Grounds Updates Underway at Art-A-Fair

April 21, 2008 – Laguna Beach, California – Improvements are now underway at the Art-A-Fair grounds in preparation for the summer season. One of the most exciting is the addition of an original mural, painted by first year AAF exhibitor Marie-Pierre Philippe Lohezic. Lohezic just completed painting the Venetian scene on a formerly blank wall and is also scheduled to add colorful graphics to the restroom doors.

Born in Paris and a newly naturalized U.S citizen, Marie-Pierre studied biochemistry at the University of Orsay. Her passion however, was always art, which she studied at the famed Ecole des Beaux-Arts, also in Paris. After she married, she and her husband moved to Asia where she had the opportunity to explore many countries including China, Vietnam, Korea, Burma, Indonesia and Thailand. Lohezic credits that unique experience as the profound influence over her sensitivity as well as her discovery of various art forms: Chinese brush painting, ceramics and porcelain painting. Marie-Pierre has since added new skills to her palette, including sculpture, bronze casting, and wood and stone carving. This versatility is actually her way of expressing her spontaneity. At the Art-A-Fair, she will be exhibiting her printmaking work and sculptures.

For the second year, the Laguna Canyon setting will be recreated as Palazzo Laguna. New for 2008 will be colorful flags flying from the roof and additional themed items in the front. They’re being added to the colorful Venetian-oriented elements that were seen from the road last year: large striped pillars, colorful panels announcing entertainment and workshops, and the new information and ticket booths.

Says Marketing Vice President Vicki Burkhard, “The feedback we received on our Venetian direction via comments to the artists and a visitor survey we conducted, was extremely positive. We’ll continue to add more Venetian décor each year to further enhance our guests’ total sensory experience, from the moment they approach the grounds.”

Another change is that, for the first time, Tivoli Too! will operate a snack bar separate from the restaurant, enabling patrons to more easily purchase beverages and snacks.

The Art-A-Fair opens June 27 and runs for 9 weeks (through Aug. 31).

Contacts: