RackedWire: Montana Ave. Back In Business; Art For Obama Now Available

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SANTA MONICA— In light of the current economic situation, it's always surprising when we see or hear bout new stores opening, but that's exactly what's happening on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, 15 commercial leases have been signed after having lost a total of 30 earlier this year. Stores likeRachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture are apparently able to move into vacant spaces on the street as a result of decreased rent. [SMDP]

YOUR COMPUTER— Local artist Shepard Fairey and Evolutionary Media Group maven Jennifer Gross teamed up to edit ART FOR OBAMA: Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change, released today both in stores and online. The collection of political collages, paintings, photo composites, prints and computer-generated pieces includes Fairey's iconic Hope portrait, as well as other recognizable works dedicated to the 44th President of the United States. [RackedWire]