Laguna Beach food drive on October 24 benefits South County Outreach
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach (UUFLB) is holding a food drive in conjunction with a presentation by LaVal Brewer, president and CEO of South County Outreach, a non-profit based in Irvine, whose mission is to fight hunger and homelessness in Orange County.
Brewer will speak at the 10:45 a.m. UUFLB service on Sunday, Oct. 24 in the fellowship building at 429 Cypress Drive. All are cordially invited.
The food program distributes more than 700,000 pounds of food and keeps nearly 2,000 children fed each year. Food donations to help in this mission can be left at the church, or donors can call 949.636.9343 to schedule a pickup.
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LaVal Brewer to speak at the UUFLB service on October 24
In a June 2021 interview, Brewer said even with people returning to work, the reality for many can be stark.
“People are saying they’re going back to normal. And normal for a majority of families who are low-income is not so great. It’s not so awesome,” Brewer said. “So, when you’re seeing families or people saying, ‘Oh, they’re getting more checks. They’re getting more money,’ that’s true. But at some point, in time, it still isn’t enough.”
For more than three decades, South County Outreach (formerly Saddleback Community Outreach) has been a leader in the fight to end homelessness and hunger by helping people help themselves. They serve homeless families, underemployed, unemployed, seniors, veterans and other at-risk residents of Orange County. The agency states that 12 percent of Orange County residents live below the poverty line, 58% of their clients have a female head-of-household and one in five children goes to sleep hungry. Your food donations can help change that.
The UUFLB congregation is a diverse community focused on social justice. Unitarian Universalism draws from many traditions and sources, and strive sto be a fellowship diverse in age, ethnicity and perspective to provide for the spiritual, intellectual and social needs of the congregation and to contribute to the community.
To learn more, visit www.uulagunabeach.org/about.
Meet the authors at the AAUW brunch on November 6 at Surf & Sand Resort
The popular AAUW literary event (back after a COVID hiatus) will return as a late fall in-person brunch at the Surf & Sand Resort on Saturday, Nov. 6. The literary event will feature three women authors: Jill G. Hall, Janelle Brown and Lisa See.
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Jill G. Hall
San Diego author, educator and artist, Jill G. Hall, has written three dual-timeline historical novels. All three books share the same contemporary character, Anne, a young San Francisco-based artist who loves vintage fashion. The historical stories revolve around the first owner of the clothing the protagonist treasures.
The Black Velvet Coat, Hall’s first book, reveals a 1960s story, while The Silver Shoes takes the reader to the late 1920s and the beginning of the Great Depression. Hall’s latest book, The Green Lace Corset, links Anne to a woman in 1885. Kidnapped by a bank robber, the heroine ends up in the wild west of Arizona’s northern territory.
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Janelle Brown
The New York Times bestselling author Janelle Brown has written five novels, and her articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, Elle, Wired, Self, RealSimple, the Los Angeles Times and numerous other publications. Brown, who lives in Los Angeles, has called California her home for most of her life. She loves setting her novels in locations she knows well.
“I love everything about the state,” said Brown. “I love the geography and the diversity.” Named a Best Book of 2020 by Amazon in the mystery/thriller genre, Pretty Things is set in and around Lake Tahoe, where Brown spent many family vacations growing up. The Library Journal describes this story of two wildly different women as having “flawless suspense, masterly storytelling and a plot that hits all the notes of our Instagram world perfectly.”
Brown is a master of endings. She says sometimes it takes a couple of trials, but “when you know it’s right, you know it. [The ending] must close the arch but not tie up things too easily.” Her books grab a reader with the mystery, hold on to them with great characters and contemporary problems and tie it all together with a satisfying ending.
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Lisa See
The final speaker will be an audience favorite, Lisa See. She grew up in a literary family (her mother was also an accomplished author) in Los Angeles. See’s numerous published books include historical fiction, mysteries and non-fiction.
A multi-talented writer and a lover of jazz and classical music, she also wrote the libretto for Los Angeles Opera based on On Gold Mountain, which premiered in June 2000. She is the recipient of the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and the History Maker’s Award from the Chinese American Museum. See’s novels have brought Chinese culture to the American reader in much the same way that Pearl S. Buck did before her.
A master of deep research and travel, See’s books immerse the reader in the lives and tribulations of Asian characters both in their native lands and in California. Her latest novel, Island of Sea Women, takes readers to a remote Korean Island and into the lives of two women who follow the tradition of deep sea, free diving to gather seafood. At its heart, Island of Sea Women is a story of women’s friendships, but it is also an enthralling cultural anthropology highlighting the nearly extinct, matriarchal haenyeo traditions and the violent history of 20th century Korea.
The varied works of these three authors and their takes on the struggles and rewards of the writing life should make the 33rd Annual AAUW literary event and fundraiser a very special brunch. Proof of the COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory to attend and all participants will be asked to wear a mask when inside. No walk-in guests due to health protocols.
Doors open at 9 a.m. for a silent auction, book sales and to meet the authors. The brunch and program will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Paid reservations postmarked by October 26 are $125. After October 26, tickets will be $135, if space is available and $85 is tax deductible. No ticket sales at the door. Checks should be made out to AAUW-LBF and mailed to AAUW-LBF, P.O. Box 189, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. For credit card payments, go here.
AAUW’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Money raised at the brunch supports scholarships to Laguna Beach High School graduating seniors, middle school girls attending a summer science camp and returning women students at Saddleback College, Orange Coast College, Laguna College of Art + Design and UCI.
The American Association of University Women Laguna Beach branch (AAUW-LB), advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The Literary Brunch Laguna Beach Festival of Women Authors’ proceeds are administered by the AAUW Laguna Beach Foundation (AAUW-LBF), a nonprofit 501 c-3 organization.
For more information, email aauwlbf@gmail.com, or visit www.lagunabeach-ca.aauw.net/.
The Surf & Sand Resort is located at 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Local resident and breast cancer survivor Sharael Kolberg to run 5K a day in October
Laguna Beach resident and breast cancer survivor Sharael Kolberg is running 5K a day in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month and she’s encouraging community members to join her.
“As a recent breast cancer survivor, I try to do something meaningful for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote early detection and a healthy lifestyle and raise donations for Susan G. Komen,” said Kolberg.
“I want to help Susan G. Komen save lives and end breast cancer forever. I’m taking steps (literally) towards a world without breast cancer by raising awareness and funds to stop this disease that affects one in eight women during their lifetime.”
Photo by Jeff Kolberg
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Sharael Kolberg, a breast cancer survivor runs for the cause
Here are options to participate in the 5K a Day Challenge:
–If you live in Laguna Beach, join her for a run/walk in person, every morning at 7 a.m. Message her on Instagram @50fortheCure for meeting locations.
–Join her virtually once a week to run/walk together on Zoom from wherever you are. Sign up at www.50fortheCure.org.
–Log your miles on the Strava app and then post a screenshot of your run/walk on your Instagram and/or Facebook and tag @50fortheCure #5KaDay.
–Make a donation to Susan G. Komen at http://orangecounty.info-komen.org/goto/٥٠fortheCure.
–Join the “50 for the Cure” Facebook group to share your progress and cheer each other on at www.facebook.com/groups/٥٠forthecure/.
As the world’s largest and most impactful breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen supports more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside the U.S. government, while providing real-time help to those facing the disease.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is welcoming visitors with their October program of events. For more information, visit
www.crystalcovestatepark.org
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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy Instagram
Explore the huge variety of seaweeds on a guided Seaweeds & Sea Creatures Beach Walk on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m., and discover the countless species of marine algae; green, red, and brown which are found on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park. Learn about the biology, ecology, and even human uses of seaweeds. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2 near the boardwalk (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, right at kiosk to the first lot.) Day-use fee: $15.
Fall is an exciting time to learn about our local nature. On Saturday, October 23 at 9 a.m., join a park naturalist on this easy 1.5 hour Nature Hike along Moro Canyon at Crystal Cove State Park and learn lots of fun facts and wildlife nuggets about the plants and animals living in the park. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground/Moro day use.) $15 day-use fee.
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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy
Fall migration is the time for birds to migrate and Crystal Cove State Park is a great spot to identify new species as well as seeing their resident avian friends. On Saturday, October 30 at 8 a.m., join a park naturalist for a walk in the backcountry and along the shoreline. Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.) Day-use fee: $15.
Note: For all events, activities are free (unless a cost is listed).
Artists applications now available for FOA summer 2022 Fine Art Show
The nation’s most prestigious, highly competitive, regional juried Fine Art Show at the Festival of Arts (FOA) in Laguna Beach is now accepting artist applications for the 2022 Fine Art Show.
Featuring original artwork from Orange County’s finest artists and juried by some of the most recognized names in West Coast’s art community, the 2022 art show is slated to run July 5-September 2, 2022.
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FOA Fine Art Show accepting applications for 2022 Fine Art Show
Artists interested in applying for the 2022 Fine Art Show are required to submit three digital images per media, as well as complete an application form and send it to the Festival of Arts by Monday, November 1.
Artists applying to the Festival of Arts must be able to show that they have resided in Orange County for at least one year prior to November 1, 2021. Jurying fees are $50 per medium submitted. Applicants must apply online through the festival’s website at www.foapom.com/apply.
The festival jurors score the submitted artwork based on excellence of craftsmanship; facility with media; excellence in the use of design elements; and professional presentation.
The panel of art experts jurying for the 2022 Fine Arts Show include:
–Selma Holo, executive director of USC Museum
–Kim Kanatani, museum director of the UCI Institute and Museum for California Art
–Juri Koll, founder and director of the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art
–Gerard Stripling, sculpture artist, Laguna Beach
When asked what he will look for while jurying, Juri Koll shared, “I look for something unique and different, authentic, meaning does it speak of its own mind? How does the work stand in the contemporary/art historical perspective? I most look forward to new discoveries.”
Koll has been an artist and curator since the 1970s. As founder and director of the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art (ViCA) since 2011, Koll curates and presents exhibits at museums, galleries, and fairs in the U.S. and abroad, such as the Chabot Museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Wilhelm-Morgner-Haus Museum in Germany, the Long Beach Museum of Art Annex, the Torrance Art Museum, the Museum of Art and History, OCCCA, Photo LA, Art Palm Springs, the LA Art Show, Gallery 825, TAG, and MuzeuMM Gallery. ViCA’s gallery is located in downtown Los Angeles.
Joining Koll is the reputable Selma Holo who is the current executive director of USC Museums. Holo received her doctorate at UC Santa Barbara in Spanish Art, MA at Hunter College, CUNY, NY and BA at Northwestern University in Spanish language and literature. She taught art history at Art Center College of Design for three years before assuming the post of curator of acquisitions at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. After her stint there, she became director of the USC Fisher Museum of Art and then executive director of USC Museums.
Internationally renowned museum educator, scholar and collaborative arts producer Kim Kanatani is also looking forward to reviewing the submitted artwork for the Festival of Arts upcoming season. “I’m honored to be invited as a juror for the festival and committed to contributing to the cultural ecosystem of Orange County and beyond,” said Kanatani. She continued, “I always look forward to seeing and discovering the varied perspectives, materials, and approaches that an artist is interrogating and exploring.”
Kanatani joined the University of California, Irvine as the inaugural museum director of the UCI Institute and Museum for California Art (IMCA) in September 2019. She spearheads the development of this new university and community asset that exhibits and collects an inclusive historic arc of modern and contemporary California art. Kanatani comes to IMCA from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, where she served as deputy director and the Gail Engelberg director of education since 2001.
Rounding out the selected jurors is Gerard Stripling, who is a self-taught artist that grew up in Los Angeles. A sculpture artist, Stripling has exhibited his work at FOA and has had great success in forming a clientele that recognizes the beauty and strength in his work. His sculptures are featured in many significant collections, both public and private. He lives in Laguna Beach and works full-time as an artist.
The Festival of Arts grounds is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.
For more information on the jurors and how to apply, visit www.foapom.com/apply. For more information on artist applications, contact the Exhibits Department at christine.georgantas@foapom.com.
Scapes and Scope art exhibition curated by SOCALPAPA president continues through October 23
The 2021 fall exhibition Scapes and Scope: Visions of the Land, Sea and Urban Space, curated by Southern California landscape artist and teacher and 2020/21 SOCALPAPA President Jim Ellsberry is continuing through October 23 at the Huntington Beach Art Center.
The invitational and open call, juried exhibition explores the beauty and varied expressions of landscape in contemporary art. Traditional plein air and studio works anchor the exhibition which invites viewers to explore both literal and stylized interpretations of land, sea and urban geography.
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“Autumn Rain” by Jim Ellsberry, mixed media on canvas, 24 x 24 inches. This piece is an expressionist painting that represents the emotional response to being in nature and experiencing the always-changing layers of the landscape.
Selected original artworks are on display in the Art Center’s 3,000-sq.-ft. gallery located in downtown Huntington Beach. An exclusive virtual collection of works by noted international landscape artists – traditional and expressive –accompanies the exhibition. Artists worldwide were encouraged to submit high quality, digital images of original artworks for jury consideration.
Ellsberry, who is also a past member of Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and OPA, has had his works displayed in Laguna Beach since 2019 and has been teaching both traditional oil painting and contemporary/abstract art for the past six years.
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“Resonance” by E.E. Jacks, oil on board, 11 x 14 inches. The life moments and places she paints are all visual representations of our connections to each other.
E.E. Jacks, who assisted with jurying, arranging and staging works in the show, is a fine artist, curator, writer and poet, has been curating themed exhibitions since 2013.
Both Ellsberry and Jacks are members of and show their works at Quorum Gallery in Laguna Beach.
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“Crystal Cove” by Gianne de Genevraye, oil on linen, 32 x 28 inches. A contemporary nature painter, this international artist’s work is seen in collections in France, Italy, the U.K., Sweden and the U.S.
Gianne de Genevraye, an artist who resides in Laguna Beach and France, also has her paintings displayed in the exhibition.
Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-6 p.m.; Thursday from 12-8 p.m. and Saturday from 12-5 p.m. The Huntington Art Center is located at 538 Main St., Huntington Beach.
For more information and a list of participating artists and to view their artworks, go to www.huntingtonbeachartcenter.org and click on current exhibition.
With My Own Two Hands Foundation hosts red carpet documentary screening on Saturday
With My Own Two Hands Foundation will host their 8th Annual Red Carpet documentary screening on Saturday, Oct 16 from 6-9 p.m. Join foundation CEO/founder Lindsey Pluimer, and special guest speaker and two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng for an inspiring evening at Swanson Park, 9792 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach.
Featuring red carpet photos, hosted beer and wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, incredible live auction items and a screening of the nonprofit’s latest film, A Mother’s Wish, proceeds fund education and create self-reliance and sustainable projects in East African communities.
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Guests from the 2019 Red Carpet screening enjoy the evening
The documentary showcases the power of water independence through the eyes of Margaret, a mother and teacher, from the Leshuta Cooperative in Narok County, Kenya. Get immersed in the transformative powers of clean water and experience With My Own Two Hands’ holistic impact in action.
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With My Own Two Hands Foundation presents “A Mother’s Wish”
Previous attendees of this event have included Blake Griffin of the Brooklyn Nets, Olympic Champion skier Lindsey Vonn, NFL great and media personality DeMarcus Ware, and NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Tickets are $175 and can be purchased at https://withmyown2hands.ejoinme.org/tickets.
With My Own Two Hands Foundation (WMO2H) is a Laguna Beach-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to create a more equitable world through water and agriculture. WMO2H was founded in 2011 and since then, has impacted 23,159 people with clean water and sustainable food sources. WMO2H now serves 9 communities with 28 greenhouses, 13 water projects, and 8 WASH projects.
For more information, visit www.withmyown2hands.org.
David Wheatley to perform in free concert at First Church of Christ, Scientist, on Sunday
On Sunday, Oct 17 at 2 p.m., First Church of Christ, Scientist, Laguna Beach is hosting a free concert by award-winning organist, pianist, composer and storyteller, David Wheatley. The concert will take place at the church, located at 635 High Drive.
Wheatley will be performing some of his favorite music from great classical composers, as well as more contemporary pieces, and one of his own compositions, “Prelude for the Day,” that truly captures the essence of the beautiful panoramas of Laguna Beach.
On the piano, Wheatley will be performing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (the First Movement, transcribed by Franz Liszt), Chopin’s Polonaise in A major and his Minute Waltz, and Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp minor, plus a surprise! On the organ, he will play Bach’s Fugue in D minor, a medley of Sousa’s well-known marches, a coronation march by Sir William Walton, the Toccata from “Plymouth Suite” by Percy Whitlock, a medley of popular songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, some light, classical French music by Lefébure-Wély and “MacArthur Park” by Jimmy Webb.
Reflecting on his music selections for this concert, Wheatley said, “What these pieces have in common is that they are expressions of their time and culture. Many of them are timeless, with a beautiful combination of inevitability and surprise.”
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David Wheatley performs on October 17
Wheatley grew up in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He began studying piano at age 5 and the organ at age 13, when his legs were long enough to reach all 32 pedals. He later studied at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music and at the University of North Texas and USC, where he served as co-founder and original director of the Scoring for Motion Pictures program.
Wheatley has contributed to many films and hit television series as a studio musician and even played the legendary Twentieth Century Fox organ, with a 100-piece orchestra for the soundtrack of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. He has co-written, co-directed and co-produced three original musicals for the stage. He is currently working on a podcast series of music lectures with humor, as he also enjoys performing as a comedian.
He has recorded many of his original compositions, including the CD of his own solo piano compositions, Out of the Blue and The Waterways Album by Lightstream, a jazz group. He has served as organist, pianist, music director, and choir director for churches of many denominations and he gives master classes for the American Guild of Organists. He is currently serving as guest organist at First Church of Christ, Scientist in Laguna Beach.
Admission to the concert is free, as this is a gift to the community from the church. Free parking is also available. The City of Laguna Beach recommends that masks be worn while inside the church auditorium.
