For painter, muralist and paste-up queen Lydia Emily, making art might have been its own reward. The instinctively exuberant way she wills big, bold portraits and expressive narratives into her colorful, elegantly raw compositions would be compelling visually no matter what she was painting. But she's also got one hell of a political conscience, and frequently turns her art to the service of her most passionately embraced cause — the support and protection of the persecuted Tibetan people and the monks who champion them. Tonight's Karma Underground and KarmaBlast Charity Art Show and Auction features Emily and a diverse band of dedicated colleagues who together make up TKU, an arts-based charity that works tirelessly on behalf of this most spiritually intense of political actions. It's pretty hard to say no to saving these vibrant, peaceful people and their ancient cultural legacy, so the auction features some pretty big names lending their support. Come ready to buy work by dozens of like-minded artists, including Shepard Fairey, Cyrcle, Craola, Henry Rollins, Kiino Villand, Risk, Sage Vaughn, Allison Torneros, Van Arno and 7th Letter's Samir Arghandwall; latter also paints live during the party. Come for the art, stay for the blessings. Art Share LA, 801 E. Fourth Place, dwntwn.; Fri., Sept. 21, 7-10 p.m.; $10. thekarmaunderground.com.

Fri., Sept. 21, 7-10 p.m., 2012

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.