The Ivan Art Gallery located in SoRo (South Robertson) celebrates Black History Month and Valentine’s Day this February with works from featured artist Martino Dorce, a Haitian postwar and contemporary artist who transports the viewer to a tropical country that is at once colorful and vibrant while at the same time, mysterious and sophisticated. To his lush, detailed pen and India ink drawings, he adds layers of rich watercolors until he achieves vividness not usually associated with the medium. Martino’s reflects the Haitian’s indomitable spirit and joy of life. The IVAN Art Gallery also features original collections of Currier & Ives’ Conflicts in Black Life, as well as Movie Memorabilia, and more. Currier & Ives was a New York City printmaking business that operated between 1835 and 1907 and were the foremost printmakers in America. It’s Darktown series was, in fact, one of their bestsellers. This Black History Month’s exhibit is a collaboration with IVAN Art Gallery’s owners and local art lovers Melba and Aubrey Provost with Jackie Ryan and Mary Kimbrough, former owners of Zambezi Bazaar, an African American retail store in Leimert Village from 1991-2017. In addition, leading up to Valentine’s Day, The IVAN Art Gallery has a limited selection of vintage ethnic Valentine’s Day cards and will offer visitors to the gallery on Valentine’s Day between 3-8pm with chocolates, red wine, flowers, and giveaways. WHEN & SCHEDULE: February 1–28, 2023; Tuesday–Sunday, 12noon–7pm Tuesday, February 14: Valentine’s Day Special with Chocolates, Red Wine, Flowers & Giveaways Sunday, February 22: Guest Speaker; 5pm - History of Black art “Zambiezie Bazaar” - Buying Black art for investment Tuesday, February 14: Valentine’s Day Special with Chocolates, Red Wine, Flowers & Giveaways WHERE: The IVAN Art Gallery 2711 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034