Gully-washer delays galleries

THE rain that drenched the Rose Parade has led to a postponement of the debut of side-by-side contemporary art exhibition spaces in Culver City. The Walter Maciel Gallery, a transplanted San Francisco gallery director’s latest venture, was scheduled to open its inaugural show next Saturday. The adjacent LAXART, a nonprofit organization run by former New Yorker Lauri Firstenberg, was to follow Jan. 27. But inclement weather led to construction and renovation delays. Both spaces are now set to open March 18.

LAXART, at 2640 S. La Cienega Blvd. in a structure designed by L.A.-based architect Peter Zellner, was conceived as an interdisciplinary center for the discussion, production and exhibition of contemporary art. A politically charged, multimedia installation by Daniel Joseph Martinez will launch the organization’s ambitious program. The Walter Maciel Gallery, at 2642 S. La Cienega Blvd., will open its doors with “As Good as Your Next Gig,” a group show intended to question the art world’s unquenchable thirst for new talent.

-- Suzanne Muchnic