With huge police presence, Art Walk goes off without a hitch

Despite hovering tensions in downtown Los Angeles and concerns that Occupy L.A. protesters might clash with LAPD officers, Thursday night’s Art Walk unfolded with no incidents.

Attendance was down, with many joking that there seemed to be more police on bicycles and motorcycles than gallery-goers.

The crowd could have been reduced by worries about clashes between police and the protesters. At last month’s Art Walk, there was a near riot as police officers tried to control Occupy L.A. members who were scrawling slogans and drawings on the sidewalks to protest downtown gentrification.

But one officer suggested that people’s attentions might have been on sports (no, not the Olympics):

“Isn’t Pittsburgh playing tonight?” he joked.

“Plus, it’s hot.”

PHOTOS: Chalk protest at Pershing Square

Harry Reynolds, co-owner of Crewest Gallery, downplayed any drama. “They’re far more susceptible to the heat than the fear of a riot,” he said of the those who stayed away.

The Robert Reynolds Gallery was particularly hopping, and artist/owner Robert Reynolds said he was thrilled with the crush of people flowing through his show. “No tear gas here!” he said with relief.

But some artists still questioned the Occupy L.A. chalking tactics that disrupted last month’s event.

Famed street artist Vyal, who arrived at Crewest in a truck painted with murals, said he supports Occupy L.A., but had doubts about how the group executed last month’s protest.

“It’s a great cause,” he said, “but you’d think they’d want to consider the arts and not disturb Art Walk.”

Which is exactly what happened Thursday night. Protesters contained their chalking activities to the Pershing Square area. And Art Walk -- with its human mannequin window displays, ice cream performance artists and live banjo-washboard sidewalk duets -- continued as usual.

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Downtown’s historic core aims for a peaceful Art Walk

Tensions simmer leading into Thursday’s Downtown Art Walk

Three Occupy protesters detained as chalk demonstrations begin

-- Deborah Vankin
twitter.com/@debvankin