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Virtual fundraising tour of the collection of the John Thomas & Chris Launi Private Art Deco Collection

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On Sunday, August 30th at 3:00 PM, please join the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles to virtually explore the fantastic Art Deco collection of former Art Deco Society of Los Angeles president John Thomas and his husband, architectural photographer Chris Launi. The collection includes 4,000 pieces of authentic Art Deco and Streamline Moderne collectibles. John and Chris will share the histories and design elements of various objects in the collection and answer questions. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

As a fundraiser to support the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles in this time of COVID-19, John and Chris have very generously offered an additional incentive to ADSLA members who buy tickets for this event. All members who purchase a ticket, will be entered into a drawing for an invitation for two to John and Chris’ home to attend a private cocktail party followed by a double decker bus tour of Long Beach Art Deco!* This is an opportunity to visit the house and collection featured in this event – in person (at a later date).

Non-member ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of Long Beach Art Deco.

* Ten winners will be selected. This cocktail party and tour will be held on a future date, when Covid-19 related restrictions on gatherings have been lifted. 

About the Curators:

John Thomas, or “Mr. Art Deco” as he is known in Long Beach, California, has been active in many community preservation organizations. In addition to his seven years as President of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, John has served on executive boards of Long Beach Heritage, Historical Society of Long Beach, Long Beach Heritage Museum and Bluff Heights Neighborhood Association. John is the co-author of Long Beach Art Deco and RMS Queen Mary and is a passionate collector of Art Deco era art. He owns Art Deco Dimensions, a design consulting and project management firm that provides consulting services on Art Deco historic preservation. He is currently the RMS Queen Mary Historic Resource Advisor. John was honored as Preservationist of the Year by Long Beach Heritage in 2012. 

J. Christopher Launi is a professional photographer working in the greater Los Angeles area. He specializes in real estate and architecture as well as marketing, special event, and corporate style photography. As a Long Beach resident, he has an extensive gallery of images showcasing life in the community.   

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