Artists respond to the recession by printing money

The Arroyo Arts Collective's 17th annual studio tour on Sunday has an economic theme - the "Recovery Discovery Tour" - and even its own currency. Those who take the self-guided tour of artist studios and homes in Eagle Rock, Highland Park and Mt. Washington will receive a $10 Arroyo Bucks coupon that is good toward a single purchase of at least $100 from any one artist on the tour. Tour-goers who arrive by Metro will receive a pair of $10 Arroyo Bucks.

The $10 Arroyo Buck - designed by artist C.J. Metzger, who will be on the tour - features the image of Hendrick Stooker, one of the founders of the Arroyo Arts Collective, a former arts historian at Occidental College and a longtime supporter of the arts in Northeast Los Angeles (Stooker will also be on the tour). It's not clear what a wad of Stookers will be worth after the tour but organizers hope the coupons will perk up sales on Sunday:

"Need a plein-air painting to stand in for that view you used to have? Could that barrel you're wearing use a jaunty hand-painted scarf? Seriously, folks, artists have always known how to have a good time and bring out the best of an economic downturn."

Artwork by C.J. Metzger/Arroyo Arts Collective

Eastside Shopper & Diner

Hydroponically grown lettuce & greens now on sale at the Friday's Echo Park Farmers' Market.

Duck carnitas hit the spot at Eagle Rock's Cacao Mexicatessen.

Forget duck, go for the pig: eight types of pork carnitas served on the weekends at Metro Balderas in Highland Park. (h/t to LA Taco)

Where to dine with mom & dad in Echo Park? Jonathan Gold says the Alston Yacht Club.

Beer fans preparing to tap into the Eagle Rock Brewery.

Photo courtesy Echo Park Farmers' Market

Peanut butter on paper? Anything goes at the Monster Drawing Rally

There is really only one rule that matters for the more than 100 artists who will participate in Sunday's Monster Drawing Rally in Eagle Rock to benefit Outpost for Contemporary Art. They must finish a drawing in an hour or less. What materials they use- including last year's peanut butter creation by Evan Holloway - is up to them.

The group supplies the artists with more conventional art supplies, said Julie Deamer of the Highland Park-based arts group. "Artists do often bring their own stuff to supplement our offerings, however, and to really great results."

In addition to peanut butter, one of last year's artists, Enrique Castrejon, used a ruler, protractor and calculator to shape his drawing. Castrejon's math-based art is featured in the posters for this year's event.

About 25 artists will be drawing in one-hour shifts. Once the hour is up, the artists put down their tools and supplies and their drawings can be purchased for $75. Peanut butter sold separately.

Top photo courtesy of Outpost; Bottom drawing by Enrique Castrejon.

Eastside Shopper & Diner

Handmade bunny and animal buttons on sale at $18 each at Home Ec. in Silver Lake.

Butter Tart in Glassell Park gets a new owner and a new menu with corned beef hash and "heirloom" grits for breakfast.

American Apparel in Echo Park celebrates its 6th anniversary with 20% off selected items and an after-hours party on Sunday.

It pays to eat early: Taix in Echo Park serving three course meals from 5 pm to 6 pm for $12.95.

Beginners banjo class (5 sessions for $62.50) at Eagle Rock Music Studio.

Antigua coffee to brew once again in El Sereno.

More wine and beer to begin flowing soon after Costa Alegre in Echo Park opens a patio bar.

Cocktails as well as coffee to be served at LA Mill in Silver Lake.

Photo from Home Ec

Scenes from East of the River

Avenue 50 Studio in Highland Park will hold a closing reception tonight for
East of the River – Images from the ‘Perdido en Califas’ Series, featuring 41 Polaroid photos by John Tapia Urquiza. The region covered by the exhibit extends from the banks of the Los Angeles River east to the desert. "The southwest prints evoke an era long past while the objects and scenes of East Los Angeles recall childhood memories," said a gallery press release. The closing reception and "Happy Docent Hour" mixer will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Urquiza, who grew up in El Sereno, lives in Eagle Rock.

Photo: Beat 64/By John Tapia Urquiza

Eastside Shopper & Diner

All things wood: Spitfire Girl, maker of wood postcards, gifts and other items, plans to open its first retail outlet in Echo Park next month in the former Kohlman Quin space on Sunset Boulevard.

Masa of Echo Park celebrates its 5th anniversary today (Friday, August 28) with cake.

Eagle Rock's Chalet remodels and becomes The Black Boar, an English-style pub with $5 beers.

Tuesday night is fried chicken and lemon bar night at The Park in Echo Park.

Two of L.A. top 10 thrift stores are on the same block in Echo Park.

Now serving brunch: The Reservoir in Silver Lake.

Flaming margarita fans will have more room to light - and drink- up after El Compadre in Echo Park expands the bar and dining room with about 30 more seats.

Image from SpitFireGirl.com

Eastside Shopper & Diner

Echo Park's four-footed consumers will be able to shop for new and used toys, collars and other pet accessories at Blue Collar, which is scheduled to open on Echo Park Avenue this fall. The owners also plan on offering a self-serve dog wash and classes, including seminars on pet CPR.

How do you cook a squash blossom? The Silver Lake chef at Barbrix reveals his secret, fizzy ingredient.

Auntie Em's in Eagle Rock brings the farmer's market to your doorstep with a weekly produce delivery.

More than just veggies: freshly made salsa and hummus too at Highland Park's Figueroa Produce

It's all about the sauces at the Gobi Mongolian BBQ House in Silver Lake.

Hope Gallery closes in Echo Park but is looking for a new location to reopen.

Primera Taza in Boyle Heights holds a grand opening party on Saturday.

Always fresh: Crepe paper flower making class ($50) at the soon to open Home Ec. shop in Silver Lake

From grimy to gourmet: Echo Park Vons celebrates grand re-opening with a 12-hour sale on Saturday.

Image from BlueCollarWorkingDog.com