Artists Honored at LABA Awards Ceremony in Beverly Hills, California

TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), artist Michael Janzen, and director Harrison Engle

Beverly Hills, California, USA. 7th February, 2026. The Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) held a special awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to present certificates to the artists who were able to join the event in Beverly Hills, California. Artist Michael Janzen, LABA's Top Most Influential and Most Valuable (MIMV) artist for 2022-2024, was presented with his certificate by director Harrison Engle, and was also honored as a LABA Blue Chip Artist. Artist Chun Liu (Liu Chun) attended by video conference and was presented with her LABA Top 10 Most Influential and Most Valuable (MIMV) artist for 2022-2024, artist Harley Cortez was presented with his certificate for being in the Top 10 of LABA's top Most Influential and Most Valuable (MIMV) artist for 2022-2024, and interior designer Wenkang Xue was honored with the Top 10 Global Designer award.

Zehra Sun, CEO of MDSUN, presents artist Michael Janzen with his "LABA Blue-chip Artist " certificate

Michael Janzen is a Canadian contemporary artist whose work reflects a deep engagement with landscape, memory, and the evolving dialogue between tradition and modern expression. His compositions balance structure and atmosphere, capturing light, movement and the quiet power of nature. Through layered brushwork and a refined use of color, Janzen conveys both the grandeur and intimacy of the natural world. His landscapes evoke reflection, inviting viewers to consider humanity’s relationship with environment, history and identity.

Janzen’s work has been exhibited internationally and is recognized for fostering cross-cultural dialogue through art. While grounded in Canadian artistic heritage, his paintings resonate with global audiences, bridging geographic and cultural boundaries. Committed to artistic excellence and cultural exchange, Michael Janzen continues to build a body of work that honors tradition while embracing contemporary innovation, positioning him as a distinctive voice within the international art community.

Director Harrison Engle, producer/director Teresa Velazquez, and Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) with artist Chun Liu attending by video conference

Chun Liu, also known as Liu Chun, is a contemporary Chinese artist recognized for her distinctive visual language that reimagines traditional ink painting through bold color, expressive composition, and cross-cultural technique. She holds two master’s degrees and is known for her intellectual and interdisciplinary approach to art. Her innovative style merges Eastern and Western techniques and is characterized by vibrant contrasts and emotionally resonant themes rooted in nature, cultural heritage, and human experience. Landscapes, florals, and ecological subjects are rendered not as literal representations, but as poetic explorations of harmony, transformation, and environmental consciousness. She has received numerous accolades worldwide, and her paintings have been collected by prestigious institutions, including the Picasso Museum in Madrid, Spain.

Attorney Jesse Weiner, artist Harley Cortez, director Harrison Engle, and Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA)

Harley Cortez is a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and filmmaker. Raised in Los Angeles, California and Queens, New York, he also lived in his mother’s home country, Guatemala, for a brief time in his youth. Working primarily in painting and mixed media, Cortez creates visually dynamic pieces that balance raw energy with refined structure. Drawing influence from modern expressionism and urban culture, Cortez’s work reflects an ongoing dialogue between personal experience and collective memory. His works explore international themes of genetic memory and migration and have been shown and performed in institutions across the globe. Recently his work has been shown at the Tamayo Museum, Jumex Museum, Charlie James Gallery, Georges Berges Gallery, and the Maia Contemporary in Mexico City. 

Director Harrison Engle, designer Wenkang Xue, and Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA)

Wenkang Xue was honored with the Top 10 Global Designers award. Xue is an innovative interior designer known for creating refined, culturally resonant spaces that balance aesthetic elegance with functional clarity. With a design philosophy rooted in harmony, proportion and emotional experience, Xue brings a thoughtful and contemporary approach to residential and commercial interiors. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western design traditions, Xue integrates clean architectural lines with layered textures, natural materials and carefully curated details. Each project reflects a deep understanding of spatial flow, light and human interaction, resulting in environments that feel intentional, immersive and timeless.

The next LABA awards ceremony will be held on March 15th, 2026, at the Luxury Viewing Gala & Awards event in University City, California.

The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Art Hearts Fashion, ISEGSTAR, Universal Artifacts Token, Token Works, USSCA Chinese Economic & Culture Association, World Peace One, MDSUN, XAVVI, Shennel Trading, InLight Foundation, Cynthia Clarté, Jiannan Huang Art Institute, Galaxy Community, Liu Chun Art Studio in Beverly, and The Beverly Arts Foundation