Cultural Arts announces 2025 Artist Innovation Grant Winners
2025 Artist Innovation Grant Winners
The Laguna Beach Arts Commission has announced the recipients of the 2025 Artist Innovation Grant program, supporting creative projects by local artists. This year’s awardees include a diverse group of emerging, mid-career, and established artists recognized for their innovative artistic vision and ability to push the boundaries of creative expression. Congratulations to Nicolas Besso, Candice Brokenshire, Kaitlin Evans, Jodie Gates Oriana Poindexter, Naomi and Scott Schoenherr, Ian Winefordner and Nilson Wilson.
This program is funded by the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.
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Photos courtesy of city of Laguna Beach
“FloBot” will be on view until May 30
FloBot Exhibition at City Hall
The Laguna Beach Arts Commission is excited to announce the exhibition of FloBot, a breathtaking 12-foot-tall interactive steel sculpture by acclaimed artist Jessica Levine. Originally created for Burning Man 2018 as an honorarium project, FloBot has since captivated audiences at festivals such as EDC Orlando and now has a temporary home in front of Laguna Beach City Hall (505 Forest Ave.) until May 30.
Standing proudly on exposed roots, FloBot represents the journey of self-discovery, embracing both the visible and hidden aspects of one’s identity. The structure symbolizes the interconnectedness of our experiences – the roots reflecting the buried parts of ourselves that shape who we are, and the blossomed top embodying growth and transformation. By bringing the roots into the open, FloBot challenges viewers to honor all facets of their being, not just the surface-level beauty.
Based in South Lake Tahoe, Levine is a renowned sculptor and metal fabricator whose work delves into the complexities of human emotions and perception. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, she discovered her passion for welding and has since crafted multiple large-scale sculptures, including four installations for Burning Man, one of which featured an interactive fire element. Levine’s signature style of “drawing” in physical space with steel creates intricate, thought-provoking works that invite deep reflection.
Her artistic journey has led her to exhibit internationally, contribute to major festivals and complete large-scale private commissions. As the owner of Bear Metal Welding, Levine continues to push the boundaries of metal artistry, blending strength with fluidity in her awe-inspiring creations.
This exhibition has been made possible by the city of Laguna Beach Arts Commission and the Cultural Arts Department, with funding provided through the Laguna Beach Tourist Marketing District and the city of Laguna Beach. The public is invited to experience FloBot in person and reflect on the powerful message of self-acceptance and interconnectedness that the sculpture embodies.
Note: For the safety of visitors and the preservation of the artwork, climbing on the sculpture is not permitted.
To explore more of Jessica Levine’s stunning metalwork, visit www.jessicalevine.net.
Exhibition: Art That’s Small at City Hall
Location: Laguna Beach City Hall
Dates: Through April 18
The 23rd Annual Art That’s Small at City Hall exhibition is a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, proudly presented by the city of Laguna Beach Arts Commission. This cherished event invites Orange County residents to showcase their talents in an intimate format that highlights the beauty and intricacy of small-scale artworks. The exhibit is open to the public during City Hall business hours.
Visitors will experience 59 original artworks spanning various media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, drawing, mixed media and relief. Each work is a testament to the artist’s unique vision, demonstrating that powerful artistic expression can flourish in compact compositions.
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Banners will be displayed at Main Beach this summer
2025 Banner Winners
Congratulations to Marina Aguilera, Kate Cleaves, Ashley Keene and Sonja Krastman for having their banner designs selected for the 2025 Banner Competition. The banners will be hand-painted by each artist and displayed at Main Beach this summer.
This program is funded by the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.
Entwined Public Art Activation
The city of Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Department is proud to present a unique musical activation for the temporary public art installation Entwined by artist Charles Gadkin. This stunning sculptural piece was brought to life with colorful performances by acclaimed local musicians Felisha Dunne and Jason Feddy.
A Fusion of Sound and Sculpture – As part of Laguna Beach’s ongoing commitment to dynamic public art, these special performances offer a multi-sensory experience where music, visuals, and sculpture intertwine. Felisha and Jason lend their voices and instruments to engage with the interactive features of installation, creating a unique experience for the eyes and ears
