Laguna Beach, CA (December 28, 2015) - Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) announced The Splendor of Italy, an exhibition of work opening January 13 through February 20, 2016 at LCAD Gallery, 374 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, California. The public is welcome to meet the artists at a reception on First Thursday Artwalk, February 4th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The works of art will allow viewers to experience the highlights of the group’s visits to many significant and memorable museums, churches and historical sites such the Pantheon, Colosseum of Rome, Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, Brancacci Chapel, Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo Church, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Uffizi Palace, Doge’s Palace, Accademia Gallery and more.

“One of my greatest joys as an educator is to give artists their grand tour of Europe and bring them face to face with historically significant art and culture that continues to influence us today," said Betty Shelton, Professor of Fine Arts and Post Baccalaureate Chair and Study Abroad Director. "For more than 20 years, I’ve been privileged to escort over 400 LCAD students to Europe, and I continue to be enlightened both as an artist and as a teacher.”

Exhibiting artists include: Micaela Aguirre, Elizabeth Alvarez, David Amaral, Nicole Bakale, Amy Bergener, Caitlin Blenz, Taylor Caro, Venetia Ellis, Omar Field-Rahman, Lauren Ghiasian, Meaghan Greaves, William Havlicek, Sara Humel, Don Lagerberg, Sam Mazzarella, Maureen McGinnis, Hiroko Miyama, Hyatt Moore, Anne Moore, Machiko Naganuma, Grant Nasto, Brad Neal, Kassidy Penso, Kellen Pocock, Betty Shelton, Scott Talevich, Nina Ulett, and Lora Wanta.

Thirty-three participants, including students and faculty from LCAD, traveled to Rome and Florence from May 28 to June 12, 2015 with Shelton and Art History Professor Dr. William Havlicek. A smaller group continued on to Ravenna and Venice until June 18.

Professor Betty Shelton started the Laguna College of Art and Design Summer Abroad program in 1995 and has been leading students on art study trips to Europe ever since.  Past trips have included France, Greece, Belgium, Austria, Holland, Czech Republic, England and Ireland, Germany, and Spain. In the summer of 2016, LCAD Study Abroad will return to France from May 28th through June 16th.

For more information please visit: www.lcad.edu.

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About Laguna College of Art and Design

Founded in 1961, Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is one of the top art and design schools in the nation. LCAD offers undergraduate degrees (BFA) in Animation, Design + Digital Media, Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting), Game Art and Illustration, as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees (MFA) in Drawing and Painting and Game Development. Named by NIKE as one of the top three design schools in the world, LCAD is closely partnered with industry leaders. These partnerships have resulted 90% employment rate for LCAD’s visual arts graduates. Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Animation, DreamWorks, FOX, Hurley International, NIKE, VANS, Warner Brothers Animation and more employ LCAD visual arts alumni. LCAD Fine Arts alumni are accepted to the most prestigious graduate programs and go on to become internationally recognized artists and educators who shape dialogue with renowned collectors, museums and gallerists. The Dennis and Leslie Power Library at LCAD houses invaluable historic archives that include The Rex and Joan Irving Brandt Papers.

For more information about LCAD admissions, news, events and Annual Fund, visit www.lcad.edu. Facebook at @LCADBFA, Twitter @LCAD and Instagram @lcadbfa.