IN BETWEEN THE LINES
Spago Beverly Hills was the place to be as locals Fred and Betty Hayman hosted a lively book launch. They joined journalist and author Norma Zager who was proudly showing off copies of “Erin Brokovich and the Beverly Hills Greenscam.”
Brokovich, who was played famously by Julia Roberts in the movie “Erin Brokovich,” is the subject of Zager’s book. It chronicles the environmental crusader’s battle against the city of Beverly Hills and various oil companies. Brokovich claimed that oil wells in the area were causing cancer, but Zager says she set the record straight after conducting her own investigation. Book lovers found a page-turner on their hands and were happy to get a sneak peak.
BY DESIGN
Malibu art lovers will be heading out to the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University for a look at the work of Roy Lichtenstein. The Weisman will be showcasing dozens of works by the famed artist who helped create the pop art style of the 1960s. His paintings are inspired by advertisements, cartoons and comic books, and are coveted by collectors like Eli Broad. Sixty original works created between 1973 and 1977 will be on display. The exhibition, “Roy Lichtenstein: In Process,” debuts Jan. 22 and runs through April 3.
SHOCK OF THE NEW
Over in Santa Monica, they’ll be getting an eyeful at artLA, starting tonight and continuing to Jan. 23. The show, loaded with contemporary and cutting edge creations, returns to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and will showcase the work of both established and emerging artists. “With six years of success, artLA has become one of the most respected and dynamic art fairs in the country,” Director Stephen Cohen said. “It substantiates Los Angeles’ role as a driving force in contemporary art worldwide.”
STEPPING OUT
Serious collectors will be cruising over to the Los Angeles Convention Center for the L.A. Art Show’s splashy opening night party this week. The soiree will benefit Art of Elysium and School Visits to the Getty Museum. The expo is one of the largest and impressive art fairs in the country. More than 100 galleries from around the world will have everything from Rembrandts to Ruschas on display, along with sculpture, photography and mixed media. Last year, more than 40,000 art lovers attended the show, including locals Martin Sheen, Rhea Perlman, Emilio Estevez and Eli Broad. The artful exhibition is sponsored by the Fine Art Dealers Association and runs through Sunday, Jan 23.