There is nothing as powerful as people who are unapologetically themselves. The same can be said for a movement or even a celebration, bringing together the thoughts and minds of individuals, all aspiring not to acquiesce in the status quo but to be free in who they are, in body and spirit. The Artist Tree in West Hollywood exemplifies a space known for its forward thinking and cultural acceptance within the community it’s based in. As a business that celebrates the LGBTQI+ community year-round, it was great to be invited to one of the parties kicking off Pride Month, which featured all the right ingredients.
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The Art of Making Everything Sparkle
Glittering and gleaming as you enter the shop are mannequins wearing pieces that you cannot take your eyes off. Simply gorgeous! But that wasn’t all the artist, Vincent Braccia, better known as Disco Daddy, brought to the space, not even close.
Adorning the walls was art that moved with you, sparkling and changing as your light angles showed the impressive work that had been done. Pieces included a historic gay pride poster and an iconic poppers advert, both treated to the DD flair, along with physical items like a set of Barbies who became Wicked, and even some intimate curiosities that would look fantastic in anyone’s collection.
While you might not know his name, you almost certainly have seen his work. With celebrities like Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, Katy Perry, and so many more having adorned his work, Disco Daddy has achieved something most designers and artists can only dream of. Starting as a backup dancer and choreographer, he turned his passion for everything that sparkles into gold, with fashion folks lining up when they need something that truly shines.
A Disco Landmark Gets Its Due
Stepping out of the elevator on the second floor, you could hear the disco emanating from the lounge. I was half expecting to walk into a room full of people dancing and getting down, but instead I found a group of folks, both entertained and deeply invested in the film playing on the back wall.
An eclectic mix made up those who traveled in to see the special airing of Studio One Forever, a documentary about the legendary West Hollywood gay nightclub that changed and molded the queer scene in Los Angeles and influenced the world.
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The documentary takes you on a journey from the good times to the great times, albeit through some very dark times. As someone unfamiliar with the space, I found it eye-opening to get a glimpse of what that atmosphere really felt like from the people who were there.
From interviews with icons of the scene like Bruce Vilanch and Chita Rivera, you get a feel for both the spirit and the energy that location held, and from Lance Bass about what a location like this means to history. It wasn’t the uprising of Stonewall, or the visibility of The Castro; it was the next evolution and more of a celebration, and for that, it has earned its place in history. Find it streaming on Amazon.
Where the Gallery Meets the Lounge
Not to say I am always high, but when Art Curator Katie Brightside laid out the company’s vision for how artists and the dispensary are ultimately in a unique collaborative space, it kind of blew my mind. The Artist Tree, a space where art can be transformative while you shop, not only for the goodies that can be found but also for the art that moves you.
This space allows artists to showcase their work for patrons walking in and out of the shop, and the pieces are not only for show but also for sale. All sales are direct with artists, allowing them to receive 100 percent of the commission, something galleries cannot even come close to. Given the amount of traffic the stores receive, the name not only makes sense but also makes a difference.
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Lounges are a bit hit-or-miss for me here in California. Oftentimes, they are overclad and over-stylized into something that looks more like a fantasy set piece than a place I want to actually go and hang out with some friends. The lounge at The Artist Tree in Weho is not that; it’s a vibe where you can actually come smoke and chill without the pretense of over-engineered normalcy. With an outdoor space off to the side, the indoor space is anchored with a bookcase wall that leads you to the bar.
That leads me to a second issue I have with lounges, generally speaking. The drinks, medicated or not medicated, are just plain bad. Not so with The Artist Tree, which has crafted a sophisticated mocktail program that rivals high-end cocktail bars all over the city. It could be that the Art Curator is also a powerhouse in the world of cocktails, having written a couple of books on the topic, and that the staff executes those visions into reality.
The medicated drinks are delivered as mocktails, and a 10mg dose of liquid THC syrup is provided for medicating your own drink. This often creates an overly sweet drink, but that was reigned in here, creating the perfect medicated mocktail experience.
Pride Party Provisions
When the documentary ended, and people began to mill about, Henry’s Originals was already setting up and handing out coupons for Tangerine Dream joints at the bar. While still a machine-rolled cone, the packaging and the sungrown flower are top-notch.
At the Wyld table, I was able to try the new Prickly Pear gummy flavor, which is wildly delicious, no pun intended. Uncle Arnies brought out the slushie machine, so when the disco got you hot, they had you covered. Jetty brought a bountiful display of delicious snacks, including danishes, turnovers, and croquettes, along with their mini tank vapes. Beyond that, a full charcuterie and cheese board was put out, including a personal favorite, Humboldt Fog blue cheese.
Unapologetically Real
Some things are worth celebrating, like events, parties, brands, or art. But what is truly worth celebrating is yourself, and being who you are, regardless of what society tries to put on you. Happiness and love are something everyone deserves, along with feeling comfortable with who they are.
I believe cannabis has truly helped me with this throughout my life, and I know it has for many others as well, so I appreciate that The Artist Tree is no slouch in paying it forward through art, history, and education. In the words of singer, songwriter, and legend Sylvester – You make me feel mighty real.
*This article was submitted by an unpaid guest contributor. The opinions or statements within do not necessarily reflect those of GreenState or HNP. The author is solely responsible for the content.