I hope that whatever led to the closing of Leica Gallery NY is not happening here in LA. You might think that one can never have too many cultural riches in the vicinity, but economics being what it is, perhaps there is a tipping point beyond which individual, smaller art venues are at greater risk (which is not to say that some large venues are not at risk, as well).
There was a wonderful expression, coined decades ago in the environmental movement:
Think globally, act locally. I make efforts to support smaller, local cultural venues. Although I know I can save money buying books from Amazon, whenever I can I patronize Book Soup, a wonderful nearby brick-and-mortar bookstore (with particularly large art and photography sections), or the used stacks at legendary Hennessey & Ingalls (which just moved to the downtown LA Art District). I also try to patronize Leica Store LA, both for books as well as the occasional accessory. Its not a matter of being profligate. Its a recognition that opening such establishments was a calculated risk on the part of the proprietors, and I want to act (when I can) in a way which says to them:
Thank you for taking the risk in my town, and know that you are appreciated. Jedorme: another advantage of the proximity of Leica Store LA and their programs, is that it gives me an opportunity to meet face-to-face with other local photographers and Leica enthusiasts. Currently their programs mostly run on Saturday mornings, so they conflict with an oil painting workshop I participate in, so I do not get to attend the Leica progams as often as I would like. So near, and yet so far....