By Sam Skopp
The annual Beverly Hills artSHOW returned to Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills this past weekend for the 44th year. More than 240 artists set up outdoor exhibitions throughout the park, with pieces ranging from traditional painting to jewelry, ceramics and more.
The artists on display came from a diverse set of backgrounds, with some exhibiting at the show regularly, and others for the very first time.
Painter Eul Hurley returned to the show for his 10th year in a row. As a Los Angeles local, he explained that the Beverly Hills artSHOW is a convenient venue, and that the show regularly exhibits a wide range of artists with an upscale presentation. His exhibit showcased his paintings done in a raw brush stroke style.
“They’re all of L.A. This time I decided to do more seascapes and rural scapes,” Hurley said.
Flora Cruells Benzal was exhibiting at the artSHOW for her second year. She explained that she’s been doing shows consistently for a year, and came back to this year’s event having had a great experience before.
Her sculptural works she displayed, which she calls ghost babies, are cylindrical ceramics with baby heads decorated in colorful patterns.
“My work is a bit unusual,” Benzal said. “It takes a specific customer and demographic for them.”
Photographer Laura Zazanis was not only exhibiting at the Beverly Hills artSHOW for the first time, but exhibiting her works at an art show in general for the first time ever, and traveled from Cleveland, Ohio to do so. Her works depict objects in water. The idea originated in finding comfort in her pool at home as a breast cancer survivor, and naturally experimenting with photography during the time she spent in the pool, eventually taking a photograph every day.
“I traveled 2,000 miles for my first art show,” Zazanis said. “I have a friend in Beverly Hills who’s aware of my art. She thought it would be a great opportunity.”
The theme for this year’s art show was “Flight,” with some of the featured artists showcasing works in response to this theme. The event also included food trucks and live painting demonstrations.
For more information about upcoming events in Beverly Hills, visit beverlyhills.org.
