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Floral Designer Creates Works of Ar t Inside LyonsHead Galler y L yonsHead Galler y in Carmel Valley Village presents visitors with a carefully curated array of unique, beautiful items, from vases to furniture to paintings by ar tists such as Walter Georis, S.C. Yuan, Christine Crozier and Suzanne O'Neal, who co-owns the galler y with husband Ray. A Twisted Roots tasting bar offers visitors a glass of sus- tainably grown wine on the adjacent patio, where trickling lion's head fountains mounted on a plaster wall provide a soothing backdrop for lively gatherings. In the back of the gallery, floral artist Rhonda Correia crafts custom arrangements on a round copper table. Beautiful ribbons on spools hang underneath cabinets filled with pretty plates and copper pots and pans. Baskets overflow with gilded leaves while berries peek out of boxes. Live plants nestle in a sink while realistic faux flowers and fruits in all the shades and shapes of nature tumble out of weathered urns and tubs. "I've been a florist for 30 years," Correia says. "My success comes from listening to my customers. It's impor tant for me to listen closely so I can create their vision." Corriea grew up in a farming family in the Central Valley, and spent many years in Lake Tahoe providing arrangements for weddings and celebrity shows. Her style is influenced heavily by the outdoors; she may twist honeysuckle vines together for a wreath, while incorporating arti- chokes, tangerines and raspberries in a table centerpiece. Flowers are carefully sourced from growers and often hand-selected. "We have a lot of fun out here," Correia says. "It's so peaceful in the Valley, surrounded by art, and the wine tasting on the patio. It's a unique combination. The most enjoyable part is watching the customer be happy." LyonsHead Gallery and Design Studio is located at 12 Del Fino Place in Carmel Valley Village. For more information, or to place a floral order with Rhonda Correia, go to www.lyonsheadgallery.com or call 831/659-4192. —Brett Wilbur SHORTCUTS BUSINESS Rhonda Correia designs unique custom floral arrangements inside Carmel Valley's LyonsHead Gallery. Gallery owner and artist Suzanne O'Neal (left) scouts antique shops and estate sales for one-of-a-kind beautiful pieces and containers to display Correia's creative designs. 66 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall