Art Gallery and Dispensary Stands in Solidarity With Striking Union Members
By Keemia Zhang
The Artist Tree, an art gallery with various locations across Los Angeles, has offered a 25% off discount on all cannabis products for all members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA for the duration of their respective strikes.
“With art being at the core of The Artist Tree, this is a community they very much care about,” said a representative for the group, “to say nothing of how cannabis can be beneficial after a hard day of protesting to those who enjoy the plant.” The move follows other “community giveback initiatives” and support for artists displayed by the gallery in the past.
According to its website, The Artist Tree provides unique “immersive experiences” for “cannabis, community, and culture.” The company aims to provide a safe, innovative space to help de-stigmatize weed consumption stereotypes. The group also cites cannabis’ historical use by creatives as an inspiration and displays works and programs from a variety of local artists.
The store provides its customers with estimated 94 strains of cannabis alongside edibles, vapes, and topical ointments. Its flagship location includes a ground-floor dispensary, an art gallery, and a consumption lounge that doubles as an event space. The Artist Tree also has “budtenders” who tend to the plants and gives custom recommendations to interested consumers.
The art displayed for retail is sold without the gallery taking commission, maximizing benefit toward local artists. The WGA & SAG discounts are a push for solidarity with the entertainment industry workers, as ongoing disagreements with the AMPTP spurred artists to strike and production to halt citywide.
The Artist Tree has locations in Beverly Hills, WeHo, and Koreatown. Their Beverly Hills location at 8311 Beverly Blvd is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.
