Laguna Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/24/2018 -- Artist Shaun Thomas says he's breaking new ground with a novel concept in artistic home design. And just to make things official, the gallery owner hosted a grand opening party this summer, showcasing his trademark coastal-industrial fusion style. The artist greeted guests at the showroom on South Coast Highway on August 25th. Doors were open throughout the day, with the grand opening party starting at 6PM.

More than 200 art appreciators were treated to appetizers, music on the patio, and of course, exclusive art piece viewing, as well as a popular "wood wave" photo opportunity art wall.

Reception was overwhelmingly positive, with a number of visitors taking art pieces home at the end of the night. New Studio Reflects the Thomas Studios Philosophy "Thomas Studios brings a new approach to the traditional art gallery," Thomas noted when interviewed by reporters. "In a world of big-box sellers and repetition, we break out of the box and offer something really new. I strive to give each of my pieces visual 'movement' and 'balance' for your nature-inspired, yet contemporary home."

The artist grew up in Orange County, surfing and enjoying both modern amenities and the natural beauty of the coast. Today, he attributes his artistic inspiration to this lifestyle. Grand opening partygoers echoed the positive reviews Thomas has received so far for his work, calling the gallery "totally new," "an amazing experience" and "a completely different way of looking at art, décor, and the home."

Building the Showroom
Thomas said choosing the locale for the gallery was important. "We needed it to be accessible, attractive, and close to all the influences I use in my art," he said. With that in mind, Thomas chose downtown Laguna Beach. Nestled in the heart of a world-renowned shopping destination area, the new Thomas Studios is placed on the second floor with an ocean view. It's close to other Laguna Beach stops such as Skyloft, Wylands Gallery, The Deck, The Cliff restaurant, and Driftwood Kitchen. Thomas said it took two months to remodel the gallery to his desired vision. "I wanted something warm, welcoming, yet totally contemporary and fresh," he revealed. "I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Visitors walk in and immediately feel at home in a unique and new environment that they have probably never experienced before."

So what made you come up with this new approach to the Traditional Gallery?
"Shockingly the city did not want any more art galleries here in downtown Laguna. When applying for the location, rather than fighting it, I decided to take a look at what unique concept I could bring to the town. With the internet and home entertainment at your fingertips 24/7, things have changed a lot for businesses. When people do venture beyond their home, whether they know it or not, they are typically looking for a new or unique experience. Something that inspires them or moves them. Creating a new approach and experience to the traditional art gallery was a must. With the home showroom, we have created truly a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where customers get to view and appreciate the work in a much more natural and organic way. Being on the second floor, which at first seemed like a huge hurdle when opening a new business, is now one of the main reason why I feel this place has great long term potential. Guests who see the work from down below and commit to venture upstairs are definitely intrigued more than your typical lookyloo. We are then able to really give our attention to them with a much more intimate tour of the works. It's been a lot of fun and I look forward to changing up the showroom often to always give collectors and new guests a reason to come on back!"

Attendees Respond to First Look Inside the Studio
In order to help appreciators express their home style, Thomas has always focused on adding natural coastal touches. These include adding a variety of wood species, glass blown sculptures and stone to metal or other contemporary textures. "The result is a fusion that really works," Thomas said. "People are able to express what they love about both nature and the modern world." Visitors can get a taste of this unique style outside the studio, where the "wood wave wall" is set up for photos. Party attendees in August lined up to have their pictures taken in front of this uniquely Southern Californian piece. "The wood wave wall was extremely popular," Thomas said. "It's a fun way to be introduced to the Thomas Studios experience."

The inside of the gallery includes wood and metal art sculptures, custom furniture, and custom lighting pieces. The studio is already earning attention, with enthusiastic reviews both in-person and online. (TripAdvisor & Yelp Reviews)

Thomas Studio Featured Pieces: "The Thomas Collection".

Thomas suggested that new visitors ask about all of the following:

- Coastal-inspired wood wall sculptures (artist Shaun Thomas)
- Contemporary sculptures (artist Shaun Thomas)
- Wildlife wood, metal and stone sculptures (artist Casey Parlette)
- Contemporary and modern furniture pieces
- Contemporary and modern home lighting
- Glass-blown lighting and vessels created by local artisans

Services Provided by the Studio
- Thomas personally oversees the following services:
- Interior Design: Residential, Hospitality, Commercial & Corporate
- Art Consulting
- Art Installations
- Custom-Made Furniture

About Shaun Thomas
Artist Shaun Thomas grew up in South Orange County, CA amid a unique environment that was both ultra-contemporary and surf-culture natural. These dual inspirations are at the heart of Thomas' designs today for the home, which inspire coastal and nature motifs in a modern, fresh design.

Thomas Studios:
Address: 550 South Coast Hwy #5,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Hours: Thurs-Sunday 1pm-7pm
Website: ThomasStudiosLaguna.com
Email: info@ThomasStudiosLaguna.com
Phone: (949) 274-9023
Instagram: @ThomasStudiosLaguna
Instagram: @ShaunThomasArt