Tucked into the ever-evolving core of Downtown Los Angeles is a place that feels more like an alternate universe than an art gallery. Walk into The Hive, and you’re instantly pulled into a world where every inch is drenched in creativity—walls packed floor to ceiling with bold, bizarre, beautiful work. A vortex of art, performance, and raw creative energy. Behind it all? Artist, curator, and downtown legend: Nathan Cartwright.
Founded over 20 years ago, The Hive Gallery is the longest-running independent gallery in DTLA—and still one of the most active. With monthly exhibitions (opening every first Saturday), 40+ resident studio artists, and a global reach through its traveling shows, The Hive isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
But the journey wasn’t always polished walls and packed openings.
“We used to put on art shows in what now is considered the Arts District, but at the time was basically Skid Row,” Nathan recalls.
Living near a loading dock on Santa Fe between 7th and 8th is where it all began—just making art, curating shows, throwing live painting parties with over 100 artists showcasing.
Those underground beginnings gave Nathan momentum. He found a venue with a rooftop and decided to dive all in.
“I threw a big party on the rooftop of this building for the grand opening for the very first Art Walk.”
That grassroots event would eventually transform into what we now know as DTLA Art Night, where Nathan and his Hive are still going strong. His vision caught fire—writeups in newspapers, word-of-mouth buzz, and people calling it “the coolest thing happening downtown.” A friend tipped him off to an open space in the heart of downtown.
“I’m not a businessman, I’m more of an artist. But I decided to take the plunge and create a hive.”
And just like that, The Hive Gallery was born.
What makes The Hive unique isn’t just its longevity—it’s the creative ecosystem Nathan has built. With over 40 resident artists working in-house “They run their business out of the Hive, they sell their art directly, we don’t get involved in any of that.” Residencies typically last six months, but some artists have been there since the very beginning- over two decades.
But that’s not all. The Hive features 150–200 artists every month, making it a true hub for both emerging and established creators.
More recently, The Hive has expanded internationally. The Ultra Hive, a traveling exhibition, is now in its third year in Japan. “We travel around Japan and currently feature 130 artists from around the world.”
Nathan’s love of different cultures, religions, and art styles drew him to that part of the world—and he’s stayed connected to former artists globally, even helping some with visas. That level of connection has allowed The Hive to build real international movement. And it’s still growing, with upcoming residencies in Taiwan and shows in Oakland.
Nathan’s curatorial style is just as bold as his journey. “We’re not really the white walls abstract gallery,” he says.
“Art that is recognizable, weird, something off, something fun, funny, lowbrow, graffiti, tattoos. We’re art for the people.” Nathan explains.
With two decades under his belt as a gallery owner, Nathan hasn’t lost sight of what got him here. “Making art is my personal bliss.” No matter how many deadlines or duties, he always makes time to create.
This past May, The Hive Gallery celebrated 20 years with a custom Hive yearbook—featuring artists from day one all the way to today. The gallery has been voted Best Gallery, received a letter from the mayor, and been featured in countless articles. But none of that compares to the feeling of the anniversary celebration. “That was the coolest thing I’ve ever done. All my people were there.”
So what’s next for The Hive Gallery?
Coming up in September is a show called Body Artists. “It’s an opportunity for artists in the tattoo industry to show their art in a gallery.”
In October, the beloved Cute and Creepy show returns, spotlighting artists who lean into the charmingly macabre. And in November, Nathan—who is also a sculptor—will present the 17th annual Master Blasters show, featuring sculptures of all kinds.
On top of all this, he’ll continue hosting shows in Japan, Taiwan, and Oakland.
How does he manage it all? “I like playing games. With games, there’s always rules. I like learning about the rules and following them. You make mistakes and then you learn how to play better.” Nathan says.
As for the gallery itself?
“Goofy. Wild,” is how Nathan describes The Hive’s personality.
“The Hive is where the wild artists, the wizard artists, the people pushing their work, the artists that haven’t made it yet are.”
And of course, no visit to The Hive is complete without a greeting from the beloved Bacon—the gallery’s official mascot. If you’ve been lucky enough to meet him, you’ve seen the iconic dive he takes for a treat.
Maybe that’s the secret. The Hive isn’t just a gallery. It’s a living, breathing organism—built by artists, for artists, with one mission: Keep creating.
