Introduction

In 2008, I embarked on a journey to create a gallery that would not only be good but do good. In October of that same year, with the help of some creative friends, I launched the LA Art House in West Hollywood, California. Our first show was the culmination of research and love and we filled it with emerging artists from near and far, including the musical and spirited work of Sean O’Shea. Somehow, the internet had brought us together and over the course of several weeks, we kindled a wonderful friendship. Sean’s work is lively, colorful and warm - the very qualities that define the LA Art House.

Our opening night was a wild success and we attracted many buyers and admirers to our opening including museum directors, celebrities and dear friends. As per our mission, we donated all the profits to the Hammer Museum to support “Hammer Projects” which is an international exhibition forum that showcases emerging artists from around the world. It seemed perfect that Sean contributed his paintings to our grand opening as his intrepid commitment to painting is what we celebrate here at the LA Art House. I have been blessed with the opportunity to open a space dedicated to artists like Sean who live and breathe to make art and thus, make the world a far better place. It is my hope that you find yourself inspired by his buoyant style, his sincere love for his craft and his good nature, which shine through his pictures. – Margie Perenchio  LA Art House President -  Oct 2009

LA Art House Opening

It's like finding a needle in a haystack which is why I call it my " Hollywood Internet Miracle". I have always thought that an artist should have their own website and that it should be cared for like a seed in a garden so that it grows and its vines reach out into the world creating unlimited possibilities. In June 2008 I received an email enquiring about artwork for sale on my website. She wrote,"This is an enquiry to http://www.seanoshea.com.au from: Margaret Perenchio. I really like your dancers are they oil works or are some done in pastels? What is your price range? Do you sell through the internet or are you with a gallery exclusively? Write back to me. I live in Los Angeles". I emailed back and informed Margie that the art works she liked had been sold. Margie replied explaining that she was an artist herself and was planning to open a Fine Art Gallery and Studio just west of Robertson on Beverly Boulevard with her business partner in the heart of an exclusive Los Angeles neighbourhood known for its elite galleries.

It turned out that Margie Perenchio was not only an accomplished artist but also a respected Hollywood film producer and philanthropist, best known as the executive producer of the film "Frida" staring Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderros, a fascinating biopic about the life of famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The many emails that followed between Margie and I were, from my perspective, both exciting and exhausting. Then Margie asked for my phone number and for almost an hour we talked. She told me all about this exciting new gallery in L.A. which was opening to promote emerging local artists and how she had originally thought I was an American artist when she had first pulled up images from my website.

Margie sounded like Hollywood royalty and to cap it off her business partner was Ann Moss, the wife of Jerry Moss best known for founding A&M Records with Herb Alpert. Margie she said that Ann had looked at my work and really liked what she saw. Both agreed they hadn't thought about going outside the U.S. to give emerging artists a chance in their new gallery, alongside established American artists. Then came the crunch - could I do two original works and send them to the U.S. in time for the opening of LA Art House? I had only two weeks to complete the assignment!

Looking back I realise those two weeks were a nerve wracking roller coaster ride, trying to get all the materials, paints, canvases stretched to complete the paintings and fulfill Margie's request. Emails came regularly reminding me that the opening of LA Art House was in just two weeks and that my work would be exhibited with top American artists and in particular with eminent sculptor, Robert Graham the husband of actor Angelica Huston. I had no time to think, plan or process my thoughts, nor the luxury of doing several images and picking out the best ones. The images were in my mind had to translate onto canvas without mistakes in a very short time frame. I needed to trust in the process and most importantly trust Margie. After all as an artist herself, she understood what it is like to be on a journey of creativity and self- discovery. Her work includes portraits of her friends, among them the late great opera tenor, Luciano Pavarotti and actor Salma Hayek. Some of my favourite paintings by Margie are "Bora Bora Serenade" ,"A dogs life", and "Salma's Surprise"

While I painted, family and friends became very excited about Margie and her husband, Jerry Perenchio, the well respected businessman and film and television producer whose famous projects include the cult classic "Blade Runner" and who has been associated with many major projects. What I appreciate most about Margie is that she is down to earth, warm and trustworthy. This was a genuine and special person and our relationship as two artists was to prove an important event in my life.

The goal of Margie's gallery is to support the fine arts and she generously donates 100% of her profits to the "Hammer Museum" to support their various projects. The Hammer Museum is an internationally recognised exhibition program which supports emerging artists. In addition to this, Margie's original paintings have raised many thousands of dollars for animal welfare in the U.S. Margie and I both agreed it was extraordinary that she had found me from the thousands of artists websites in the U.S. alone. The opening of LA Art House took place with some of Hollywood's best known celebrities in attendance.It was an extraordinary experience, an honour and a great thrill to be part of the opening exhibition.

With Margaret Perenchio at the helm and Carole Bayer Sager, Ann Moss, Kelly Day, and a supporting team of creative people contributing their vast talents to this unique project, the LA Art House is truly a team effort of visionaries who are dedicated to supporting the arts. My time with them has been a surreal experience! Any other artists who may get an opportunity to exhibit with them will be blessed knowing that there is a new gallery in the heart of West Hollywood run by team of extraordinary individuals with a mission to promote the work of new artists. LA Art House is already becoming a must see gallery to visit in L.A.

What started as a simple email enquiry from a website, lead to my paintings being exhibited and sold in an exclusive L.A. Gallery!

LA Art House 8825 Beverly Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90048 USA