FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 For more information, contact: Loretta Alvarado at (949) 494-1584 or email at retta@howoriginal.net

 © Puppy Love & Sex Kittens ©

From painted toilets to cuddly critters – it’s another original!

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA – March 15, 2004 – “Is your Valentine a cute, cuddly puppy, a fluffy, furry kitten, or something else entirely? Show us your favorite snuggle bunny, dirty rat, foxy chick, proud peacock, fuzzy bear, slippery eel, sneaky snake, busy beaver, creepy crawler, lounge lizard, hairy ape, or?  Well, you get the idea!” This was the question posed to artists by Loretta Alvarado, the owner of How Original! An Art Gallery in Laguna Beach.

This spring’s exhibit is a unique blend of fun, fanciful, and cute. Says Alvarado, “I recently lost my cat who had been with me for 17 years. I am doing this exhibit to honor his memory.” 

Those who have been to previous exhibits at How Original! know that this gallery and its owner have a quirky side. The 2002 ‘In the Toilet’ exhibit of artistically hand painted toilets certainly qualifies. And last summer’s painted plastic flamingos was another hit.

Beginning with an opening reception on Thursday, April 1 from six to nine in the evening, How Original! will have an exhibit of the artists’ interpretation of their favorite critter. And, not only is this exhibit fun to look at, but all the entries will be for sale!

Yes, you too can purchase your very own critter and help a worthy cause at the same time. A portion of the sales price of any of the exhibit pieces will go to help support the non-profit organizations ARF, the Animal Rescue Foundation of Dana Point (www.arfpets.org) and the Friends of San Clemente Animals (www.fosca.org).

This exhibit has entries from all over the country. From closer to home is a painting of a pink “Catilac” by Laguna Beach artist Colleen Corbett. And from hand of artist Tom Mital comes a beautiful dog portrait of “Mabel.”

More of the artists’ work may be viewed on the gallery’s web site at www.howoriginal.net.

The exhibit will run from April 1, 2004 to May 10, 2004.

How Original! An Art Gallery in Laguna Beach, 540 S. Coast Highway #105, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-1584 features a wide variety of fun and unique art and gift items.

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