GALLERY
AT THE VILLA
An artist in Laguna Beach for more than 30 years , Suzanne Barber opened Gallery at The Villa in July 2022 . She was the artist in residence at Montage Laguna Beach and taught art there for many years . She also represented 15 artists at a prominent Laguna gallery and has worked as a spa and wellness consultant , opening over 50 resort spas and teaching wellness classes including art therapy .
She had long wanted to open her own gallery , so when she noticed the pink building in north Laguna was available to lease , it seemed like the perfect spot .
“ I turned it into what I call my design space ,” Barber says . “ I love doing custom commissioned work , so it is my design showroom . It has furniture that I pick out and place . [ And ] I do different types of abstracts , like abstract florals and bright colors — big paintings mixed in with different mediums like stucco and concrete . It is a place I love going to .”
Having her own design gallery in Laguna is a dream come true for Barber . Her gallery , filled with her own works — created with acrylics , often using her hands or a palette knife — and furniture vignettes , evokes a feeling of entering a warm and inviting living room .
“ My intention is always to inspire and encourage viewers to thrive in their lives and be motivated by their living spaces ,” Barber says . “ I am open to displaying other artisans in the future , hence why I use the name Gallery at The Villa . But , for the moment , I want to focus on my art .” ( galleryatthevillla . com ) g
Suzanne Barber ( top left ), owner of Gallery at the Villa ( top right ) and her paintings , including ( bottom , from left ) “ Best Day Ever ” and “ Bella ”
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