Laguna Beach Magazine March/April 2023 | Page 20

UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS

ILLUSTRIOUS ILLUSTRATIONS

With images of colorful dragons , winged tigers and werewolves filling her paintings , April Solomon has become known for her artwork — a style that she calls classical fantasy . And now , the local resident and Laguna College of Art & Design graduate is being honored with a unique award : She was chosen as a winner in the international Illustrators of the Future contest , which was launched 40 years ago by L . Ron Hubbard following the success of his Writers of the Future contest . As part of the competition , in addition to a cash prize , Solomon will head to Los Angeles in April for a weeklong master class and award ceremony , and her artwork will be published in “ L . Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39 ,” an anthology set to be released in May . Last spring , when Solomon graduated from LCAD , she also won the 2022 Trustee Choice Award and her painting “ Sulfur Dragon ” was added to the school ’ s permanent collection . ( April Solomon : aprilsolomonart . com ) ( Illustrators of the Future contest : 323-466- 3310 ; writersofthefuture . com ) — A . R .
The “ Polymery ” installation by artist Taylor Dean Harrison
“ Treasure Horde ” by April Solomon ( pictured at top with “ Sulfur Dragon ”), who won the Illustrators of the Future contest
A temporary art installation by Taylor Dean Harrison titled “ Polymery ” is illuminating the night since it was installed in front of City Hall in mid-March , where it will be on view for around three months . ( taylordeanharrison . com )
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN ; APRIL SOLOMON ; TAYLOR DEAN HARRISON
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