It’s not surprising that Los Angeles has become a hot spot for photography in the West, given the film industry’s influence. But the photo l.a. art fair has brought thousands of collectors, galleries, and the curious to town each January for 21 years running—and has steadily nurtured the growing gallery scene in Southern California.

The event kicks off tomorrow evening with a gala benefit hosted by musician and photographer Moby that benefits the Wallis Annenberg Photography Department at LACMA. Tickets include cocktails, light refreshments, live music, and a preview of installations by more than fifty national and international galleries. Benefit tickets include a one-day pass to photo l.a., which runs through the weekend

In addition to the approximately 70 gallery booths, there are lectures by photographers, photo editors, and art consultants. Panel discussions and lectures cover the spectrum of collecting, conservation, publishing and more, with speakers including Stephen Cohen, Charlotte Dumas, David Fahey, Manfred Heiting, Weston Naef, Catherine Opie, Chris Pichler, Stephen Shore, James Welling, Colin Westerbeck, Tim B. Wride, and Lloyd Ziff, among many others.

Photo l.a., The 21^st Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Arts Exposition, runs from January 12-16^th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. $20 1-day pass, $30 3-day pass, Lectures and Seminars $10 and up; the Thursday opening benefit, $80, includes cocktails, light refreshments, and a one-day pass. Information. Photos: Sergio Luis Estevez, from LA Canvas.

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