We all know a picture is worth a thousand words, and if you adorn your bare walls with just the right image, it might truly speak to you. You could find just the picture at Photo L.A., an international fine-art-photography exhibition and sale. Peruse the wares of 70 local, national and international galleries whose owners have traveled to Santa Monica to showcase and sell photos taken by some of the field's famous, as well as by those newly emerging forces. You don't have to purchase anything; you could simply learn a thing or two about creating your own masterpieces from photographers, photo editors and collectors who will lecture on the minutiae of picture-making. The weekend kicks off with an opening fundraiser, whose proceeds this year benefit LACMA's photography program. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica; Thurs.-Mon., Jan. 13-17, opening reception Thurs., Jan. 13, 6-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat., noon-8 p.m., Sun., noon-6 p.m. (310) 458-8551

Thu., Jan. 13; Fri., Jan. 14; Sat., Jan. 15; Sun., Jan. 16; Mon., Jan. 17, 2011

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