coffee enthusiasts have definitely found the best way to espresso themselves through the art of competition, and I must say I learned a latte from this unique experience and plan on attending more. Who wouldn’t love a night of watching people hone their craft while consuming a million free lattes? If you’re interested, the next TNT is September 12 at Republic of Pie. Visit lacoffeeclub.com for details. @GraceAhlizabeth

The crowd gathers at IOTA Brew Cafe. Photo by LosAngelesTNT

The crowd gathers at IOTA Brew Cafe. Photo by LosAngelesTNT

Rosettas. Photo by nuttynomads

Rosettas. Photo by nuttynomads

If you can throw on a pair of shoes (perhaps like the ones in the invite we designed), you can take advantage of FREE admission to LACMA, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, and the Architecture + Design Museum, as well as more than twenty galleries along the Miracle Mile. From 12 to 8 pm, there will be dance performances, live music, and interactive art projects—and just regular old art too.

That’s not all. You can also join in on the ForYourArt aMUSEment Hunt. Get a sticker for each of the museums and galleries you visit and redeem them for prizes—from original prints to memberships.

Still want more? Sheesh, I might have to start calling you crazy legs… You can also head back to LACMA for the ArtWalk After Party from 8:30 to 11 pm, featuring the Joshua Light Show and music by Dublab and Silent Disco. @scottfuse