“Each day we use things made overseas; Much of our clothing, food, household goods, cars and fuel travels to us on ships. This show explores a small part of this journey that we are dependant upon. Even though shipping is central to the American economy and our near-by harbor is the third busiest in the world, many people never see these hidden places. With these images, I bring a little bit of the experience of being in this completely man-made world. Without nature or familiar structures, there is a lost sense of scale. The eerie beauty of the incandescent lights adds to the feeling of Surrealism. I enjoy exploring industrial spaces and finding patterns and colors in something that is meant to be purely utilitarian.”

About the artist:
Allison Porterfield has a B.A. in Art Practice from University of California at Berkeley, with additional study in art and architecture at Long Beach City College and Pont-Aven School of Contemporary Art in Brittany, France. Her solo exhibitions include The Loft and Sacred Grounds in San Pedro, and group shows with the UC Berkeley Photo Club and Long Beach Arts. She is inspired by the work of photographer Lee Miller, architect Tom Kundig, and artist Ed Ruscha. In her free time, she enjoys free yoga, coffee, urban exploration, camping, green building, architecture history, and photography. She currently resides in San Pedro, California. Sales handled by Portfolio. Commission work and custom print sizes available.

On the second and fourth Monday of every month from 8pm – 9:30 pm your favorite coffee house in Long Beach will host an evening of comedy. The first 3 spots will be booked comedians and the rest of the show will be an open mic. Check out the best comics in the area as well as some of the newest up and coming acts.

Stop by for some good coffee and some great laughs.

Come meet the artist at a reception on July 3 from 7pm to 9pm. Until then, read Kelsey’s own description of her art:

My name is Kelsey Livingston, I live in Long Beach — and I love this city. The purpose of this show is to explore the different issues, emotions, and formal training I have experienced in my time here. My overall goal is to illustrate the traditional styles and exploration that one experiences in Art School, and combine those aspects with current events here in Long Beach.

While doors are open for more contemporary forms of artistic expression, such as computer design and animation, I tend to enjoy the more hands-on feel of drawing and painting. All of the works for this show are done with oil paint on canvas, or charcoal and conté on paper.

Recently I have been exploring larger platforms because they give me more freedom to truly express an idea. I like to render in an imagistic style, and lately my paintings have become more loose, and my compositions more complex.
I have always loved to draw and I will doodle on anything, with anything, if given the opportunity. The best work comes from the least expected tools. Currently my favorite drawing weapon is a regular old ball-point pen.

You can also find more of kelsey’s art online at www.inmyshell.deviantart.com.

Internally driven, and emotionally charged, Roberta’s original abstract art and mixed media paintings have been described as “dark yet uplifting simultaneously”.

When viewing Roberta’s portfolio for the first time one is under the belief that the works presented are the creations of several talented artists. The diverse collections however are the efforts of just one.

Explosive abstract art paintings, contemporary mixed media art, recycled art, spiritual paintings and her intricate and obsessive tunnel paintings are just some of the styles you will uncover when you delve into the world of Roberta.

“Roberta’s expansive surfaces command the attention of passers-by, reward the focus of new as well as seasoned collectors and transform a static wall into a crystal ball. Few creations rival the pure power, active style and personal impact of Roberta’s work.”

Please view additional art work by Roberta Nieto at Portfolio Annex at 2023 E 4th Street Mon-Sun from 6:30am-7pm.

Roberta is available for commissions.

About the art in Jamie’s own words:

“Over the past few years, my work has been shifting from a very loose expressionistic approach into being more graphically inspired and controlled. I am still finding a balance between the two with the ultimate goal being a controlled chaos with elements of abstraction and readable content. The subjects as well as certain technical aspects of my work vary with each piece. As life is fluid and constantly changing, so are my paintings. There are, however, certain repeating elements in all of my work. In each piece, I enjoy the freedom in the beginning stages which I usually fill the canvas with dots, drips, lines, collage, etc. This is followed by more control in the final layers that bring the piece together to create depth and balance.”

“My intent is for viewers to develop their own narrative. I like to give the majority of information, but keep enough ambiguity to leave room for interpretation. The ultimate compliment is when I have triggered viewer’s emotions. I expect my work to fulfill both the conceptual and ornamental elements of art that will ultimately appeal to a wide range of audiences.”

A graduate of the Art Institute of Seattle, Mauer has been a retouching artist for nearly two decades, and began shooting professionally in 1999. He has worked as an assistant learning lighting, portraiture and the business of photography.

Portfolio Coffeehouse is located at 2300 E. 4th Street in Long Beach. Portfolio presents live music, poetry readings, and fine art exhibitions regularly. For more information, call 562-434-2486.