Cool Stuff: Gallery1988's 'Saturday Night Live' Art Show

For going on 40 years, the phrase "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" has been a cornerstone of American pop culture. The phrase announces every single episode of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, which has been the breeding ground for such legendary comedians and actors as Jim Belushi, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell and so many others.

Week after week, some of the funniest people in the world create a live comedy show and broadcast it to millions. It's a hit-or-miss effort that has produced incredible highs, disappointing lows and everything in between. After almost 40 years though, the show has been so consistently influential, we tend to take its existence for granted.

When you think back on all the good memories it's hard not to get nostalgic. Wayne's World. The Land Shark. Coneheads. Celebrity Jeopardy. Stefon. The list goes on and on, which is why Gallery 1988 West, the newest location of Los Angeles' landmark pop culture art gallery, chose SNL as the subject of its latest exhibit.

After the jump, check out a small sample of the work in the show and find out more.

Here's a small sampling of art in the show. Mouse over each for the artist name and see the full show here.

The full exhibit is on display through April 20 at 7308 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. It'll be followed by an exhibit of Bad Robot (?!?!) art. Get more info at nineteeneightyeight.com.