The 2026 LA Art Show is set to reclaim its throne as the heartbeat of the downtown cultural scene, kicking off with an expansive Opening Night Premiere Party this Wednesday, January 7.
From 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the West Hall A of the Los Angeles Convention Center will transform into a high-energy nexus of celebrity, philanthropy, and world-class contemporary art. This year’s gala finds its star power in host Sasha Pieterse, the actress, producer, and entrepreneur of Pretty Little Liars fame. Pieterse will lead the evening’s festivities, which include a high-profile red carpet starting at 6:00 pm and a dedicated program in the VIP lounge at 7:15 pm featuring remarks from LA Art Show Producer and Director Kassandra Voyagis alongside representatives from the American Heart Association.
The star-studded gala offers a rare blend of Hollywood glamour and high-end curation, providing attendees with a first look at this year’s selection of international art and interactive exhibits. Guests dressed in cocktail attire will navigate a red carpet buzzing with talent arrivals while enjoying complimentary food and beverages from some of Los Angeles’ top eateries and spirit brands.
Beyond the art, the Opening Night Premiere Party is a high-energy social experience designed to immerse guests in the best of Los Angeles culture. Attendees spend the evening navigating the massive 200,000-square-foot floor of West Hall A, cocktail in hand, moving between avant-garde installations and the booths of over 100 international galleries.
Photo courtesy LA Art Show
Because the gala offers the very first look at the collection, much of the night is spent by serious collectors and enthusiasts scouting and purchasing works before the fair opens to the general public.
Between the star-studded red carpet arrivals and the live performances that often pop up throughout the hall, the atmosphere feels like a massive, sophisticated block party where the city’s creative elite connect and celebrate the start of the art season.
The culinary landscape of the gala is just as curated as the gallery walls, featuring a spread of food and beverages from some of LA’s most iconic eateries and premium spirit brands. This year’s guests can expect a diverse tasting menu that reflects the city’s eclectic food scene, ranging from high-end bites to beloved local staples.
In past editions, the show has partnered with legendary names like Pink’s Hot Dogs, Il Fornaio, and specialized vendors like Oysters XO and Dandy Don’s HomeMade Ice Cream to provide a constant flow of hors d’oeuvres. Paired with open bars serving top-shelf spirits and wines, the food and drink program ensures that the four-hour event remains a lively, multi-sensory experience where the conversation flows as easily as the champagne.
Beyond the social spectacle, the evening serves a deeper purpose by supporting the American Heart Association, ensuring that the intersection of art and community remains a central pillar of the DTLA experience.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the opening night is the solo exhibition of Sylvester Stallone, presented by Provident Fine Art Gallery. The collection features a series of abstract works that offer a rare glimpse into the psyche of the legendary actor, focusing heavily on his creative process and the concept of the celebrity image. Stallone’s presence on the gallery floor underscores the LA Art Show’s unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional fine art and the star power that defines Southern California culture.
The 2026 edition also marks a significant milestone with the introduction of the Latin American Pavilion. Led by curator Marisa Caichiolo, this new section advances the fair’s global mission by spotlighting the talent of emerging artists from across the American Continent. Under Caichiolo’s direction, the gala will also showcase DIVERSEartLA, which returns this year to examine the role of biennials and art institutions in the modern ecosystem. Featuring five unique art installations and a specialized video presentation, these exhibits provide an intellectually stimulating backdrop to the night’s celebrations.
Photo courtesy LA Art Show
As the red carpet closes at 8:30 pm and the party continues through the night, the event serves as a powerful reminder of why downtown Los Angeles remains the undisputed epicenter of the international art dialogue.
