STUDIO ARTS GALLERY IN LAGUNA BEACH –
MORE THAN ART ON THE WALL
Inside Studio Art interview series continues Sunday, March 29 at 4 p.m.
Laguna Beach, CA – When John and Rebecca Barber opened Studio Arts Gallery in 2007, they envisioned a gallery that was more than an art showroom – they wanted to create a multi-purposed space where artists were represented to the public as more than just a name on a wall.
Towards that end, master glass artist John installed a customized glass kiln that he uses to demonstrate his art. The Barbers created the “At the Table” series in which artists who create tableware are invited to design and install a complete dining environment. And, in late 2008, the gallery launched the Inside Studio Art series, which invites a guest artist to exhibit at the gallery and be interviewed á la Inside the Actors Studio in front of an audience of intrigued listeners.
“I’ve always loved Inside the Actors Studio – getting to know who the actor is and the reason why they do what they do. With Inside Studio Art, we’re bringing that concept to visual artists,” explained Rebecca Barber. “From our experiences with the public we know that there is a thirst to learn more about the work that you are looking at. Inside Studio Art lets the non-artist into the artist’s mind and creative process. It’s a great way to gain a deeper appreciation of the art on view at our gallery.”
Inside Studio Art is moderated by famed reporter Bill Harris, who is best known for his entertainment reporting on Entertainment Tonight and E! Entertainment Television as well as co-hosting At the Movies with Rex Reed. Bill’s expertise as an interviewer creates an intimate experience that invites the artist to relax and open up, much to the audience’s delight.
The bimonthly series opened with film maker/photographer Suzie Chauvel and fused glass artist Siân Poeschl. Next up on Sunday, March 29 is industrial and fine artist Aaron R. Thomas, whose work in acrylic has earned him international clients and commissions. Thomas works in a variety of media including 3-D sculpture in acrylic and metal as well as 2-D painted works.
As his work is very often commissioned, Thomas is used to working with individuals, corporations and designers on projects.
“[I am} excited to show my fine art, which is self-directed. It comes from the purity of my heart with no boundaries in my creativity,” Thomas shared.
Thomas’ exhibit at Studio Arts, which also features collaborator Anne Ewen, opens on Thursday, March 5 with a reception from 6 – 9 p.m. in conjunction with Laguna’s First Thursday Art Walk. The exhibit runs through April 2.
“We’ve had great attendance for our first two interviews,” added Barber. “People have said they’re really enjoyed learning the intimate details of the artists’ lives.”
The success of Inside Studio Art was acknowledged by the influential Laguna Beach Arts Alliance (LBaa). Barber was recently informed that the series was nominated for the “Best New Art Program” award as part of the award series that LBaa bestows to select arts organizations each spring.
Tickets to Inside Studio Art interview with Aaron R. Thomas on March 29 at 4 p.m. cost $15 and are available by calling 949-376-1619. Coffee and light refreshments, compliments of Sapphire Pantry, will be served.
The series continues on May 31 with master glass artist and gallery co-owner John Barber, followed by fused glass/mixed media artist Ron Dier on July 26. The 2009 series concludes with John Taylor, who creates found object ship sculptures, on September 30.
Studio Arts Gallery is located at 1200 South Coast Highway at Brooks Street in the New Pottery Place complex in Laguna Beach. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. –7p.m. seven days a week. For additional information, place visit www.StudioArtsLaguna.com or call 949-376-1619.
