Gary Baseman is returning to his hometown for a new exhibition and “happening” titled “Off the Menu: Dining and Drawing in LA.” The event opens May 8, 2026, at Johnie’s Coffee Shop, located at 6101 Wilshire Boulevard.
The Art of the Action Drawing
The exhibition features more than 40 original drawings created by Baseman directly on the menus of beloved Los Angeles restaurants. These works were produced while the artist was dining, a practice he refers to as “action drawings.”
This discipline requires full engagement with the food, the fellow diners, and the moment, with each piece completed before the meal ends. The resulting body of work is intended to transform the everyday ritual of eating into a creative engagement.
A Love Letter to Los Angeles
Baseman describes the collection as a love letter to Los Angeles and the iconic restaurants that define it. The works capture meals with friends and family through his “Dream Reality” lens, blending mythical creatures with real-life characters from the past and present.
The featured menus come from a variety of establishments, including classics such as Canter’s, Genghis Cohen, and Musso & Frank, as well as contemporary spots like Max & Helen’s, 1 Little Fish, and Jon & Vinny’s.
Venue and Community Integration
The exhibition is hosted at Johnie’s Coffee Shop, a venue Baseman describes as a “Googie building.” He noted that “art exists everywhere” and emphasized that decent aesthetics and design impact how a person experiences a place.
The opening coincides with celebrations for the Metro D Line Wilshire/Fairfax station. The exhibition will remain open through June 14, 2026, with regular hours running Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m., starting May 9.
Programming and Special Offerings
The event will include workshops and talks covering Los Angeles history and culture, as well as design, architecture, food, and art. Due to the intimate scale of the venue, some programs may require reservations via eventbrite.com.
Available items for purchase include original artworks and limited edition merchandise made in Los Angeles. This includes a full-color exhibition catalogue featuring an essay by Los Angeles cultural historian Jim Heimann and an exclusive letterpress poster produced by Aardvark Press.
Further details may be released through garybaseman.com, johniescoffeeshop.com, or the artist’s social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the exhibition located?
The exhibition is held at Johnie’s Coffee Shop, 6101 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.
What is the cost of admission?
Admission is free and open to the public.
When does the exhibition end?
The show runs through June 14, 2026.
Which Los Angeles dining landmark do you believe best defines the city’s culture?
