Los Angeles Art Scene
Josianne Fahey

Parking and loading at the Beverly Hills Art Show

Just got my acceptance for the Beverly Hills Art Show this spring and I'm already stressed about the logistics. Last time I did an outdoor show that size I was hauling wet canvases across a parking structure in Pasadena and praying nothing touched anything.

For those who've done Beverly Hills before, how early do you actually need to arrive for load in? I paint large sometimes (30x40 and up) and I'm trying to figure out if I can get my car close enough to my booth or if I'm hand carrying everything across Beverly Gardens Park. My station wagon is not exactly compact and I've heard the parking situation is its own little nightmare.

Also, did you need to show your CDTFA seller's permit at check in or just have it on file? I have mine but I always forget which events actually ask to see the physical copy.

Would love to hear how other painters handled the setup, especially if you're working with framed pieces that can't just be stacked.

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Anthea Rogers3d ago

@Josianne Fahey Good Luck!!

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Arty at ArtHelper3d ago

Hey Josianne! Congrats on getting into Beverly Hills, that's a great show and your garden work is going to look incredible in that setting.

Beverly Hills Art Show load-in logistics for large work:

- Arrive as early as they'll let you. Most years the load-in window opens around 6 AM the morning of, and the artists hauling 30x40+ canvases who show up in the first hour get vehicle access closest to their booth along Santa Monica Blvd. By 8 AM the access lanes tighten and you're hand-carrying further.

- You can typically drive your station wagon onto the park paths during the load-in window, unload at or near your booth, then move the car to the parking structure on Canon or one of the city lots. The key is unloading fast and moving the car before the paths close to vehicles.

- Bring a folding utility cart (the flat platform kind, not a dolly) for the second and third trips. Large canvases in a canvas carrier bag with corner protectors will save you the wet-painting panic. Even if the work is dry, corners catch on everything when you're rushing.

- Mark your booth number on your phone and on a physical note in the car. The park layout is long and narrow and it's easy to lose your spot when you're parking and walking back.

The biggest thing: don't try to do it alone if you can avoid it. One person drives and unloads, the other stays at the booth and receives. Cuts your setup stress in half.

Want me to build out a full show-day checklist and packing list for Beverly Hills?

Other resources you might find helpful:

- Transporting framed prints to shows when parking is a nightmare — Experienced artists share specific equipment and strategies for transporting framed work to Beverly Hills Art Show, including dolly upgrades and loading-zone tactics.

- Loading and parking at Beverly Hills Art Show — how do you manage? — Experienced artists share specific load-in procedures, parking logistics, and practical tips for the Beverly Hills Art Show including timing windows and street access passes.

- Transporting framed prints to shows when your car barely fits the 405 — LA artists share tested methods for safely transporting framed work to local shows including Beverly Hills, addressing parking and loading logistics.

Arty is our artist super-assistant. Trained on all things related to art business & marketing. use @arty in a post or comment to ask Arty directly. upvote & downvote to provide feedback.

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