Lars Ulrich with father Torben Ulrich at Gallery 30 South in January, 2020.
After five years of showcasing the works of contemporary artists, from emerging names to established international figures, Gallery 30 South has decided to close its curtain. April 29th will be the gallery’s last day in Pasadena.
Matt Kennedy and his wife Ai Honda Kennedy launched Gallery 30 South in Pasadena’s Green Street Village Landmark District in February 2017. The name is a nod to their location, 30 South Wilson Avenue. They have since been joined by a group of international artists and prominent guest curators from the Norton Simon, LACMA, and Bergamot Station.
According to Kennedy, the property on 30 South Wilson Avenue, where the gallery sits was sold by its owner last month. Kennedy said Gallery 30 South will soon move to Las Vegas, where he believes the cost of living and the cost of hosting exhibits will be more affordable.
In deciding to leave Pasadena, Kennedy explained that the high cost of rent in the city might impact his decisions on which artwork to showcase in the gallery.
Owner Matt Kennedy with Chuck D of Public Enemy at Gallery 30 South.
“I’ve prided myself on just showing what I really enjoy, who I really want to work with. I’ve never had to, since opening this space, make decisions about the commercial viability of the artwork and that’s not something that I’m really very interested in doing.”
In the meantime, while he is looking for a space for the Gallery 30 South, Kennedy’s exhibition plans will be held in different galleries in Las Vegas.
“I will be able to do the 10th anniversary of the world famous coaster show in Las Vegas. That will not be a problem.”
“I’m shooting to have a steady space by the end of the summer. And representing the artist whose work I’ve been championing for a very long time and focusing more on less soloists and still doing a couple of these kinds of massive, multi-artist shows.”
Currently, Gallery 30 South is showcasing the works of photographer Linda Aronow. Her exhibition, titled “A Brief History of Punk in Southern California ” would be the last exhibition at the Pasadena gallery.
Kennedy said that he is pleased that the last exhibition would be for Aronow, whom he considered a friend and “whose work is incredibly strong and whose work also clicks very well with a lot of people.”
“A really good assortment of people just came in to say hello to Linda and say goodbye to the gallery and pick up some of her extraordinary photography, which is incredibly affordable and incredibly iconic.”
Kennedy thanked the people of Pasadena for supporting the gallery for several years.
He said the public can come in and see the last exhibit and the artwork on sale in-person from Tuesday through Friday from 12:00-6:00 p.m. They can also purchase artwork online and it can be delivered to them or they can pick them up in person until April 29, according to Kennedy.
