WHAT: The Hippodrome Transformed, an art competition inspired by the lures of old Main Street and Downtown LA
WHEN: Artists' designs accepted through 9/26; newly painted Hippodrome debuts 10/9 during downtown LA Art Walk
BASICS: Entries judged by historic LA bloggers of OnBunkerHill.org; Two winning artists each paint a side of the Hippodrome bus; Honorarium includes Esotouric bus tour tickets and gift certificates from popular downtown bars and restaurants
INFO: http://www.esotouric.com/transform, 323-223-2767

LOS ANGELES- The Downtown L.A. Art Walk, held every second Thursday year round, is one of the great success stories of the neighborhood's revival. Launched in 2004 by a small group of independent gallery owners in what was then the western edge of Skid Row, the event now draws upwards of 4000 people, and includes live music, a thriving bar and restaurant scene, book signings, and of course art exhibits.