Innovative Art Venue FACTORY WEST Opening in Los Angeles

Art studio, gallery and social club, FACTORY WEST, will be opening in West Hollywood at 7811 Santa Monica Blvd. The revolutionary new venue redefines the notion of creative space, reviving the spirit of pop art icon Andy Warhol's legendary New York City studio, the Factory. By day, the space will function as both a live studio and gallery for renowned contemporary street/pop artist and co-founder Louis Carreon; by night, FACTORY WEST will host exclusive events, private dinners and art parties with attendance via invite and membership only.

FACTORY WEST will also offer patrons and guests a selection of high-end cocktails compliments of Marquis Vodka in the Libertine Lounge - a space within the venue that encourages revelry while paying tribute to free thinkers and artists alike. "We are incredibly excited to be working with Marquis Vodka as The Libertine Lounge, our dedicated cocktail bar," says FACTORY WEST co-founder Chris Hemerlein of MDCI GROUP. The vision for the lounge flows directly from the ideas formed during the legendary events at Warhol's New York City studio.

The gallery will feature pieces by Louis Carreon, whose work is influenced by Jean-Michel Basquiat, "a disciple of Warhol's," says his manager. The project has been a long- time vision of the artist and Hemerlein is "thrilled to finally be bringing it to life." The co-founder adds, "Carreon's work and vision for this space not only embodies the very spirit of the original Factory but brings its legacy in a fresh and exciting direction."

As owner of the space, real estate developer and managing partner of Faring Capital - Jason Illoulian thought FACTORY WEST would thrive in the building's industrial space. "I am excited to add such a creative and diverse tenant to the neighborhood." Illoulian has been an integral part of the recent development of the area, serving as an active board member of the Avenues of Art and Design. "I feel it is crucial to be active in the community to understand the growth and urban fabric of a neighborhood." The developer previously served as a board member of the West Hollywood Project Advisory Committee and the West Hollywood Library Fund from 2009-2012.

The firm started as a small investment firm and in the last three years has developed three large-scale commercial and residential properties in West Hollywood, built a nation-wide tutoring company with 100 employees and 4,000 tutors, and invested in a patent portfolio containing social media and search intellectual properties.

FACTORY WEST will be the premiere social destination in Los Angeles for forward-thinking creators in the industries of art, music, fashion, entertainment and culture. The venue will be opening in West Hollywood this February at 7811 Santa Monica Blvd.