Chocolate makes everything better. This is a simple fact of life. “Chocolate is one of the things that everybody loves,” explained Danilo Santos, founder of the Chocolate and Art Show. He adds that this affinity for chocolate is “greater than death”.” Chocolate is more than just the neon sign that attracts people to the Chocolate and Art Show. Sure, it draws a crowd that may not otherwise frequent an art exhibition, but it also contributes to the Chocolate and Art Show’s unique appeal.

As Santos says, “Chocolate is a great part,” there is a dessert table and chocolate fondue fountain, but the show is more than a candy buffet.  Since its inception in 2011, the Chocolate and Art Show has “brought the whole party.”

Santos emphasizes that he show itself is an experience, with the slogan—come and have a taste.  The Chocolate and Art Show gives patrons a sampling of art, live music, henna and body painting, as well as the aforementioned chocolates. There are usually four or five emerging bands featured each night as well as a DJ.

The Chocolate and Art Show provides a venue for upcoming artists to connect with each other and potential clients.  Yet, Santos does not host the show to make sales. He “Loves the art show…but does not see it as a huge money maker” and does not take commission on works sold.  Santos and the Chocolate and Art Show team simply aims to produce a great event, offer artists a chance to network, and allow people to experience art.

In keeping with the, self-described, “underground” spirit of the show, most artists do not have extensive exhibition lists. The Chocolate and Art Show, may even be their first public art experience. This is exactly what Santos has in mind. Artists can directly submit portfolios for review via the Chocolate and Art Show’s website. Santos says, “ninety percent of artists are allowed in the show, only ten percent are told ‘no’.”

He “[finds it] incredible how much talent these ‘underground’ artists have” and wants to “get the word out…before they go to the big leagues.”  The art is consistently impressive and constantly changing.  Although there are a few returning artists, the bulk of each show is new talent.

Santos believes bonds between artists, musicians, and art-lovers are vital and uses social media to help maintain the connections made at the Chocolate and Art Show. In fact, many of the artists find the Chocolate and Art Show through social media. Santos jokes that “the artists come to [him]” and cites Facebook as one of the show’s most effective means of communication.  In addition, art-lovers can connect through Twitter, Yelp, Instagram, and YouTube.  He highlights the Chocolate and Art Show’s YouTube channel and says one of his long-term goal is to produce an art magazine.

Despite this ambition, when Santos started the Chocolate and Art Show, he faced a tough recession-ridden economy and uncertainty about Los Angeles’ art community.  “Downtown used to be a dark place…not an appealing place to go for art,” Santos explains.  Yet, in a few short years, Santos “saw the transformation of downtown—it is now much better—there is a growing art community.” He mentions the Downtown Art Walk as an example and describes Los Angeles’ street art scene as “incredible.”

The Chocolate and Art Show started in Los Angeles and has clearly come a long way since its hesitant beginning in April 2011. It has expanded to include Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida.  Santos believes his persistence and optimism were crucial to the Chocolate and Art Show’s success. He acknowledges that his business sense helped keep the show running. Yet, Santos stresses that he does not view the Chocolate and Art Show as a commercial enterprise but as a “serious hobby.”  This passion is the motivation behind the Chocolate and Art Show, which helps, set it apart from other art events.

Santos alludes to the distinctiveness of the event and believes that the Chocolate and Art Show maintains a distinct “vibe” in each city. He adds that the atmosphere is difficult to pin down but that the show “deliver[s] a great experience…artists will be happy and buyers will be happy.”  This vibe, coupled with the free chocolates, make this a noteworthy event. The Chocolate and Art Show is sure to peak interest and appetite, go and have a taste.