Like a bird to shiney objects, so am I to dancing carrots.

Let me first say that when the sun sets on downtown Los Angeles, certain sections eerily resemble a post-apocalyptic New York City. I found myself there on one of those desolate stretches in a blind trek from the Standard Hotel to Tuesday's event on Gallery Row: ArtSeen3 sponsored by the AIDS Research Foundation, dozens of galleries, super chefs, fab designers, hipster-y Djs, and to make us even more merry, Absolute Vodka.

Dogged suspicions of demise crept over me, but I pressed on for the sake of art. En route, an erratic, disheveled woman approached me asking for help. I mumbled something about being lost myself. She turned a wild eye and coo'd "Maybe we can help each other." I picked up speed.

As I rounded Main Street all sense of unease lifted with the jazzy notes of street musicians and that amber party glow. I dove head first into the vibrant smattering of music, photography, painting, food, drink and design.

The palpable energy that comes with mediums converging reminded me that art is about discovery. Here's what I found:

GUERRILLA TACTICS GO BEYOND THE COLOMBIAN JUNGLE

The biggest hit of the evening was Luxehaus' trunk show and schmoozefest at Rowan Lofts. "Let's Hear it For the Boys" blasted through the candle-lit space as the ubercool crowd perused up-and-coming clothing and furniture labels. Co-owner David Abrams termed these shindigs "Guerrilla" stores. I'm already looking forward to the next attack.

MORE PEOPLE BUY HOT DOGS THAN ART

Hence, the Red Dot Gallery slash Weeneez Hot Dog Diner. Owner Julie Rico explained that photography feeds the soul, but wieners bring home the bacon. I say, take whatever means necessary to keep pieces like "Inheritance" (granny with a gun) on the walls. Sidenote: the chili dogs were scrumptious.

GREEN GALLERYS ARE ALL OVER THE EFFIN PLACE

When you walk into Pharmaka, look up. A big ass fan spinning beneath exposed beams serves as both art and air conditioning. The intimate space has become LA's first "green" gallery" by switching incandescent lighting for LEDs, using salvaged wood for furniture, and coating the floor a low v.o.c sealing. These simple changes reduced Pharmaka's energy consumption by 90 percent. Sold.

THERE IS BEAUTY IS KINETIC ENERGY

The Musuem of Neon Art could be the best find on gallery row. Affectionately termed MONA, its all about electric art. Massive, glowing signs of  a bygone era flank colored glass contraptions pulsating with kinetic energy.

And here is where the dancing carrotts come in. "Les deux Carrot Heureuses," by Jim Jenkins, features two bright orange dog toys that "cha-cha" atop a spinning globe with the push of a red button. Upon first glance, a childlike wonder transfixed me, and I thought to myself, "if only I could be as happy as those two vegetables with the push of a button...." 

 Like all adventures that merit the schlep, the ArtSeen experience was worth the peril of the journey, however minor it may have been. But next time, I'm taking a cab.

This event was a precursor to the high brow version at Smashbox this Saturday night, May 17th. Spring for the $100 ticket, put on some fancy digs, and pony up at the auction for a good cause.

By JORDAN WHITLEY for LA2DAY

LINKS:

Artseen.org

Aidsresearch.org

Pharmaka: www.pharmaka-art.org

Red Dot Gallery: www.Weeneez.com

Jim Jenkins:  www.jimjenkins.net

MONA: www.neonmona.org

Luxehaus: www.luxehaus.com