art// CHG Ron English opening reception.

Los Angeles' COREY HELFORD GALLERY this past weekend attracted hundreds of art enthusiasts as well as iconic musicians and tastemakers to its much buzzed-about grand opening VIP reception (Friday) and public grand opening (Saturday).

Downtown Los Angeles [DTLA] became North America's epicenter for the arts as the 12,000-foot space on Anderson Street opened with the unveiling of NeoNature: We Are the New They-the latest exhibit from celebrated pop art visionary Ron English. This major happening served as the perfect introduction to the COREY HELFORD GALLERY's new locale since moving from Culver City. A few steps from the gallery entrance, English had painted a vibrant and primal mural, marking the spot.

Under the cavernous urban industrial canopy of DTLA, guests converged on the COREY HELFORD GALLERY. Upon entering the expansive space just past a candlelit hall, visitors roamed free among the artist's creations such as the "Monarch Elephant" and"Bigfoot Family" as well as sculptures of Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, along with massive nature-themed installations. As the creatures on the walls presided over the event, provocatively dressed cowgirl barmaids served beverages, while KCRW DJ Marion Hodges provided a soundtrack.

English personally presented his pieces to rapt attention from the spellbound audience as legendary artist and influencer Shepard Fairey admired the exhibits. Meanwhile, Michelle Shocked gave a rousing and fierce performance of her own, singing "Runaway Time" (co-written with Ron), befitting of the setting. Gerard Way(American musician and comic book writer who was the lead vocalist and co-founder of My Chemical Romance), actress Masiela Lusha(George Lopez, Blood: The Last Vampire), and drummer Mitch Marine (Dwight Yoakam) all passionately imbibed the sights, sound, and soul of NeoNature.

With an in-depth profile, LA Weekly praised the "underground vibe" and added, "CHG may have moved to Anderson Street because they needed more room, but it's a good branding move too. Judging from the crowds both at Friday's press opening and Saturday's public opening, the art-party seems to agree." In their piece Juxtapozcalled it, "An exciting new adventure for Southern California."