Art on the Cheap

Bureaucracy is the killer of good ideas, but a foundation is finally paying off for the little guy. Thanks to the LA County Arts Commission, the Long Beach Museum of Art offers free admission to all guests every Friday. Like many of its peers, the LBMA can be hit or miss depending on its current exhibit. But with money taken care of, art-lovers and those simply looking for something different to do can enjoy Southern Californias best-kept artsy secret. Even with bare walls, the LBMA is worth visiting. Its majestic location atop a bluff overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while the museum itself is a renovated 1912 home whose property includes a fountain, cafe, and views of the Queen Mary and the Port of Long Beach. The LBMAs two current shows feature portraits from more than 35 artists. And even if it sucks, at least it was free.
Fridays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2007