“Weird artists’ work needs a stage,” Julie Rico thought as she arrived in Los Angeles. Today we explore the Julie Rico Gallery. It stands as a testament to one woman’s passion. Julie Rico, originally from Detroit, Michigan, had a vision. She wanted to showcase unconventional art.
The Julie Rico Gallery started in 1988 in Downtown Los Angeles. It supported local artists. Julie Rico aimed to continue this original intention with her online gallery. She has always supported creatives.
Julie Rico’s journey is fascinating. She worked on the assembly line and in Public Relations at General Motors. She came to Los Angeles with a journalism degree. Her goal was to show the work of unique artists.
From 1988 to 2010, Ms. Rico owned and ran art galleries. These galleries contributed to the transformation of downtown Los Angeles. The Julie Rico Gallery and Weeneez were key players on Gallery Row. Ms. Rico oversaw everything. This included construction and operations. The space even featured two restaurants.
Over her career, Julie Rico curated over 200 exhibitions. At her venue, she curated over 40. Her portfolio includes impressive names. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Stanley Mouse were among them. Robert Williams and Dennis Larkins also featured. She even showcased “The History of LSD – A Showing of Blotter Acid Art”.
Julie Rico was a seminal promoter of the “Lowbrow” art movement. In 1995, she conceptualized the Mean Art Tent of the US Lollapalooza Tour. She curated a traveling exhibition of “Lowbrow” and graffiti art. This tour went to 30 cities.
In 2005, Julie Rico produced the Los Angeles Art Festival. This three-day event transformed the Arts District. It featured large-scale outdoor installations. Fifty artists displayed flat art. Pop-up booths sold arts and crafts. Three musical performance stages added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Julie Rico Gallery also had spaces in Santa Monica. From 1992 to 1995, the gallery was located on Main Street. This location helped the Pop Surrealism movement. Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Greg Escalante, and Stanley Mouse exhibited there.
From 1996 to 2000, The Rico Gallery was on Pier Ave. Artist Manfred Menz generously donated this space. Memorable exhibitions included Peter Liashkov and Alex Grey. “The History of LSD” by Mark McCloud was also shown.
From 2005 to 2010, Weeneez and the Red Dot Gallery and Bistro supported art in a unique way. The front restaurant sold hot dogs to fund art. The back space was a formal gallery. It offered beer, wine, and fine art.
Julie Rico’s galleries supported many artists. She thanks the artists, collectors, and everyone who helped. Her galleries were designed to support artists. Now, the online Julie Rico Gallery continues this mission. It invites everyone to explore and support their favorite artists.