In 2002, cutting-edge visual art forms like graffiti — and the artists who make it — were persona non grata in the conventional art world. Frustrated with the situation, renowned Los Angeles graffiti artist Man One decided to open his own art gallery. He called it — Crewest Gallery.
With a mission to provide cutting-edge artists a legitimate venue to exhibit and sell their work, Crewest was the first gallery in Los Angeles — and one of the first in the world — to legitimize graffiti as a contemporary art form.
Crewest Gallery featured emerging and established artists alike — Chaz Bojorquez, Cope2, Daim, Blek Le Rat, Logan Hicks, Os Gemeos, Retna, Mr. Cartoon, Vyal, Estevan Oriol, Eriberto Oriol, Saber, Overton Loyd, Syd Mead, Gusmano Cesaretti, Slick, DabsMyla, Patrick Martinez, Hex and Craola — to name a few.
Crewest Gallery made local and national news for it's ambitions. Innovative exhibitions became historic — such as the 2009 "From the Streets of Iran" featuring political artwork created by Iranian graffiti and street artists (none of whom could attend the show); and the Meeting of Styles in 2007, which brought together over 200 graffiti artists including the infamous CHAKA to paint a 10,0000 sq. ft. long mural along the LA River's Arroyo Seco Confluence.
Crewest Gallery and Man One were even honored for their service to the community by Los Angeles 9th District Councilwoman Jan Perry and the Los Angeles City Council in 2010. Yet, in December 2012, after ten years and over 100 exhibitions, Crewest Gallery's visionary founder declared "Mission Accomplished," and closed the beloved space located on Gallery Row at 110 Winston Street in downtown Los Angeles.
