They say that art bridges souls, and with the launch of Clara Berta Studio, a vibrant new chapter for Laguna Beach modern abstract art has officially begun. On Wednesday, May 20th, that bridge fully came to life.
The grand opening of Clara Berta Studio at 332 Forest Avenue, Suite #16, was a huge success—an emotional milestone that left my heart completely overflowing. As a female abstract artist, it was deeply moving to see my vision of a welcoming and inspiring creative space come to life. Opening a permanent art space in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach is a dream come true. To every guest who climbed the stairs and stepped into our sanctuary: thank you for bringing your beautiful light into the room.
“Walking into Clara’s studio felt less like attending an opening and more like stepping into a warm embrace. The space itself set the tone immediately — bright, sun-drenched, and alive with color, as though you were stepping into a sphere of pure light. Bold, joyful hues greeted your senses the moment you crossed the threshold, lifting your mood and wrapping you in an unmistakable sense of warmth. Candles glowed softly throughout, adding a coziness that made the brightness feel intimate rather than overwhelming, and cello music filled every corner, giving the air itself a kind of rhythm. But what made the evening truly unforgettable was the people. Everyone who gathered that night seemed to arrive with one shared intention: to show up fully for Clara and for each other. Guests wove their individual talents into the fabric of the evening without being asked: tasting food, pouring drinks, capturing moments through lenses, making introductions, and pulling strangers into conversations. There were genuine laughs, real curiosity, and a current of mutual support running through every exchange.” – Anya Kanifolska-Zabasky
A Sincere Vision for Modern Abstract Art in Laguna Beach
When I first saw Suite 16, I knew it was special. It wasn’t just a place to hang finished paintings. I envisioned a living, breathing sanctuary. I wanted a space where the creative process and the final piece could coexist.
In the world of modern abstract art, people usually only see the final product. It sits under cold gallery lighting. Because of this, we lose the grit, the motion, and the music of creation. We miss the quiet internal processing that goes into creating large-scale fluid acrylic works.
This studio breaks down that wall. It is a working studio first and foremost. The splatters on the drop cloths are part of the story. The jars of raw pigments and the massive custom tilt tables belong here, too. I wanted our grand opening to reflect that authenticity. I wanted our collectors, friends, and design partners to step into the exact space where the energy shifts. Here, the canvas moves from liquid to solid, and from chaos to calm.
Laguna Beach has a legendary history as an artist’s colony. Creatives have gathered here for over a century. They come to capture the unique, healing light of the Pacific coast. To establish my permanent creative home in this exact lineage is a proud honor. This space contributes directly to that legacy. It offers a fresh, contemporary take on how modern abstract art can serve as a conduit for wellness, peace, and architectural harmony.
A Multisensory Universe: Cello, Candles, and Café
I believe that viewing art should not be a purely visual exercise. True healing and emotional transformation happen when all of our senses align. If a space feels rushed or cold, the mind cannot slow down. It cannot truly “see” the depth within abstract layers. My work centers heavily on biophilic energy and fluid motion. Therefore, I spent weeks curating a multisensory atmosphere. I wanted our guests to drop into their hearts and experience the canvases with their entire being.
The atmosphere on opening night was purely magical. These intentional sensory touchpoints worked in perfect harmony:
1. A Symphony of Strings: Alex Sanchez
The musical heart of the evening belonged to our cellist, Alex Sanchez. His performance was absolutely moving. The choice of the cello was very deliberate. The cello produces deep, rich, resonant chords. These chords physically vibrate in your chest. The music from Alex’s cello reverberated through the open studio space. It perfectly mirrored the sweeping fluid movements of my large-scale canvases. Guests stood in front of the paintings, completely captivated. The music and the art seemed to breathe together. Alex played some truly amazing pieces that created pure peace in the room.
2. The Golden Light of Amuvida & Anya’s Floral Artistry
Lighting and natural texture are everything when viewing fluid acrylics. The evening light poured beautifully through our grand studio skylight. At the same time, the ambiance was elevated by the brilliant Anya. She shared her amazing, real-wax luxury LED candles from Amuvida. She also provided gorgeous flower arrangements.
These weren’t just ordinary decorations. The premium LED candles cast a soft, ethereal, and steady golden glow across the room. Anya’s striking floral designs brought a brilliant splash of organic life into the space. This curated light perfectly caught the hidden metallic gold, bronze, and copper veins in my newest paintings. The canvases appeared alive and shifting. It transformed the studio into a sacred, intimate, and perfectly lit sanctuary.
3. The Flavors of Paris on Forest Avenue
We wanted to offer food that felt like an art form. To do this, we brought a touch of European romance right to Forest Avenue. Our wonderful neighbors at Moulin Café provided exquisite catering. The beautiful French delicacies, artisan pastries, and savory bites added a sense of communal warmth. The incredible spread allowed guests to linger, sip fine wine, and connect deeply. It turned a standard art viewing into a true Parisian-style salon. Ideas were exchanged, and new friendships were forged over beautiful food.
Deep Gratitude to Rio Phior and Our Loving Community
An event of this magnitude only happens when the right energy aligns. It takes a village to make things happen, that’s what I say. My deepest, most heartfelt gratitude goes out to the incredible Rio Phior.
Rio, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your boundless energy and your belief in my creative vision. Your dedication to personally inviting so many wonderful, loving souls was amazing. You did not just help fill a room. You beautifully curated a collective experience of love. The radiant, joyful energy in the studio was a direct reflection of the beautiful community you brought together. You ensured that the room vibrated with positivity all night long.
The conversations I shared with the guests moved me to tears. In a fast-paced world, face-to-face connection is a rare gift. Having the opportunity to look into the eyes of people I love while they describe my art is irreplaceable. I do not take it for granted.
The Testimonials That Moved My Soul
What touched me most deeply were the spontaneous testimonials from my dear friends. When you create modern abstract art, you pour your innermost vulnerabilities onto a blank surface. Sending it out into the world can feel incredibly exposing. However, the overwhelming support from my inner circle filled my cup to the brim.
Standing in the studio alongside brilliant minds like April Solomon, Tatyana, and Marjie was a profound, full-circle moment. April has her own deep, intuitive understanding of creativity. To hear her express how the fluid movements resonated with her was incredibly validating. Listening to Tatyana and Marjie speak about the palpable sense of peace and healing they felt shook me to my core. They have seen my journey, and having their loving validation in my new permanent home was everything.
“What an absolute delight it was to attend the Grand Opening of the Clara Berta Art Studio! Such a beautiful night of art, music, and friends, old and new! Congratulations Clara! Laguna Beach is so fortunate to have you and your amazing art in our midst.” — MJ, Laguna Beach fengshuiwithmj
A Powerful Connection to the Abstract Painting
During the evening, a guest stood before one of my large (48 x 80 inch) ” Expansive Light’, a blue-and-metallic fluid piece, for a very long time. With tears in their eyes, they turned to me and shared that the movement felt like “watching a peaceful wave of emotion wash over the room.” Later on, a prominent local interior designer noted how beautifully a large-scale piece balances modern coastal homes. They noted that my fluid works act as the perfect energetic anchor for luxury architectural spaces. The art brings the wild, healing essence of the ocean indoors while adding human soul and vital texture to the walls.
These heartfelt words from Rio, April, Tatyana, Marjie, and all of our incredible guests are the exact fuel I need. I am taking this inspiration straight back to the canvas. They are beautiful, tangible proof that creating art for healing spaces is my true, lifelong calling.
The Intersection of Art, Psychology, and Healing
For those who are new to my work, my background is rooted deeply in psychology. This background heavily influences my approach as a female abstract artist. I do not view paint simply as a decorative medium meant to match a sofa. I view fluid acrylics as a physical manifestation of emotional release. It is a way to map the subconscious mind onto a tangible surface.
The process of creating fluid art requires a delicate balance between control and surrender. I mix the pigments and select the canvas weight with a specific emotional intention. I pour the liquid acrylics to invite peace, resilience, transformation, or joy. But once the paint hits the canvas, gravity and fluid dynamics take over. I must physically manipulate the heavy canvas, tilting and guiding the flow. At the same time, I must let go of the need for rigid perfection.
It is a beautiful, vivid metaphor for life itself. We must show up with clear intentions and put in the work. Ultimately, we must surrender to the natural flow of the universe. When guests stepped into the studio, I think they felt that underlying philosophy. The space didn’t feel static. Instead, it felt kinetic, alive, and filled with the possibility of human transformation.
Healing Through Creation: Upcoming Art4Healing® Classes
This studio is a sanctuary for the community. Therefore, it must serve as a space where you can experience the therapeutic benefits of expression firsthand. I am thrilled to announce that Suite 16 will host our signature Art4Healing® classes directly inside the workshop space.
These classes are specially structured to help individuals process feelings and release heavy burdens. You will tap into your inner emotional landscape using color and paint on canvas. You do not need an ounce of artistic background to attend. This process is entirely about expressing your soul, not about technique. It is a safe, gentle, and profoundly moving environment. It is designed to leave you feeling grounded and restored.
Space is intimately limited to preserve the supportive energy of the room. Our very next session targets a theme we all navigate:
Art4Healing® Class Focus: Processing and Releasing Stress
Next Class Date: Thursday, June 25th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Clara Berta Studio 332 Forest Avenue, Suite #16
To Reserve Your Spot: Please email me directly at Clara@claraBerta.com to secure your registration.
The Next Steps: What’s Next for Suite 16
The opening night was a beautiful, high-energy celebration. Now, the studio is gently settling into its natural, quiet creative rhythm. The party may be over, but the true work is just beginning. The doors to Suite 16 are officially open and the drop cloths are laid back out. A brand-new collection of large-scale abstracts is already underway on the design tables.
If you weren’t able to celebrate with us during the grand opening, I invite you to visit. Come check out our upcoming class environment or experience the studio’s tranquil, therapeutic energy during a quiet hour. I would love to welcome you into the space for a private view.
Where: 332 Forest Avenue, Suite 16, Laguna Beach, CA
To schedule a Private Tour, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at clara@claraberta.com.
Whether you are an interior designer looking to collaborate on a custom-commissioned statement piece or a neighbor wanting to explore original fine art, my door is always open to you.
Thank you again to Rio Phior, Jeff Wilkinson, Anya, Trina, and our incredible vendors, our brilliant cellist Alex Sanchez, and every single beautiful friend. You made May 20th a night for the history books. Laguna Beach, you have officially welcomed me home. I cannot wait to see what we create together in this next chapter of the journey.
With infinite love, gratitude, and creative flow,
Clara Berta
Clara Berta Studio
