Laleña Laurie Vann
Artist Painter – Contemporary Art – Resumé/CV
An American, she currently lives part-time in Collioure, Southern France and part-time in Santa Cruz, California, painting, writing and traveling.
2009, May: Exhibit of “veiled emotions - émotions voilées” paintings, Chez Grace, a Salon in Montmartre, Paris.
2004 – 2008: Created a new concept combining writing and painting, now entitled “veiled emotions - émotions voilées.” The finished paintings look like abstracts, with a rich surface texture. Each painting, in acrylic or oil, is composed of 12 – 20 layers of painted written words. The final effect looks like woven fabric, or a subtle matrix. Written in French, these colorful woven stories tell of her adventures, emotional and spiritual journeys.
2000 – 2004: Paintings with acrylics and then oils. Explored a variety of mixed media techniques, expressionism, abstract and “process” paintings, collage, pastels, both in California and Italy.
Exhibits in California included: Triton Museum of Art, San Jose; Plum Tree Gallery, Aptos; Walnut Avenue Gallery, Santa Cruz; Pajaro Valley Arts Council Gallery, Watsonville and the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County Open Studios - a juried exhibit.
During this time she worked part-time as an Exhibitions Curator for the Pajaro Valley Arts Council Gallery; Grants Director for the Cultural Council of SCC; and, as an independent Grants Writer for arts organizations, such as Santa Cruz Ballet Theater.
1989 – 1999: Painted and created costumes for dancers.
Exhibits in California included: Santa Cruz County Government Center, Walnut Avenue Gallery, Artisan’s Gallery, Gallery Vanessa, Soho Group Gallery, and CCSCC “Open Studios Tour.”
Her fantasy dance costumes were featured at “7th Sense,” an annual theatrical event showcasing artists' visionary creations in an avant-garde fashion show.
During this time, she worked part-time as a Curator of Exhibitions for the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, then as Director of the Santa Cruz Art League, a cultural center with a gallery, theater and an arts education program.
1978 – 1988: Designed, dyed and painted a line of women’s clothing and accessories presented through art festivals and contemporary artists events throughout California.
Awards: “Best clothing design of show” at San Jose Tapestry and Talent exhibit, and at the prestigious Contemporary Artists Market, Santa Monica, California.
Exhibits included Santa Cruz Museum of Art, Artisan’s Gallery, Chaminade Gallery, Center Street Gallery in Santa Cruz, as well as Palo Alto and Saratoga.
1979: Cooper House Gallery, 1st exhibit, Santa Cruz, large airbrushed paintings and art fashions.
Education: BA in Art from San Jose State University, California, and continuing studies privately.