Hollywood. The word has many meanings.

It’s a business. It’s a neighborhood. It’s an attitude. It’s a very big sign.

All these connotations — and many more — are the subject of a new exhibit at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. The gallery, located in (you got it) the heart of Hollywood, will be showing about 45 works by major contemporary artists, including, to name a few, Ross Bleckner, Andrea Zittel, Ingrid Calame, Konstantin Kakanias, Mark Licari, Larry Johnson, Sally Elesby, Monique Van Genderen, Robert Indiana, and Ed Ruscha. (Okay, not so few.) All inspired by the always intriguing, ever morphing theme of “Hollywood.”

See something you like? You may be in luck. The exhibit is actually a preview for LACE’s annual benefit auction, to take place at the end of the week. If the high-class art isn’t enough to draw you, perhaps the prospect of hobnobbing with high-class art farts, including chairman and contributing artist Viggo Mortensen, will. (Come on — would a Hollywood-themed art event be complete without him?) Afterwards, pick up a goody-filled gift bag, head down to Sixteen-Fifty for a martini, rub elbows (just elbows, please) with Viggo …

And reflect on how very very, Hollywood you are.

LACE, 6522 Hollywood Boulevard, between Wilcox and Schrader Avenues (323-957-1777).

Regular viewing hours: September 11 through 14, from noon to 6 p.m.
Auction: September 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; live auction begins at 8 p.m. For information regarding tickets and registration, proxy bids, auction catalog, or general auction inquiries, contact Julie Gaeta at 323-957-1777, extension 17.