Congratulations to Monty for being voted by you as Commune’s Featured Local of the Month.

Ashley and I first came across Monty’s art when we stopped by, what used to be MESH in North Park. Monty was Commune’s featured artist back in March ’09 and if you have ever seen one of his pieces, you understand why we were so excited when he agreed to be a part of Commune. Monty’s art is colorful, bright, expressive and unquestionably Monty Montgomery. I met up with Monty to congratulate him and see what he has going on. (more…)

With the holiday spirit ringing in the air, beer-belly Santa’s running rampant through malls and store entrances, rainy freeways, and ridiculous traffic with even more ridiculous drivers; now is the perfect time to stay close home and enjoy some of your favorite local artists.

Despite the despicable economy most everyone still feels the pinch to give back, if you are one of those kind-hearted souls check out our friends Mimi and Red at one of our fav spots El Dorado. Mimi and a sleuth of other local companies will be hosting the Holiday Toy Drive from 9p-12a at the East Village hang out. There’s no cover, just bring in an unwrapped toy of your choice (Super Soakers are a timeless pick) or $10 that will go towards buying new toys. When you buy for someone else, despite how empty your bank account is your heart will be full, especially with that corny metaphor.

All that giving really leaves my soul yearning for some inspiration… of the visual sense. Stop by 3795 30^th for Wish You Were Beer with art by Brian Clinebell and Taylor Johnson, (more…)

This Saturday (10/10)  944 will be celebrating it’s October Art and Culture Issue Release Party at Disconnected Salon in North Park.  The night will featured commissioned pieces by various local artists using 944 Magazine for their primary inspiration for all of the pieces.  The event is invite only and  based on a, now closed guest list, but if you’re feeling lucky contact MarieElena@944.com for further guestlist consideration. The evening will include DJ sets, appetizers, cocktails provided by Patron & Ultimat Vodka, and Free hair styling (STYLING FROM: 6-7pm Call 619-298-3830 for appointment).

THE NIGHT WILL INCLUDE PIECES BY:
Adrian Parra
Chris Wellhausen
Christy Zaragoza
Crystal Powell
Eric Wixon
Exist 1981
Jason Gould
Jennifer Miller
jfeather
Leslie Tiano
Martha Martin
Michael Carini
Mickey Ford
Monica Robles
Nicholas McPherson
Sam Frazier
Tocayo

You don’t want to miss this event, but if  you weren’t able to get on the guestlist in time, the after party will be at True North. You won’t catch me there though, I’ll be at El Dorado for  DJ Groundfloor and Erick Diaz or at Bluefoot for DJ J Peso. So support local and make it out tomorrow night!

This Saturday. October 3^rd from 1:00 PM- 5: 00PM, North Park will host its first-ever Taste of North Park.  More than 30 restaurants and 20 galleries and boutiques will participate in this tantalizing event. The event is the ideal blend of delicious cuisines prepared by top chefs around the neighborhood mixed with the perfect variety of microbrews and flavorful wines.  Tickets to the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the North Park Mainstreet.  Don’t miss this opportunity to sample the best in local North Park dining.

Participants Include:

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Adam Jafry is no stranger to Commune. You may have seen his limited Edition Commune Posters around the neighborhood, or maybe even his Commune tees scattered among pretty faces in the scene, but if you haven’t, Adam Jafry is definitely a talent to be seen.   I met up with Adam to get the dirt on what’s going on with him and what inspired him to do this piece for Commune.

1. Where are you from?

The Island in the Hills

2. How long have you been creating art?

I just started.

3. What was the inspiration behind your Commune piece?

Big tobacco talks about their products being pleasurable and fun but really people just end up dead. Maybe this is what their ads should look like.

4. What’s your favorite part of Commune?

Hipster Chicks, DJ’s and fixed gear bicycles.

5. Anything else super awesome about you that people should know?

I’ve killed a raft once but I wont say why. Stabbed it to death.

As you can tell Adam is quite the character. If you haven’t had a chance to see if work head to the Whistlestop where he will be showing art for the month of August.

Brian Clinebell is a local San Diego artist originally from the small town of Abingdon, Virginia. If you’ve ever seen Brian around the neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed his contagious smile.

Brian is a super talented artist that dabbles in a little bit of everything. You may recognize some of his mixed media pieces from art shows around town (Commune June ’08), seen his art on a t-shirt or maybe even more recently seen him as the front man for the Kabbs (www.myspace.com/thekabbs). (more…)