The Hammer Museum’s Arts ReStore LA initiative enters its second weekend, and we recommend clearing a few weekend hours between now and November 24 to explore this unusual, inventive art project. Best of all — it’s all accessible on foot. We promise fresh objects and bright faces in a creative occupation of seven once-empty storefronts in the center of Westwood. You’ll find interesting gifts for the holidays, meet some energetic artists and can even participate in workshops from the Unique LA team. What’s the take away? A new slant on what “local” can mean in our vast metropolis.
There are a few items on our MUST list — including a three-hour letter press workshop from Iron Curtain Press — and dozens of goodies that we are considering as holiday gifts. Unusual gifts are a rare finds, and the chance to support local talent injects much-needed energy into the community as well as offers a noncommercial slant on the gift-giving season. You might be inspired to go home and get crafty, yourself.
These ceramic lamps and sculptures from Heather Levine Ceramics are each unique, and remind me both of forms you would see at the nearby Fowler Art Museum (as well as wall-hangings from the 1970s!
In fact, there were other reminders of 1970s — from colorful macrame sculpture and rope jewelry to tie die clothing and batik fabric design.
I loved meeting some of the guys from Homeboy Industries (an incredibly successful organization that helps gang-involved individuals change their lives and puts many to work in the food industry, producing a line of goods available at Ralph’s and online). We didn’t get to see the guys from Fallen Fruit, but love their model of urban sustainability and art installation.
ForYourArt occupies a primary space for art and gift ideas, featuring prints from Gemini GEL that benefit arts organizations and original collaborations with prominent artists.
Textile lovers will swoon at the handmade and recycled items from around the world laid out at the Dosa Mercantile exhibit, upstairs from ForYourArt’s space. And, who doesn’t want the chance to flop on these gorgeous pillows!
Here is the original letterpress that you can take a class on with Iron Curtain Press (pricey but so cool to go home with your own stationary!). 
Jewelry, skateboards and books – what are you waiting for? 
And speaking of local, grab a bite at Ammo at the Hammer, or Fundamental LA, a tiny restaurant a block south of Wilshire on Westwood Boulevard.
Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood is part of the Goldhirsh Foundation’s citywide LA2050 initiative. Arts RESTORE is made possible by a major grant from the Goldhirsh Foundation with significant funding was also provided by UCLA
