MIXED MEDIA
Booth A2

Eren Alptekin is a Newport Beach, CA based award-winning artist creating contemporary abstract paintings in mixed media. Over the years, Eren has developed a unique visual language that manifests itself throughout her textured large-scale paintings on canvas. Emphasizing spatial movement of light, and shape in space, juxtaposed with layers of luminous colors and textural applications, Eren creates dimensional abstract compositions that evoke grandeur and natural beauty of coastal and architectural environments as well as abstract figurative work. Her style and technique reflects thought-provoking expressions on both intellectual and emotional levels driven by imagination, experience, memory, and a curiosity to explore. Through her work, Eren strives to resonate with viewers, spark their imagination, and generate a joyful visual journey.

An internationally collected and published artist, Eren has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and juried art shows for more than twenty years in California.
Eren’s paintings have been displayed in private and public collections throughout the U.S. and abroad. Some of her most recent awards include Gold Award for favorite Artist in mixed media by Laguna Beach Vibe and 1st and 2nd place awards in mixed media at OCFA’s open art competitions in 2022.

Eren earned her MS degree in Architecture from Columbia University in New York City and holds BFA and MFA degrees majoring in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University. Similar to her architectural design work, Eren’s art has evolved over the years with her background always shining through.

Eren is a member of Los Angeles Art Association and Orange County Fine Arts and has been an exhibitor at Laguna Art-A-Fair since 2015. Currently, she is represented by several galleries in Laguna Beach and Los Angeles, CA.

erenalptekin.com

instagram.com/erenalptekin/

ACRYLIC PAINTING

Booth C26

I was born and raised in Germany and was formerly an art teacher, focusing primarily on textile and ceramic. After moving to Laguna Woods 10 years ago, I joined the Laguna Woods Art Association. Shortly after, I ventured into creating mixed-media art, with a passion for making colorful collages. Taking a class in acrylic painting, I discovered my love for abstract painting. At this point I mostly paint geometric shapes.
It fascinates me to play with colors and to always create new shapes. As an artist, I like the endless possibilities and constantly look for new ideas and inspiration. I strive to create art that is unique. Every project is a new challenge. The process of creating my artwork makes me very happy and my goal is to bring happiness and enjoyment to everyone who appreciates my work.

Email: evamaltmann@gmail.com

ACRYLIC RESINS • MIXED MEDIA
Booth A15

Workshop Instructor - Sign up Here

Born in the vibrant city of Tbilisi, the architectural pride and capital of Georgia, Janna Arutyunyan was born with a passion for art and a creative drive that coursed through her veins even at a very young age. Growing up surrounded with the beauty of nature, Janna found herself drawn to expressive outlets including art, poetry, and writing for her high school newspaper. This boundless imagination and hunger to expand her creative passion led Janna to pursue further education at a fashion academy that fueled her entrepreneurial spirit in starting a small business as a fashion designer in Georgia.

In 1990, Janna put her fashion dreams on hold in hopes of pursuing the “American Dream” and immigrated to the United States. Soon after, she continued her education and earned a degree in Management which allowed her to gain valuable knowledge of the American business landscape while maintaining an active role as a mother to her daughter and two sons, all of whom have inherited Janna’s creative genes and are talented artists in their own right.
With a passion for travel and cultural enrichment, Janna has continued to find herself inspired by the beautiful and bountiful shores of the Black Sea that raised her and the warm beaches of the Pacific Ocean and stunning landscapes of the southwest that welcomed her with open arms.

On April 28, 2018, Janna was invited by one of her dear friends and fellow artists, Liana Voskanyan, to an art showcase that featured acrylic fluid paintings. At 55 years young, Janna knew that she had found her calling and was invigorated and determined to pursue this newfound love in the technique of mixed media. She immediately began researching and educating herself in the field and, soon after, took her first steps in combining different techniques to create three-dimensional (3D) floral design paintings. Though happy with the fruits of her labor, the process itself proved to be quite time consuming and Janna often joked that she was an accidental artist who simply found the best art therapy as well as a test for her patience. Determined to continue with her creative outlet, Janna dedicated herself to mastering the ability to transfer multiple techniques to form beautiful compositions and just four months into her artistic rebirth, she was invited to curate her first solo art exhibition. With the support of her dedicated clientele, friends, and family, her passion turned into a vision that birthed what is now “Janna Passion Art.” One of the favorite art compositions sought after by her art enthusiast clientele has been Janna’s signature paintings from her “Iris Garden” series which was highlighted in her solo exhibit.

As an artist, Janna continues to challenge herself by researching new techniques such as the “blooming effect” and has pursued online studies under the tutelage of the talented Australian artist, Shelee Carruthers, while learning how to implement these techniques with a more Americanized medium that highlights her own vision and artistic distinction. As such, Janna does not believe in limiting herself and finds innovative methods to drive her artistic abilities including the utilization of household items such as craft sticks, pins, toothpicks, straws, yarn, water bottles, and paper towels to create unique works of art.

Within the past two years, Janna has entered her paintings to multiple art festivals and has been accepted by each jury including the Catalina Festival of Art, Calabasas Fine Arts Festival, and Laguna Art-A-Fair. She continues to participate in various art walks and fairs throughout the Southern California region and was recently a featured artist at the Mar Vista Music & Art Walk. Janna Passion Art has been displayed at Stay Gallery in Downey, CA and is currently on display at Catalina Art Gallery in Avalon, CA. In addition to her fervor for art, Janna also believes in giving back to the community and has donated artwork for multiple silent auctions with proceeds going to the Los Angeles County Public Housing Student Scholarship as well as the Catalina Art Association, a non-profit organization raising art scholarship funds for children.

Janna continues to expand her artistic horizons and finds inspiration in cultivating her artistic passion while sharing it with others so that it can provide them with the same feeling of joy that she experiences when creating each unique piece.

Welcome to the world of Janna Passion Art!

www.jannapassionart.com

www.instagram.com/jannapassionart

www.facebook.com/jannapassionart

MOSAIC

Booth C15

I started doing mosaics in 2014 when I retired and needed something to do. I love creating something beautiful that people like. I have concentrated on animal faces but have also done other subjects: landscapes, a Van Gogh, dragons, abstracts with rocks and more. I was in Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach for the first time in 2023 and am looking forward to the 2024 season. You can see my work on my web site: https://www.susanashbyarts.com and can email at susan.ashbyarts@gmail.com

http://susanashbyarts.com

Instagram: ashbyarts23

ACRYLIC PAINTING

BOOTH D4

Debbie Avoux-Davis “the Octopus Painter”, is an acrylic artist based out of Orange County, California. She grew up in the SF Bay Area. Upon graduation from the Academy of Art College in SF she moved to SoCal and started her mural painting business. During her 34 years as a muralist she also opened up her own art studio where she taught classes to kids and adults. All of this while continuing to create custom commissioned artwork for clients across the US. She has worked with individual collectors, designers, businesses and many celebrity clients.

But she is beyond excited to finally be creating her own series of paintings titled, “The Octo Collection”, where you’ll find an array of colorful octopus designs with a touch of whimsy.
She discovered her love for octopuses several years ago after watching the Netflix documentary, “My Octopus Teacher”. From there she was hooked.

What she found was that octopuses are very misunderstood creatures. They are loving and peaceful, playful and creative, clever and incredibly intelligent. They are masters at camouflaging themselves with the ability to change form and shape and change their colors, patterns and even the texture of their skin in an instant. According to Debbie, this is one of the things that makes them so much fun to paint. They take on so many different poses and shapes the possibilites for designs are endless.

“When I paint an octopus I see a character and I try to bring that out in my designs. I see a dancer, a karate master, a peaceful meditator, a sneaky spy, a cowboy, a meistro....I could go on and on and on.”

And for a fun little bonus when viewing Debbie’s artwork, she hides 3 hearts in every one of her designs because octopuses also have 3 hearts. Can you spot them?

Debbie now resides between Orange County and San Diego with her husband Christian, kids Reed and Brielle and their crazy French Bulldog named Poet with as many visits as possible to TX and CO to visit their two grown daughters Jayley and Maddie.

DebbieAvoux.com

Facebook: debbieavouxstudio

Instagram: debbieavouxstudio

LinkedIn: Debbie Avoux-Davis

RELIEF (REPUJADO)
Booth B30

Celebrating 27 Years at the Laguna Art-A-Fair (1998—2024)

This unique collection by Latin American Repujado artist, Miguel Borbolla, features a low-relief style sculpture that is rarely seen in the United States, and that many collectors consider a new form of art. Actually, repujado is a distinct bas-relief sculpture that has been around for many centuries and may still be found in parts of Europe and Latin America.

“Repujado” means “to give depth to”, and as an artist, Miguel Borbolla brings the beauty of his art to life by crafting extraordinary figures out of various metals such as tin, copper, and aluminum. Rather than carving external shapes from a desired medium and then creating castings from heavy molds, the repujado is individually crafted by hammering, pounding, or pressing desired motifs through a process that pushes the work out from the reverse side of the metals used.

The technique of repujado is derived from the French-rooted word that describes “repoussé” and dates back to pre-Christian times. For Miguel Borbolla, “The art of repujado is much more than just creating figures on a sheet of metal. With this art, you can express your feelings in the details of a landscape or in the features of a portrait, and bring them to life in each carving.”

Miguel Borbolla comes from Veracruz, Mexico where he learned the art of repujado as it has been passed down from family to family, and from generation to generation over many centuries. As a small child, Miguel’s earliest memories are of making figures such as animals, houses, and village scenes from clay found mostly in the dirt streets of Paso del Macho, a Mexican village just thirty miles west of the port of Veracruz. He often looked forward to trips throughout the countryside with his father, where the different styles of local artisans inspired him. Later, he studied repujado from his sister while drawing from the work of other Latin American artists.

According to Miguel Borbolla, “Every single detail of raising or sinking in the sheet of metal bears an important personal message. When I do my art, I feel that those innermost feelings of mine come out and are expressed on the metal as a part of my life. Actually, I feel that the most unreachable challenges of my life can be accomplished through the world of my art.”

www.miguelborbolla.com/

facebook.com/miguelborbollaartistaderepujado

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-borbolla-9297a420/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-borbolla-9297a420/

OILS

Booth D2

In the beginning my art career was very simple. I was twenty-one, new in the area, and had never been inside an art gallery. There happened to be one close to my work place, so my curious nature led me inside one day. As I was taking in all the amazing works of art, I noticed a sign that said “LESSONS” near the reception area. From that day on, a fire was lit inside me to create my own artwork.

Now, decades later, my heart still burns with desire to paint and have been sought after to do numerous commissions.

I have studied under Vern Skagg, fine artist from Canada, Marge Yaros, professional artist in Old Masters technique and William Galvez fine artist in still life.

Website: peggyabosh.com

DIGITAL
Booth A4

Dreams are easy to have, but complicated to live. Kt challenges herself to live her dreams by making art and helping others find their creative expression. She does this by teaching art and inspiring others through her own work. Her art marries many mediums, paralleling her journey with many diverse experiences personally and professionally.

Kt uses drawing, painting, photography & digital art. Her journey began at Art Center College of Design and continued as she received a BA in Fine Arts from UCLA and an MFA from California Institute of the Arts. Kt has also traveled the world extensively where she gained a deeper compassion and understanding of humanity. Kt’s art has been displayed annually at the Laguna Beach Art A Fair Festival for over 26 years. She encourages positive thinking by use of bright colors, freedom of brush strokes and themes. Her personal struggle with dyslexia has been the driving force to be a creative problem solver and artist. Kt’s confusion and comprehension reflect the layers of her unique understanding of life.

Kt’s work this year is about her journey of communication with words. The images will lead you down paths to discover your own unique meaning and conclusions based on your own perception and comprehension of letter and word organization.

Kt hopes her art provides peace and she invites you to Relax, Renew, Reflect and Follow Your Dreams while rediscovering yourself through her work!

Ktboyceart@yahoo.com
818 823-6007

WATERCOLOR • ACRYLIC
Booth D5

Kim was born in Hermosa Beach, Ca and currently resides in Dana Point, Ca, a beautiful seaside town that has inspired artists for decades. It is here that Kim continues her life long journey in the arts, brushes firmly grasped, paints shimmering in the coastal light. Kim grew up in a family of talented artists, each contributing their own vision to Kim’s expanding pallet of skills. Kim was hooked at a very early age. Drawing and painting became second nature. In high school she took every art class available and her success there prompted her to attend the most prestigious art college in the nation, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Once she hit the open market her newly honed graphic skills landed her smack center of the computer graphics boom of the mid 1980s.

Kim prospered in the Interactive media environment and by 1995 she opened her own Multimedia Interactive firm, creating everything from website applications, videos, to e-Learning modules. But always present in Kim’s work was her passion for the ability of art itself to help communicate complex concepts through well thought out, well-designed visuals, be it a video, website or an instructional module.. Her art-sense shines through all her commercial work.

After selling her company and moving to Orange County California, Kim returned to her family roots and once again picked up her brushes. With the trying, high-pressure days of commercial art behind her, she has focused on the more sublime aspects of art. With incredible deftness of hand Kim is able to capture the fleeting emotions of her subjects with the arduous demands of watercolor and acrylics, be they humans or animals. 

Kim’s inquisitive eye seeks out and captures a wistful moment receiving First Communion, or the most gleeful glance of a jumping Dachshund.

And international associations and galleries have taken notice. Her International Award Winning Art was featured in North Light Books’ hardbound showcase of the best of the Best in Contemporary Acrylic- AcrylicWorks 5. She has shown in The LagunaArt Gallery - Artist Studio, in Laguna Beach, Ca, Las Laguna Gallery,- Laguna Art A Fair and The Brandon Gallery. and she a member of the Dana Point Art Association.

ideaforu.com

JEWELRY

Booth C4

Adriana Brown started experimenting with silver art in Mexico at the age of 12 and fell in love with it. Inspired and instructed by her family, she became an artist. Her designs reflect her interpretation of the world around her. Finding beauty in geometric shapes and contrasting finishes with a minimalist, modern, and classic style. Adriana loves to make earrings the most because they are less time consuming and allow her to make more designs. She fell in love with Laguna Beach for its art influence.

Website: http://adridreams.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/adridreamsjewelry

WATERCOLOR • INK PRINTMAKING
Booth B32

I work in a variety of media, including printmaking and painting—drawing my inspiration from the natural world. I enjoy creating intimate portraits of wildlife, sealife and wilderness. My art is focused on the individuality of animals; the relationships with animals and the world they inhabit; and the concert that is a natural landscape. I also create small monochrome animal prints which feature such universal themes as alienation, acceptance, inequality, envy and love. These images are frequently drawn through a filter of the absurd.

www.cbuhlerart.com

Instagram: @cb.artspot

PHOTOGRAPHY
Booth D21

In his photography, Mike’s aim is to capture and share with others the tremendously exhilarating, yet calming impact he experiences when he discovers the “right” scene. He finds “right” to be often indefinable. Sometimes it is a magical quality of light on what would otherwise be an ordinary subject. Other times it is the dynamics of the composition, a breathtaking display of nature, the beauty found in some of mankind’s creations - or some combination of these. Sometimes it is just “right”. In many cases the image is clearly evident at the moment. In many other cases, he knows he will have to wait or revisit the scene later for better lighting or more interesting weather conditions. Whatever the case, the image is there - just waiting to be appreciated and captured.

He and his wife, Pat, travel to many areas of the United States and other countries in their photographic quests. They find the combination of photography and exploration of new places make any vacation or road trip doubly enjoyable. His image catalog features many locations including California, a host of national parks, the Southwest, New England, the Northwest, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Iceland, Canada, China and the tiny Indian Ocean atoll of Diego Garcia. “Old stuff” continually intrigues him - vintage cars and aircraft, doors, old buildings always beckon.

In a “previous life”, Mike was a Navy pilot, test pilot and Intelligence Officer. He also spent 24 years in aerospace industry advanced projects.

www.cahillphoto.com

MIXED MEDIA • WATERCOLOR
Booth B3

Workshop Instructor - sign up here

Agnes is a brilliant artist who began her art career in her fifties. Her preferred medium is watercolor and collage and the subject matter centers around her diverse world travels. She first became interested in the arts while serving in the Foreign Service of the US State Department in the late 1950's. Stationed in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and to pass the time, she subscribed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's twenty-four month portfolio course in Art History. While with the Foreign Service she also had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe; these travels left a lasting impression and continue to influence her work today.

After returning to the United States, she resumed her education at Temple University, where she studied Art History, Art Appreciation and Design Esthetics. After which she continued her art exploration at Southwestern Junior College where she dabbled in ceramics. At Saddleback College she pursued printmaking and at UCI, where she took several drawing classes. She also studied with a number of famed artists like Roger Armstrong, Robert E. Wood, Frank Webb, Charles Reid and Christopher Schink. These workshops and experiences were vital to her growing art career.

"My favorite paintings are scenes of life expressed with a whimsical view. Creating my own interpretation rather than being slavishly adherent to reality is my challenge. The physical challenges of an aging body that does not want to stand up at an easel have led me to my current body of work which is paper collage on canvas with acrylic inks and acrylic paints. I love collecting the art papers and learning about them. Many of the papers are from Japan, Thailand and India. The papers are made from many different plant fibers and use many different methods of print decoration. The collage media is very dependent upon strong composition, design, texture and color. I thoroughly enjoy this process."

OIL
Booth C8

Art critics say:

“Step into a world where sunlight kisses fur and feathers, where eyes whisper secrets of the wild. This is the haven Laura Curtin Ross creates on canvas, a realm where realism and magic dance in perfect harmony. Each brushstroke is a love letter to nature, capturing not just the form of an animal, but its soul. Gaze into one of her paintings and you might swear you saw a flicker of movement, a bird taking flight in the blink of an eye.

Laura’s journey as an artist began in the quiet communion with nature. Primarily self-taught in wildlife painting, over the past 38 years she honed her skills by observing, absorbing, and translating the whispers of the wild onto canvas. Her paintings become portals, inviting you to trek alongside mountain lions bathed in moonlight, to giggle with an elephant family welcoming a pink-hued miracle.

But Laura’s art is more than just beauty. It’s a story whispered in rustling leaves, a lullaby sung by wind through pines. Each detail, from the glint in an eagle’s eye to the delicate moss on a rock, speaks of a world teeming with life, a world worth cherishing and protecting.

This passion fuels Laura’s dedication to wildlife conservation. A portion of her proceeds finds its way to sanctuaries like Herd Elephant Orphanage and Forever Wild, nurturing creatures who have lost their way home. She actively supports Breast Cancer Awareness groups, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the canvas.

Laura’s art is not just a visual feast; it’s an invitation to step into a world where nature reigns supreme, a world where every breath is a reminder of the magic that surrounds us. So come, take a closer look, and let Laura’s brushstrokes guide you on a journey to the soul of the wild.”

lcurtin.com

facebook.com/lauracurtinwildlifeart

instagram.com/lauracurtinart/

PHOTOGRAPHY

Booth B18

Each of us sees our environment through a unique pair of eyes that filter and interpret our impressions of the world, guided by a lifetime of experience and emotion. As a software engineer for most of my career, this simple truth was sadly hidden from me. Only with the advent (and affordability) of digital photography did my deep-seated need to create and share these impressions make itself known.

When others view the images we make, they see more than a flower, a face or a mountain top. They see how life has painted and shaped us, how it has altered our thoughts and emotions, how it has established our dreams and fears, how it has set our goals and regrets, for good or ill.

What you see in this collection will give you a glimpse of the world through my eyes. I hope you’ll find something of value, that you’ll be inspired, uplifted, challenged or at least changed in some way and that, perhaps, you may find a work of art that deserves a place in your home or place of business.

More than anything else, I trust that you will take inspiration here, using whatever medium best suits you -- the visual arts, music, physical creations, science and technology, the written or spoken word -- to go and inspire others. Any means of expression is valid, so long as you say what you were created to say.

rddphoto.com

Facebook: rddphoto/photos

Instagram: rddphoto/

OIL

BOOTH A11

“My passion is combining color, texture, and dimension to create artwork that entrances you in a visual symphony.” John Michael

John Michael is a Southern California award-winning artist. He has a Master of Art degree in Education and has been a teacher, resource teacher, and administrator for over 30 years.

John Michael has been intrigued with art and design all of his life, and has had the privilege to study with acclaimed artists in an extensive variety of art mediums including printmaking, oil painting, mixed media, and ceramics. His work includes techniques such as monotypes, intaglio etchings, and collagraphs. John Michael is known for detailed enhancements to his original etchings in the tradition of renowned French artist, Edgar Degas.

John Michael’s artistic style is contemplative in that it evokes a sense of the spiritual and mystical qualities the human heart desires, seeks, and values. His work is investigative in that subtle elements of his art are discovered the longer one observes the piece.

John Michael’s artwork is truly a symphony of techniques combining Intaglio etching, a traditional method of printmaking with Monoprint printmaking and enhancing the resulting artwork with oils, acrylics, pastels, graphite, and Chine Colle.

artbyjohnmichael.com

Instagram: @johnmdickinson307

WOODWORK
Booth C10

I grew up in Northern California in a town called Chico. Let’s adjust the WABAC Machine..we are quickly on our way in no time at all to when I was introduced into the world of industrial arts, starting the eighth grade at Bidwell Junior High School. The classes that hooked me were wood shop, metal shop, mechanical drawing, and small gas engines.

During the first year of wood shop, we were only allowed to use hand tools. The instructors demonstrated the use of each and every tool as we all made the same project. The following year, power tools came into play and I made several small items including a black walnut coffee table for the house. At the end of the year my project was judged as the best, and I was awarded the Golden Hammer trophy.

Now on to Chico High School wood shop, and what an award-winning program it was. I’ll never forget our teacher, Mr. Holt. The man knew all the ins and outs of wood working.

Also on campus was a club called the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), now known as SkillsUSA. I joined this club and competed in the field of Carpentry. Of the three years going all the way to the State competition, I was the California State Champion Gold Medalist each year.

By my senior year, I had arrived. I was now the top dog in the wood shop building. But Mr. Holt put me in my place. The only B grade I received throughout my senior year was early in the semester and only in wood shop. I asked Mr. Holt, “Why? No one else can do what I can do.” Then he asked me, “But are you doing what you can do?” I’ll never forget those words. From then on I never settled for good. My work will always be the best! I didn’t send one project to the fair that year, I sent two. Still in use by my family, one is a reverse bow front black walnut china hutch, and the other is a grandmother clock which I gave to my Uncle Dave and Aunt Linda.

The hutch not only came back with a First Place ribbon, but also the Grand Award Best in Show of the Industrial Arts exhibit. Two months later we sent the hutch to the California State Fair. The judges wrote that it was flawless, and it appeared in the newspaper showing off its First Place award. Wow! another Gold Medal.

So where has my work been since then? Why haven’t you seen my custom wood work at any fairs or exhibitions? Well, let’s see.. After 6 Golden Hammer awards and 4 Gold Medals, the last one being from the California State Fair and Exposition, anything else would be like trading down.

But now after many years of construction and custom stair building, I’m back! Since 2012, I have been showing my work at the Laguna Art-A-Fair, Anaheim Art Crawl Experience (ACE), and Warehouse of Contemporary Art (WOCA).

I have spoken

As with all things, we come full circle through the Time Continuum..and the wood I now use is repurposed, scrap, fire, reused, it’s all “landfill-friendly.” Go Green!

This is the way!
Leonard Duarte

beyondtheboxww.com

facebook.com/ljdwoodworking

instagram.com/leonard.j.duarte/

PHOTOGRAPHY
Booth B17

I have been capturing images for more than 60 years. I have become proficient enough as a photographer and printer to consider myself an artist with my best images qualifying as an art form.

More than twenty years ago I switched from film to digital capture. The images are captured as a raw digital file, processed in Adobe Lightroom and/or Photoshop and printed on specially treated aluminum sheets using a professional quality ink jet printer. The change from film to digital has allowed me to better control all aspects of creating the final image. I photograph, process, print and prepare the final image for viewing.

This summer I am displaying some of my best selling images, printed on specially treated sheets of aluminum. I call these unique metal images - Alumages or “images printed on aluminum.” My Alumage prints will be on display at one of Southern California’s premier fine art shows, the Art-A-Fair of Laguna Beach during the months of July and August.

By controlling all of the steps necessary to create the final image, I am able to duplicate what my “mind’s eye” saw at the time of capture.

I trust that your “mind’s eye” will enjoy my images as well.

Thank you for visiting.

dmephotography.smugmug.com

DRAWING • OIL • WATERCOLOR
Booth B31

Workshop Instructor – sign up here

Natalia Eremeyeva-Duarte was born in the town of Nizhniy Tagil, Russia. Her artistic life began when she was a young girl. Her home city has a rich cultural history where she graduated from the School of Fine Arts where she learned drawings, paintings, sculpture and the history of art. The time she spent in this school was an invaluable creative experience.
She always knew her life would in some way be connected with art.

Graduated from the Ural Academy of Architecture and Arts, she studied not only architecture, but drawing and painting as well. The Academy gave her a broad knowledge base which helped her during her 19 years practice as an architect.

While Natalia studied at the architectural academy, she worked as an artist’s assistant for two seasons in the artistic-decorative department at the main Opera Theater in Ekaterinburg.
It was a great experience to meet new and creative people and to know the theatrical side of art.
As a student she had a chance to work as a mural artist creating wall paintings in kinder gardens.

Working as an architect for over 19 years in Syktyvkar (Russia), she was always interested in art. During her practice as an architect she always had time for drawing, most of them were just quick sketches or watercolors. But she has learned from her experience that only by practice can one’s drawings improve through intuition and a sense of proportion.

Natalia always used any chance to travel. Traveling to new places where she receives inspiration for her art work. She has been to many old cities in the east of Russia and also west of the Baltic States. Excursions through Europe where there are many old cities with architectural masterpieces. Like other artists, she takes inspiration from the world around her, either big or small.

Now living in California, she has found an ever- growing passion for her artwork. Every painting is a piece of her life, her history, her passion, her soul.

natalia-duarte.pixels.com/

facebook.com/nataliaeduartefineart

JEWELRY
Booth B29

Workshop Instructor - sign up here

I have always been interested in the arts and from a very early age made drawings for classmates and friends. In 9ths grade one of my paintings was chosen to hang in the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York.

After moving to California I helped a friend at the Los Angeles Gift Show in the Biltmore Hotel. I purchased a beautiful strand of Copal and other African beads and made necklaces for friends and family. A short time later I was admiring some Amber at a Kiosk and instead of picking one piece I ended up buying all the Amber and began my career in jewelry making.

Jewelry design came naturally to me, but I quickly became dissatisfied with purchased findings and chains so I took formal classes. My classes with Lynne Merchant in San Diego and Peter Solomon at his Precious Metals studio in Santa Monica were instrumental in allowing me to make the kind of jewelry that I designed..

My one of a kind jewelry sold from coast to coast in boutiques, gift and home shows and flourished until Covid quickly brought it to a halt. My jewelry was accepted for the 2022 Art-A-Fair show in Laguna beach and I found a welcoming home for jewelry.

WATERCOLOR • PASTELS
Booth B7

Debby grew up in Flushing, Michigan, and under the tutelage of her talented high school art teacher, Richard Wolfgang, she won a first-place award in a state-wide high school student art competition when she was in the 11th grade. After that came college, marriage, work and children and art fell by the wayside for more pressing life issues.
In the mid-2000s, Debby started classes at Los Angeles-based fine art school, Mission: Renaissance. Thanks to a comprehensive program developed by Larry Gluck, Debby’s art muse was rekindled. She has also taken classes with well-respected watercolorists, Stan Miller and Lian Zhen; and pastel artists, Mary Aslin and Brenda Boylan. Debby and her crossword-writer husband, Myles Mellor, live in Carlsbad, California. She is a member of the Pastel Society of America and the San Diego Watercolor Society.
Debby & Myles love to travel and many of her works are taken from her photographs taken in Europe.
Watercolors and pastels have become her passion, with her subject matter being interesting architecture, quaint villages, and flowers. Her recent success with oils has given her a new medium to express her love of beautiful things and places.
Laguna Art-A-Fair was Debby’s first juried art show in 2019, and since then, she also enjoys showing her works at weekend art festivals throughout southern California, including Artwalk Little Italy, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Artwalk Carlsbad, the San Diego Cat Fanciers Association and Fountain Hills Festival of Arts and Crafts in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

www.debbymellorart.com

facebook.com/debby.fleming

instagram.com/debbymellorart/

OIL
Booth B15

Artist Jeff Fleming uses finger painting to create exuberant works of art. Growing up in Southern California, Jeff was first introduced to finger painting in kindergarten. He painted through high school and college and won several art awards, including Best of Show in a city wide student competition. After graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising, he went to work as an art director. For the next 40 years, he created print, radio and television ads for a number of top agencies. ""After retiring in 2019, the clouds of stress and pressure cleared and allowed me to set my creative energy free,"" says Jeff. He began developing new techniques focused on the excitement and energy of painting. Today, he uses a variety of methods and tools, including finger painting wearing nitrile gloves, traditional paint brushes, bamboo shish kebab sticks, kite string, spray paint and splattering. While working, Jeff always listens to music, including Broadway musicals, 60’s Rock and rhythmic Hawaiian tunes.

Awards:

2022 Art-A-Fair Best of Show Runner-Up

2018— Orange County Fair: Visual Arts Staff Choice Award

Exhibitions:

2022 and 2023 Laguna Art-A-Fair

2024 (April 18 - May 16) John Wayne Airport

jeffflemingfineart.com

instagram.com/jeffflemingart/

MIXED MEDIA

Booth B11

"Victoria Foley has a background in textiles and texture art. Interpretation of nature inspired these innovative wall sculptures with mussel shells. Victoria’s keen eye for color variation and contrasting value is applied to a unique and labor intensive technique, bringing elements from the ocean into timeless one- of –a kind compositions of art.

A native of California, living by the coast, Victoria is constantly inspired to bring her imagination to life. Her work is held in collections across the country. Victoria Foley also exhibits at the Hugo Rivera Gallery and Winterfest on the Saw Dust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach."

Website:http://www.moxiesaint.etsy.com

Instagram:@saintmoxie

OIL PAINTING

Booth B33

Rene was raised in Brawley, CA a small town nestled in the Imperial County. As a self-taught realist artist, he discovered his love for art at an early age. Rene currently resides in Buena Park, CA. As this will be his first time exhibiting at Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair, he is excited to share his artistic vision with fellow art enthusiasts.

Rene focuses on producing captivating artwork that is heavily inspired by Native American culture, vibrant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Drawing inspiration from the profound connection between Native American traditions and the land. Rene creates stunning paintings that evoke the spirit of the wilderness and celebrate the intricate balance of nature, grace, and beauty.

Rene is a passionate artist whose work is deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of Native American culture and heritage. Though not of Indigenous decent, Rene’s extensive exploration of Native American practices, artistic expressions, and spirituality has been a significant driver in shaping his artistic endeavors. Inspired by the profound connection to nature, the spiritual significance of symbols, and the vibrant visual storytelling found within Native American art, Rene seeks to honor and celebrate these traditions through his own artistic expression.

With a keen eye for detail, Rene has a gift of capturing the individuality and emotions of each subject in his paintings. This attention to detail adds layers of complexity to his work. His ability to convey a range of emotions through his paintings is a testament to his artistry and sensitivity as a storyteller.

renegarciaart.com

OIL • MIXED MEDIA
Booth A19

Native Southern California artist Tim Genet originally painted large landscapes in oils with a pallet knife. Turning to plein air painting years back he painted not only his native California but took his paints traveling across the United States, to Europe, Central/ South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and the South Pacific. Currently along with his landscape paintings, Tim is working in oil and mixed media painting Expressive Figurative and abstract pieces. Working in two styles help to keep his work fresh as well as distinctive.

www.timothygenet.com

OIL PAINTING

Booth B23

Art to me is about time. Having spent a lifetime contemplating how I feel about what I see, makes me realize that these images are fleeting to say the least. Each step of creating a painting is a celebration as well as an examination of the subject along the way to completion. Taking time to examine something beautiful and yet fleeting is this artist’s attempt at passing forward my appreciation of moments that provide visual as well as visceral joy. My hope is to slow down time long enough for a viewer to notice the beauty that is around us. By examining the small things that we take for granted, I hope to capture and present them long enough to hold onto so they may be revisited again and again.

As I turn around and prepare to leave the party, my paintings are celebrations of the last things I’ve observed.”

_______________

Roger earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He continued studying at the Art Students League in New York City, studying painting with Jack Faragasso. He taught Drawing and Painting, Graphic Design, Animation and Photography at a high school in Santa Ana for over 20 years.

His commissioned portraits, still-lifes and abstract paintings hang in the homes and offices of patrons throughout the United States. Roger’s work has been shown in various galleries in the Los Angeles and Orange County and San Diego areas.

Roger is a member of the Saddleback Art League, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), and the California Art Club.

Website: http://www.rogergordonart.com

Instagram: @rogergordonista

MIXED MEDIA

Booth D17

David Greenhalgh is an award-winning Mixed Media Artist who creates in Southern California. Most of his creations are 3-dimensional mixed media pieces with a focus on mosaic elements. The Native Angelino often finds inspiration in unusual found objects and vintage or recycled discoveries. A graduate from UCLA with a focus n English Literature and a minor in Art History, most of David’s artistic training is self-taught. He is a seasoned regular chosen to participate in the Beverly Hills Art Show, which is one of his favorite events.

GreenPhoenixRelics.com

greenphoenixrelics

MIXED MEDIA • ACRYLIC

Booth D7

Workshop Instructor – sign up here

My process of creating art is a pathway to inner healing and connection to my soul at a profound level. I hope to share this sense of peace and serenity with you, as well as a deeper realization that you are a soul being. These acrylic and mixed media paintings bring a unique view that is both ethereal and whimsical. My intention is to offer you a sense of lightness by blending acrylic paint, textures, and designs in a manner that evokes the radiance of a spiritual realm. I’m a Southern California artist, and I’m inspired by the light, energy, and colors that are a part of the coastal beauty that surrounds me.

I am grateful for your appreciation of my artwork!

Website: http://www.audreygrider.com

Instagram: @audreygriderart

Facebook: audreygriderart

WATERCOLOR • OIL
Booth A17

I have enjoyed working with watercolor for many years. Just a few years ago I began adding oil paintings to my body of work. Each medium brings a freshness to my paintings. I believe that any ability I have is a wonderful gift of God. While mostly self-taught I continue to attend classes and demonstrations given by artists in Southern California. I am always looking for ways to bring more of that beauty to my paintings.

This summer will be my 31st year as an exhibitor in Art A Fair. I have been a member of the Saddleback Art League and am an award-winning participant in local art shows. My paintings of felines began when our first kitten showed up at our front door needing a hoe. My paintings reflect my love for cats and kittens. We have had many cats over time; most of which have been strays that just "show up". I enjoy doing pet portraits of all kinds for other pet lovers. I have been told that my landscapes are places that are peaceful and reflect the beauty of God’s wonderful creation. I like capturing the colors of nature and light filtering down in the scene. California offers so many beautiful locations to inspire artists.

pathaasartist.com

MIXED MEDIA • ACRYLIC PAINTING

Booth D13

Lifetime only professional artist - Art Graduate Pratt Institute NYC , multiple shows in NYC including Soho One Man Shows , ArtExpoNY, AffordableNY, after many years in Manhattan moved to Park City Area Utah - multiple Park City gallery shows, Kimball Arts Festival, Utah Arts Festival, won Best of Show Main St Ft Worth Arts Festival, 2nd place Beverly Hills Arts Festival, Art Basel Miami Satellite shows - Spotlight Award,

15 years at 3 month long Tent Show Scottsdale Az - Celebration of Fine Art ,many other galleries and Festivals - Current work is mixed media unique process on mirrors.

CaryHenrieCollection.com

Instagram: Cary.Henrie.Art

GLASS
Booth B21

Alice Hunter is a 28-year-old artist and clinical psychology student based in Orange County, California who works mainly in stained glass mosaics, but dabbles in photography, mixed-media, and ceramics. Being of Indigenous Californian, Spanish, and Celtic descent, Alice draws inspiration from her heritage as well as from her spirituality. Her interests are vast and although her mind is quickly hopping from one subject to the next, her work is primarily fantasy/magic-based and nature-driven, with a strong focus on mental health awareness and Pagan ideals.

alicehunterarts.com
instagram.com/alicehunterarts/

CERAMICS • GOURDS • MIXED MEDIA • JEWELRY
Booth D22

Workshop Instructor – sign up here

Merilou has been a practicing artist and teacher for over 40 years journeying through different materials, media, influences and forms. With each sojourn into a different media she has discovered new techniques that have made a mark on her work on the road to artistic creation. She utilizes different textures and materials which unite to create unique one of a kind pieces of jewelry. Merilou is a California credentialed art teacher with a B.A. as well as a doctorate degree and has been a practicing attorney in the State of California. She has been an exhibiting artist at the Art-a-Fair in Laguna Beach for the past thirteen years and is the recipient of numerous national and local awards for her intricate wire wrapping. She has been selected as an “Illustrious Artist” as well as winning numerous juried competitions. She has taught wire wrapping all over the western United States as well as on a Celebrity cruise ship in Alaska in 2013.

She currently works with dichroic glass which is cut, layered, fused, cold worked and fired in stunning color combinations. Natural gems and stones, fossils and pearls are intricately wire wrapped with 14K gold fill and/or sterling silver wire producing fine jewelry superbly crafted and filled with detail and drama.

meriloujenkins.com

facebook.com/merilou.jenkins

instagram.com/meriloujenkins/

JEWELRY

Booth B4

Born and raised just south of Boston, MA, Mike has been a lifelong artist of various mediums. Experimenting in early life with illustration, painting, and sculpture, he chose to major in Graphic Design/Illustration at University of Miami receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2006. While attending university, he was awarded with the Jose Bernardo Award in Ceramics for his figurative sculpture work.

In 2008 Mike relocated to Southern California where he has lived since, acting as Art Director for many startup companies helping them grow to multimillion dollar businesses. In 2013 he branched off to start his own studio specializing in custom hand drawn typography and illustration. Feeling the desire to work sculpturally with his hands again around 2018, Mike began wax carving jewelry on the side to create pieces that he couldn’t find elsewhere inspired by Native American and Egyptian culture.

Finding great fulfillment in creating art that can last thousands of years, he decided to make a full career transition into jewelry in late 2020. Learning the skills of hand fabrication, stone setting and overall bench training, Mike graduated top of his class at New Approach School for Jewelers in Arrington, TN, training under Blaine Lewis and Drew Hadley. While at New Approach he received direct training in the art of traditional hand push ornamental engraving under Master Engraver/Craftsman Jason Marchiafava. Combining his favorite art forms of illustration and jewelry making, Mike found his true calling when he began engraving and hasn’t looked back since. Focusing on timeless designs such a scrollwork and cultural themes, he has found his true bliss with custom fabricated jewelry hand engraving."

Website: http://www.emkel.com

Instagram: @emkeljewelry

MIXED MEDIA

Booth D11

I, Bongani Khumalo, started the making my wire artifacts at a tender age and i was inspired by my uncle who also was a wood carving artist.

I'm now the owner of Beads and Wire Connection company based in Cape Town where i also teach my skills.

beadsandwire.co.za

Facebook: Beadsandwireart

Instagram: Africancreationshop

WATERCOLOR • ACRYLIC PAINTING
Booth C18

EXHIBITION/SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITION
2021 Mars An Artistic Mission at CAC
2020 Welcome to California at CAC (California Art Club)
2020 Art and Nature at LAFFA (Laguna Plain Air Painters Association)
2020, 2021 ART THAT’S SMALL AT CITY HALL EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION at City hall of Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, CA)
2019 Art-A-Fair at AAF (Laguna Beach, CA)
2019 HILLCREST FESTIVAL OF ART at Hillcrest Congregational Church (La Habra Heights, CA)
2016,2017,2018,2019 FOXLADY ART EXHIBITION at Luben Gallery (Seoul, Korea)
INVITATION EXHIBITION at Dongduk Art Center (Seoul, Korea)
ALUMNI EXHIBITION at Chugye University of the Art (Seoul, Korea)
2015 FOXLADY ART EXHIBITION at Luben Gallery (Seoul, Korea)
ALUMNI EXHIBITION at Kembosung Art Center (Seoul, Korea)

CARRIER/AWARD
2003-Present M.H. Studio
1989-1997 Illustrator and Graphic Designer
2020 60th Annual Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts (Honorable Mention, Watercolor Category)
1987 Korea National Art Competition of College Student (Gold Prize/1st Award)

www.leeart.us

SCULPTURE - WIRE
Booth C3

I started my art journey when I was young and I never stopped. Im self taught. Born in 1961 Armenia, USSR, that time I got inspired by many artist, and there works my love was always sculpting, and I have found wire as my clay. I started very young, creating wire sculptures, but I never pursued until 20 Years ago. I can create almost anything out of wire, I can paint and draw as well. I love abstract because you can say a lot in it and I’m not going to stop creating new things so the whole world can see how art can be so beautiful in every shape and form.

instagram.com/karoscreations/

MIXED MEDIA
Booth B8

Yuri Kuznetsov is currently living in Orange County, CA. Born 1961 in Russia, graduated 1986 from the highly acclaimed and renowned Mukhina Art Academy in Saint Petersburg. From 1990 through 1998 Yuri toured Russia and Germany exhibiting his art with the “Guild of Beautiful, a group of young professional artists and poets from Sochi. In 1998 Yuri competed “People to People International Art Ambassador Program” As a winner of the competition, Yuri was invited to the United States to Northridge University in California. Since then, Yuri has been living in Orange County, CA continuing his colorful and whimsical paintings for patrons of his art. He uses acrylic and oil on canvas.

To look upon a painting by Yuri is to transcend the time, distance, and faith that separate us. When face to face with one of his works, the possible oneness of the world is painted clearly for you across his canvas in vibrant reds, yellows, blues and greens. And, for one brief moment, all the chaos that is our modern way of life slips away and you are smiling.

Yuri participated in around one hundred exhibitions in Sochi, Moscow, Germany, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Aspen, Telluride, Santa Fe. His works are in private collections throughout the world, including Sweden, Great Britain, Holland, Germany, Japan, France, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, USA and more.

Along with a Cove Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, Yuri’s works are on display in La playa Gallery, La Jolla, CA, Celebration Fine Are Gallery, San Diego, CA, CFA Gallery, La Jolla, CA, Santa Fe Experts, Santa Fe, NM. Yuri was accepted as a new artist for Art-A –Fair 2016, Laguna Beach, CA and a new member of Artbeat on Main Street Gallery, Vista, CA.

https://yuri-kuznetsov.com/

OILS
Booth C12

Workshop Instructor – sign up here

Olga’s family moved to California when she was in her early teens. After graduating from UCLA with a B.Sc. in mathematics/economics, she pursued a corporate career for about ten years. Art initially started as a hobby, but grew into a life calling, as Olga moved to Russia for several years and studied under the tutelage of an established artist. Over the years she developed her own unique style of oil painting and started exhibiting professionally.

In the summer of 2021 Olga returned to California, where she now lives with her family and creates her work. She was recently selected for a solo exhibition at the Encinitas City Hall from January to April 2023. Her work is also on display at the Escondido Distinction/Art Hatch gallery and at various local shows.

Olga’s vision is to create dreamlike images, involving use of symbolism, aimed at evoking memories and deep feelings. Her belief is that through introspection and deep emotions we become more humane towards each other and the world around us.

olga-lavrova.square.site

facebook.com/OlgaLavrovaArt

instagram.com/olga_lavrova_art/

OILS
Booth C9

Workshop Instructor – sign up here

In recent years, the visceral power of artworks of Post Impressionism and Fauvism has fascinated me. I have experimented with my plein air paintings, transforming impressionistic design into more expressionistic color rendering; I would like to liberate my aesthetic feeling be freer, more impulsive, and without limit, so instills a greater feel than intellect into the objects that I am painting.
My creative energy is centered around bold and complementary colors for the eye-catching effect. I hope this effort leads me to higher level, and more importantly ushers my audience in the past and future alike to a mutually understandable viewing experience through the paintings. I hope this evolution in my approach brings me closer to my audience, allowing them to see through my own eyes.

www.wleeatelier.com

instagram.com/walterleegallery/

SCULPTURE - GLASS • JEWELRY
Booth D19

Vicki Leon has been exhibiting at Laguna Art a Fair since 2015, where she won awards for Best Jeweler and Best Glass Artist on numerous occasions. Leon is an established California artist, who has been a dedicated, working artist for over 40 years. She has amassed a wealth of skills, developed original techniques, won numerous awards, created several large-scale public art installations and has several works of art in permanent museum collections. Growing up in San Francisco in the 1960’s, an early interest in physics, meta-physics and art led her to study sculpture, painting and glass with an emphasis on light at California State University at Chico, 1976-1979 and 1984-1988. A brief artist-in-residency in the physics department gave Leon the background to integrate the use of light’s pure color into her artworks. Leon has maintained her art studio in San Diego since 1991.

One of Leon’s greatest professional honors was collaborating with Judy Chicago, world famous for her feminist works of the 1970’s and one of the significant influences on Leon’s own work. In 1997 through 2003, several collaborative projects including limited editions, large sculptures and an architectural installation bring together the powerful visual statements of Judy Chicago with the compelling qualities of Leon’s glass art.

In 2012 Leon was awarded the Creative Catalyst Grant for Innovation, through the San Diego Foundation. She practiced a unique combination of hands-on skills, methods and processes including intricate sand-erosion carving, airbrush painting and scientific technology which produces a crystalline structure that has a distinctive, luminous glow. Leon’s innovative approach brings light’s pure beauty into the fine art context. She strives for the light, both physically and metaphorically.

In addition to glass and mixed media, Leon presents two lines of jewelry, Vicki Leon OriginalsTM, which is informed by the abstract and symbolic style of her years as a dedicated sculptor and Luminous Crystal CarvingsTM, which are hand-carved Swarovski crystals.

www.vickileonartist.com

GLASS
Booth C6

Lynleigh is passionate about the pure beauty of colored glass and enjoys using brilliant hues and tones of color in her sparkling woven glass sculptures. Her colored glass ribbons are hand-cut from large pieces of sheet glass and are woven with clear ribbons and stringers of colored and dichroic glass.

Her deep connection with glass began during a stained-glass class in college. She continued with her new stained-glass hobby until she took another glass class where she fell in love with kiln-formed glass. Twenty-five years later, Lynleigh's love affair with glass has morphed into her full-time profession and she declares that she is living her dream!

She has won several awards including first place in the nationwide Glass Craft Expo and third place at the Beverly Hills Art Show. Her unusual glass sculptures are shown in several southern California galleries and she is the glass instructor for the nonprofit Orange County Fine Arts association.

www.myglasscanvas.com

facebook.com/myglasscanvas

instagram.com/my_glass_canvas/