which his website explains , “ originated in ancient temple friezes and marble sepulchers and is virtually nonexistent in galleries anywhere .”
Mack also creates drawings and paintings that appear almost three-dimensional . In 2007 , he purchased the original Hollywood sign , which had been in storage , and has been using the sign ’ s metal facing as a canvas on which he paints the likeness of famous actors and actresses such as John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe . Less than 1 % of these pieces remain available .
The gallery specializes in Mack ’ s artwork , and also stands out for its high relief artwork , Murano glass imported from Italy , crystal chandeliers from the Czech Republic , lifesize sculptures and unique selection of pop art plus pieces by up-and-coming artists . ( billmackgallery . com )
Gallery at The Villa An artist in Laguna Beach for more than 30 years , Suzanne Barber opened Gallery at The Villa in 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 .” ( galleryatthevillla . com )
Galerie Rue Toulouse Part of the French Art Network , a group that has opened four galleries in the United States , Galerie Rue Toulouse launched this year . It joins a lineup of two galleries in New Orleans , Louisiana , as well as a space up the California coastline in
2024 / 2025 37
Carmel-by-the-Sea .
Displaying pieces from artists around the globe , this space breathes new life into the local art scene , presenting styles and creators that may not be displayed in town otherwise . Some of the gallery ’ s resident artists include Georges Cabot , Revi Ferrer , Katerina Nevolina and more , all of whom continue to innovate , influence and inspire . ( frenchart . net )
Maker Fine Art Having replaced the former Avran Fine Art , this new space , which opened in the spring of 2024 , showcases original paintings , glass , sculpture works and multimedia from artists based in Laguna , California and worldwide . Passionate about art in general , the gallery aims to serve both artists and collectors , hanging only high-quality pieces on its interior walls .
A long list of artists are represented at the gallery , which is located along Coast Highway , providing a variety of styles that range from landscape and figurative art to abstract pieces . ( makerfineart . com )
CHRIS WORMALD
Folklore Studio