When he's not crowd-sourcing musical theater or pursuing fruit tree – based civic activism, Austin Young is a brilliant portrait photographer, one whose special gift lives at the intersection of truth and Photoshop. After decades of practicing on clients and cohorts, friends and celebrities, he's got it down to an artful science – “it” being getting you comfortable enough to get campy, release your inner beauty and/or drag queen, and then unapologetically wield that touch-up pen like a magic wand. In a sense, the portraits are a collaboration in which Young filters his subjects through the perfecting lens of his unique, radiant aesthetic – yielding a Technicolor image of timeless glamour and ultra-modern graphic pop art that you can only hope they run on the news when the cops come looking for you. Definitely profile-pic material. In honor of the imminent inauguration of Chinatown's newest art emporium, the outsider art – centric Good Luck Gallery, Young makes himself available for Makeovers! – two days of performance art disguised as commissioned studio sessions. Would-be Dorian Grays need to make a reservation for a sitting at the elaborated price point of their choice, but walk-ins have a chance, too; check the gallery website for details. And for the camera-shy but curious, the gallery hosts a public reception Saturday night. The Good Luck Gallery, 945 Chung King Road, Chinatown; portrait sessions Sat., March 1, 3-10 p.m., and Sun., March 2, 2-6 p.m.; $100-$800 (RSVP required); reception, Sat., March 1, 7-11 p.m.; free. (323) 243-0658. thegoodluckgallery.com.

Sat., March 1; Sun., March 2, 2014
(Expired: 03/02/14)

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