Retail store The Academy, opened April 9th 2005 in Long Beach, California has quickly turned heads in the mere months of its existence. Located in the downtown artist district of Long Beach, an area which is rapidly growing in scope and will soon rival its artsy cousins to the north such as Silverlake and Echo Park.

The Academy offers a selection of reasonable priced vintage goods and new items carefully chosen from under the radar designers, often giving voice and visibility to an up-and-coming artistic community. One can find anything from a $10 key chain to a $22 Academy Tee or a $500 Jack Blue crocodile handbag.

The charming minimalist decor of The Academy, along with its forest wallpaper scene and mounted buck head, contributes to the entire environment of a shop built by artists, for artists.

So if you’re ever in the neighborhood on a Friday evening, be sure to stop by for some drinks and join other members of The Academy in friendly sparring–you might just walk out with more than good conversation!