The current art exhibit at West Los Angeles College is particulary special to the campus because it  features the work of Mauro Caputo, an award-winning graphic designer and long-ime West art instructor.

The show runs until May 4.

It is curated by Molly Barnes, art dealer, lecturer and radio personality.

Mr. Caputo, who died last year at the age of 81,  counted amoung his achievements designing the canteen-like perfume bottle for Camp Beverly Hills, graphic art for Paul Masson wines, and cosmetic creations for Avon, Stetson and Houbigant.

His clients and employers have included Priscilla Presley, Herb Alpert, Revlon and Max Factor.

As an entrepreneur, Mr. Caputo started his own greeting card company which sold exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue. He gave birth to GIANO, designing and developing a fragrance and skin care line for the discriminating male.

In retirement, he became a teacher and visual artist, designing art screens, tapestries and contemporary paintings on canvas.

He found inspiration in the modern masters like Courbet, Matisse and Manet, using Roy Lichtenstein’s witty ben-day dot technique.

His visual works were hung in a number of shows in Los Angeles and New York and had his first one-man show this past December at Art Core Gallery in downtown Los Angeles.

Ms. Long-Coffee may be contacted at LongCofm@wlac.edu>