The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has acquired three exceptional works by Festival artists Bruce Burr, Susan Hoehn and David Milton for its distinguished permanent art collection. These creations showcase outstanding craftsmanship and creativity while reflecting each artist’s distinctive style. They will complement the collection’s more than 1,000 historic two- and three-dimensional pieces, which collectively serve as a time capsule, preserving the evolution of the Southern California art scene and highlighting the Festival’s significant influence over the past century.
“We are very proud to congratulate Bruce, Susan and David on their selection for the Festival of Arts’ permanent collection,” said Christine Georgantas, Exhibition Director of the Festival of Arts. “Their artwork is a testament to the caliber and artistic talent on display at the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and we are delighted to add their pieces to the collection.”
The newly acquired pieces are “Let’s See About That” by Bruce Burr, “Library Entrance” by Susan Hoehn and “Hollywood & Vine” by David Milton.
Bruce Burr’s acrylic painting “Let’s See About That” is a celebration of individual empowerment. The figure’s pose with arms outstretched is both inviting and intimidating, while the wide-brimmed hat hides a hint of mischief in her eyes. The black dress from Christian Dior’s Spring/Summer 1949 collection has been stripped of its light-based sculpture to draw focus to the face and chest. The combination of haute couture with a demure model presents a contrast between darkness and light. Born in Texas and raised in Wyoming and Colorado, Burr developed an interest in art and cars at the same time. After completing his English degree and working as a fashion designer, Burr returned to art. His playful sense of humor comes through in pieces like “Goatzilla” and “See The USA” and subtly in other works in his print collection.
Susan Hoehn’s oil painting “Library Entrance” depicts the entrance to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden. Hoehn, who received a BA in art from the University of California, Berkeley, has long admired the Huntington Library and is fascinated by the lives of its historic residents. Her depiction of museum visitors juxtaposes current culture with historical masterpieces. Inspired by the fact that the Huntingtons’ children and grandchildren had to be announced by the butler upon entering the library, Hoehn juxtaposes this formality with the ease of modern access. Her paintings invite the viewer to experience the same joy she felt when capturing these scenes.
David Milton’s “Hollywood & Vine” is a realistic depiction of the iconic sign on Hollywood Boulevard. Using watercolor and pastel, Milton captures this famous location, once a celebrity hangout but since converted into lofts. Milton, a native New Yorker, specializes in restoring vintage architecture from the 1930s to the 1950s and often documents buildings lost to demolition. His skills in photography and watercolor allow him to preserve these disappearing American landmarks with remarkable depth of color and emotional intensity. Milton’s work is included in many corporate collections and has been exhibited in museums such as the Palm Springs Desert Museum and the Laguna Beach Art Museum.
These three artworks will complement the historic pieces in the permanent art collection, and each will have its own unique impact on the Southern California art world and the Festival of Arts. Together, they not only reflect the artists’ diverse perspectives, but also enrich the collection and strengthen its legacy as an important cultural archive.
For more information about the Festival of Arts and the permanent art collection, visit foapom.com/collection. You can also download the free Bloomberg Connects app at foapom.com/bloomberg-connects. The Festival’s collection is presented in thematic exhibitions at foaSOUTH and is loaned to museums and institutions for specific exhibitions.
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