GRAFFITI SHOW AN ON-THE-WALL EXPERIENCE.

Byline: Sabrina Decker Staff Writer

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - At the underground art gallery California Artists for Humanity, creativity and expression have free rein, and the results - and talent - among the young artists shows.

The dark walls were covered at Saturday night's opening with graffiti art - ghoulish ogres and beatniks with bloodshot eyes, rotting teeth and curling, hairy tongues.

``It's a place where you can express yourself on the walls without getting into trouble,'' Juan Rocha, 15, of North Hollywood said of his hangout, situated in the heart of NoHo's art district.

For hip-hops, punks, breakers and ghouls - and all those cool enough to recognize them by name - the studio in short time has become something of a landmark.

``They're a bunch of kids who have nowhere to go after school. As long as they're producing artwork they can stay,'' gallery manager Carlos Vera said.

Vera, an occasional studio set design artist, opened the gallery two months ago after visiting an Artists for Humanity studio in Boston. The two studios are now affiliated.

Vera's gallery has become a magnet for all types of promising art students at North Hollywood High, and he tries to provide them with supplies and guidance.

``For us, we come here to stay out of trouble,'' said Edward Martinez, an 18-year-old senior at North Hollywood High. ``We take this to the street, we get pulled over by the cops. But we come here and do it and we can take pictures of it.''

Martinez is putting a portfolio together for art school. So is Alex Garcia, 21, of Pacoima.

``I see a lot of supplies you can't really afford up there you can use,'' Garcia said. ``Everyone here is really helpful.''

Even those who don't paint were impressed by Saturday's show - one in a monthly showcase and open house at the gallery - and completely unfazed by the security guards checking bags at the door.

``I think it's beautiful. These are my friends. They got skills,'' Gabriel Gonzales of San Fernando said.

``It's perfect. It's awesome. It's like the best thing for them,'' said Saleen Patterson. ``They can put their stuff in a gallery and get recognized.''

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Amanda Lafferre applies makeup under a watchful eye at a graffiti art show at California Artists for Humanity.

(2) Graffiti artists show their wares on the inside walls of a North Hollywood art gallery on Saturday.

(3) Graffiti artist Alex Garcia waits to answer questions Saturday as he stands in front of his ``Fantasy'' wall art at a show put on by California Artists for Humanity in North Hollywood.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News