Observing L.A.'s art scene

Bloomberg critic Linda Yablonsky is the latest to fly in, praise Michael Govan and visit some galleries. Excerpt of her piece:

You just never know where genius may lurk. Chances are, however, that the next Matthew Barney or Damien Hirst is likely to turn up in Los Angeles. Good weather, affordable workspace, a thriving creative community and a palpable sense of promise make L.A. a favorite destination.

"That's kind of why I'm here,'' says Michael Govan, who left the Dia Art Foundation in New York last year to become director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Lacma). "That openness.''

During a recent visit, I found a rapidly expanding, sociable art scene whose variety and informality make a striking contrast with the competitive, fashion-driven and market- dominated art world of New York.

She says the opening of the Broad Contemporary at LACMA "will transform a dowdy public institution into a world-class destination."