Home Is Where the Art Is

The event: Reception for patrons of the Art Institute of Southern California at the art-packed home of Audrey and Courtney Moe of Corona del Mar. Each guest made donations of $100 to the Laguna Beach-based institute to attend the twilight bash Thursday.

Living with art: No sooner had guests stepped inside the Moes’ front gate than they were met with art. Sculptures graced the rolling lawn, lap pool and patio.

Inside the contemporary home, more sculptures adorned the entry and living room, and paintings dotted the walls. The master bedroom and family room showcased cultural art.

“We like pieces that are either very contemporary or ethnic,” Audrey Moe said. “Living with art makes you smile, makes you happy. It helps you give more thought to what you’re doing, what your life is all about.”

Said neighbor Marge Blume: “I live in a very conventional house with no art. Seeing this is a real joy for me.”

Conversation pieces: A life-size sculpture of a blue man leading a yellow dog by artist Holly Moe of Texas--the hosts’ daughter--had guests buzzing.

“Our daughter went to UCLA--that explains the colors,” Audrey Moe said. “The sculpture represents professors leading students around.”

Another life-size sculpture--a lipstick-red Indian, also by Holly Moe--loomed over guests in the living room. “This is a political statement on children’s toys--you know, those little figures of cowboys and Indians,” Audrey Moe said. “The Indians always had to be red.”

Quote: “It’s exciting to see people who have turned over their whole house to art,” said Alan Barkley, president of the institute. “It’s not just behind the couch--it’s everywhere.”

Bottom line: Proceeds from the event will be used by Designing Women--a support group of the institute--to help underwrite Color It Orange, an annual arts competition for Orange County elementary and high school students each spring.

What’s next: “La Nuit des Impressionistes” (The Night of the Impressionists) gala Oct. 30 at the home of John and Donna Crean of Santa Ana Heights. Guests will be invited to dress as their favorite Impressionist work of art. Artist Marco Sassone is honorary chairman. (949) 499-3580.