A Sense of Normalcy in Venice
Runners pose in front of the famous VENICE sign. Venice, CA 2020
As the Runstreet photographer, I had the pleasure of photographing a series of art-run tours around the U.S. The photos in this collection feature Runstreet’s first West Coast street art run, which took place around Los Angeles’s picturesque Venice neighborhood.
The Runstreet team traveled to Los Angeles in late-February 2020 for the Runstreet X Athleta Venice Art Run, sponsored by Athleta and Hotel Erwin. We flew to LA during the beginning stages of the Covid-19 outbreak in the U.S. Our team felt a sense of dread about boarding a five-hour flight, but we had a job to do, so we sucked it up and headed west.
Upon arrival in LA, the warm sunshine and blue skies put us at ease. We picked up a rental car, turned up Spotify and drove to Venice. The privacy of the car and personal space made us feel more secure in comparison to the wall-to-wall crush of people and public transportation centered lifestyle we’re accustomed to in New York. We also noted how carefree Angelenos seemed about coronavirus, which allowed us to relax a bit and enjoy ourselves.
Suite living room at the Hotel Erwin. Venice, CA 2020
Hotel Erwin
Accommodations were provided by Hotel Erwin, a four-star boutique property steps away from Venice Beach. The hip, retro-modern hotel is popular with fashionable beach-loving travelers.
I was booked into an extended-stay suite that was larger than most New York apartments. The suite featured mid-century style furnishings, beautiful art work, and colorful decor.
Guest bedroom at the Hotel Erwin. Venice, CA, 2020
The oversized living area housed a large sleeper sofa, wet bar, dining table, LG flat screen TV equipped with streaming and cable channels, and a balcony with ocean views. The separate bedroom featured a queen bed, ample storage, flat screen TV, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The bedroom walls were adorned with a striking black and white handprint wallpaper that perfectly contrasted with the orange pendant lamps.
View of Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean from my balcony. Venice, CA, 2020
Runstreet founder, Marnie Kunz, holds a post card at the Hotel Erwin. Venice, CA 2020
Hotel amenities and facilities included a busy rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic ocean views, in-room dining and two on-site restaurants. The hotel is steps away from the Venice Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the iconic VENICE sign, coffee shops, bars, and delicious eateries such as Teddy’s Red Tacos, Great White, and Egg Slut.
Group Shot at Venice Beach. Venice, CA 2020
Running and Art
The Venice Art Run was hosted and sponsored by Athleta. We connected with them through their Community Marketing Manager, Brianna Docimo, a former New Yorker we worked with for several years before she relocated to Los Angeles.
The run began and ended at The Waterfront Venice Beach, a popular boardwalk eatery with a colorful atmosphere. Event highlights included stops at the Venice Art Walls, the famous Venice Canals, murals along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and the iconic VENICE sign.
The group poses at the Venice Canals. Venice, CA 2020
Runners at the Runstreet X Athleta Venice Art Run. Venice, CA 2020
The Art Run attracted an eclectic crew of runners of various ages. The Angelenos welcomed Runstreet with open arms and invited us back to run with them again.
The Couple that Runs Together. Venice, CA 2020
Runstreet founder, Marnie Kunz, and runners outside The Waterfront Venice. Venice, CA 2020
A runner strikes a pose at the Venice Canals. Venice, CA 2020
Runners pose at the Venice Art Walls. Venice, CA 2020
Hotel Erwin Director of Sales and Marketing, Amy Ramskill (far right) and friends. Venice, CA 2020
Runstreet’s Marnie Kunz and Athleta Community Marketing Manager, Brianna Docimo. Venice, CA 2020
All heart. Venice, CA 2020
Runners gaze upon the Venice mural. Venice CA 2020
Skaters and the Crowd at Venice Skate Park. Venice, CA 2020
Around Venice Beach
During our free time, we took in the sites and sounds on the Venice Boardwalk. From the skate park, biking/running paths, and muscle beach, to buskers, acrobats, and bevy of restaurants, Venice Beach’s frenetic scene was teeming with energy.
Let it Flip. Venice, CA 2020
Basketball Courts, Venice Beach. Venice, CA 2020
The Venice Basketball Courts, which gained international fame in the film White Can’t Jump, are great for action photos. The scene around the Venice Skate Park is equally incredible. It reminded me of the chaotic atmosphere at the Cage in Greenwich Village, where the participants and onlookers are captivating.
Skaters and the Crowd. Venice Beach, CA 2020
Back to an Alternate Reality
We spent four glorious days enjoying the fun and sun in Los Angeles. On those warm, late-winter days, we lamented traveling back east to face the cold and gray, as well as the worsening news about the spread of COVID-19.
The time we spent in Venice feels like a dream. I can still smell the ocean air during our early morning scouting runs and vividly recall the late night stops at Whole Foods Market for munchies and snacks. Enjoying hugs and laughs with friends and strangers are what I miss most. But looking back at these photos, the smiling, mask-free faces are a good reminder that our alternate reality is temporary. We will travel, live freely, and enjoy group running, hugging strangers, and indoor dining once again.
