Two L.A. art fairs opening this week

January is a big month for art fairs in L.A.: Both the LA Art Show and Art L.A. Contemporary take place this week. Why is January such an art fair magnet? Organizers say the weather helps attract out-of-town collectors . Here’s a cheat sheet on the two events.

The L.A. Art Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Focus: modern and contemporary, 19th century and historical, prints and vintage posters, all in their own section

Special project: “Letters From Los Angeles,” a group show curated by Jack Rutberg with text-based work by dozens of California artists, such as Ed Ruscha, Ed Kienholz, Lita Albuquerque and Alexandra Grant

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First out: Four “diamond dust” prints by Shepard Fairey (meaning diamond dust is applied to the surface of the screenprints) at Paul Stolper Gallery booth

Celebrity quotient: James Franco is guest of honor at the VIP reception from 7 to 8 p.m.

Opening-night party: Wednesday, 8-11 p.m., $125

Regular hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday 11-5 p.m.; $20 daily admission

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Art Los Angeles Contemporary at Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport

Focus: Of-the-moment works in all mediums

Special project: An installation by L.A. artist Jon Pylypchuk of cigarette-men sculptures holding picket signs will greet visitors at the door.

First out: Video screening of MOCAtv, its new YouTube channel, will feature the debut of Jim Shaw’s “The Hole and the Whole” on Thursday

Celebrity quotient: Regulars include Neil Patrick Harris and Rachel Griffiths

Opening-night party: Thursday, 7-9 p.m., $50

Regular hours: Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $20 daily admission

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