LBCAC celebrates Women’s History Month

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) continues to honor Women’s History Month with intimate concerts and movie screenings. Note: Simply Sammy (originally scheduled for February 25) has now been rescheduled to April 29.

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“Hidden Figures” - March 29 

–Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m.

Hidden Figures, Women’s History Month Film Festival

Three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

Free admission, but donations are appreciated. Limited Seating. To RSVP, click here.

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Randy Kraft discusses her new novel Off Season on April 2. The painting on the book cover is by Laguna Beach artist Tracey Moscaritolo 

–Sunday, April 2, 4 p.m.

Book Launch and Reading: OC author Randy Kraft launches new novel Off Season

Author Randy Kraft will discuss her third novel, Off Season, which is set in Laguna. Kraft writes fiction and book reviews, and occasionally coaches aspiring writers. She holds a Masters in Writing and an MBA. She is a retired freelance journalist for regional and national magazines, as well as an education, business, culture and city reporter for newspapers, including the Laguna Beach Independent.

Off Season is for readers who enjoy fiction that contemplates intimate relationships and the passing of time, and who have ever considered an escape from daily living in the hope of forging a new path.

When Sharon’s ex-husband, Red, invites her to join him for a winter retreat, she agrees. After all, they’ve moved past what ails them, she will be on sabbatical fine tuning a PhD dissertation, and he needs a respite from an illness. Why not enjoy the charms of a southern California beach town [Laguna Beach] off season? On the other hand, what else might he have in mind and what will she face if she lets her guard down? 

Soothed by sea breezes and ocean views, they become fascinated with their mysterious landlord and her late partner, a Fauvist painter. Then, Red is befriended by a flirty neighbor and her surfer husband, while Sharon catches the eye of a retiree who shares her literary passions. Turns out, off season is more than a breather – off season is a promise of renewal. And then, the winds of pandemic blow in. 

Ticket price of $20 includes a copy of the book. For tickets, click here.

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Larry and Joe - April 15

–Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m.

Larry & Joe Fuse Venezuela And Appalachia

 Larry and Joe were meant to be together. Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from North Carolina and is a Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old time musician. Larry was forced into exile and is an asylum seeker in North Carolina. Joe, after a decade in South America, got stranded back in his stomping grounds in the pandemic. Larry works construction to make ends meet. Joe’s acclaimed “latingrass” band Che Apalache was forced into hiatus, and he shifted into action working with asylum seeking migrants.

For tickets, click here.

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“The Trial of Ayn Rand” - April 18

–Tuesday, April 18, 7 p.m.

The Trial of Ayn Rand, Bare Bones Theatre presents a reading

Ayn Rand is the OG Mean Girl whose ideas are a gateway drug to right-wing politics. You be the judge in The Trial of Ayn Rand by William Missouri Downs starring Ava Burton and Ben Farrow. Limited seating. For tickets, click here.

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“Simply Sammy” - April 29

–Saturday, April 29, 8-10 p.m.

“Simply Sammy” - A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. 

Starring Doug Starks

A 90-minute reflection of the music, memories and moments shared with the world’s greatest entertainer. According to Starks, “My conversations, common interest and motivations. My relationship went from fan to friend. Join me as I recount it. The music. The dance. The stories. The man. Simply put, Simply Sammy.”

For tickets, click here.

LBCAC is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

For tickets and the LBCAC calendar, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.

LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus-free environment. 

Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

LAM raises more than $450,000 at 41st Annual California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash; there is still time to donate

On Saturday, March 4, Laguna Art Museum celebrated 41 years of connecting artists, collectors and the community at the sold-out California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash. As Laguna Art Museum’s most important fundraiser of the year, the auction raised more than $450,000 to support the museum’s exhibitions, programs and art education initiatives. 

Laguna Art Museum’s California Cool Art Auction, Benefit & Bash supports Laguna Art Museum’s mission through the generosity of the participating artists, attendees and supporters. To get involved and make a donation, click here.

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Photos courtesy of LAM

(L-R) JK, California Cool Art Auction Artist Robert Standish, LAM Trustee Greg MacGillivray and LAM Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee 

Guests were the center of attention as major supporters of LAM, enjoying opportunities to be photographed and share their excitement on video. Grammy-nominated Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats capped off the night with an electrifying performance. The auction featured artworks from more than 135 prominent California artists including Lita Albuquerque, Charles Arnoldi, Billy Al Bengston, Kelly Berg, Alex Couwenberg, Shepard Fairey, Joe Goode, David Ligare, Jean Lowe, Andy Moses, Gwynn Murrill, Fabia Panjarian, Ruth Pastine, Astrid Preston, Ed Ruscha, Fred Tomaselli and Beth Waldman. Participants bid on pieces in the auction online through the museum’s partner Artsy (access by clicking here).

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Photos courtesy of LAM

Monique Birault admires a painting 

“We couldn’t be more grateful to all of the event attendees, to those who bid on art in person or remotely, and to everyone that raised a paddle in support of the museum’s exhibitions and education programs,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director of the Laguna Art Museum. “We were so fortunate to have the museum trustees, our community and many of the incredible artists who graciously donated their artwork for the auction, come together and celebrate California art.”

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. For more information, go to www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

LCAD presents new programs and insights

Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) has added some enlightening and innovative events for the end of March and into April. 

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Photos courtesy of LCAD

Sampling of the MFA artists’ work

–March 25-May 28

MFA Exhibition, Laguna Art Museum 

Panel Discussion with the artists on May 21, 6 p.m.

Outlook/Insight: The LCAD Effect presents a sampling of the artwork from the 2023 Master of Fine Art graduates from Laguna College of Art + Design.

Outlook/Insight implies that the mindful engagement with the outer visible world builds personal insights. These artists skillfully express, not only how things look, but also what they can make you feel. Both the rational and the poetic are made apparent to the viewer who takes time to observe and reflect.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Laguna College of Art + Design.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

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Example of F. Scott Hess’ work 

–Friday, March 31, 5 p.m.

Distinguished Speaker F. Scott Hess

LCAD Big Bend Campus, BB 13/14, 2825 Laguna Canyon Road.

The LCAD community and the public are invited to attend an artist slideshow lecture and Q&A session with distinguished artist, F. Scott Hess.

Hess is an American painter and conceptual artist. He has described himself as a “reluctant realist” whose work is nevertheless grounded in Old Master craft and the representation of observed detail.

Hess is a gifted teacher and has taught many classes at LCAD.

Attendance is free.

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Color it Orange 

–Thursday, April 6, 6 p.m.

Reception at LCAD Gallery

48th Annual COLOR IT ORANGE/High School Exhibition

Exhibition runs from April 6-23.

Laguna College of Art + Design is proud to present the 48th Annual COLOR IT ORANGE exhibition, showcasing a variety of original works from Orange County high school students. COLOR IT ORANGE is one of the longest-running collaborative exhibitions between a college and Orange County high schools. The goal is to inspire and encourage the next generation of artistic expression and to honor teachers by providing the opportunity to showcase works by their most talented students. COLOR IT ORANGE was founded 48 years ago by Designing Women, one of LCAD’s founding support groups. LCAD will host an opening reception to provide special recognition for these talented student artists.

LCAD Gallery is located at 374 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach 

For more information about LCAD, go to www.lcad.edu.

LAM adds two more events to spring calendar and Shepard Fairey exhibit opens

Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including innovative workshops and musical performances. On Saturday, March 11, a new exhibit opened. 

Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey features a selection of key works that highlight how Fairey has developed an intentionally accessible visual style that speaks broadly by pulling from visual history to address critical issues. 

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Photos courtesy of LAM

Fairey created viral art sticker campaign 

It all began with a sticker. From 1989 onward, Fairey’s non-conformist attitude was established with the creation of his viral art sticker campaign Andre the Giant Has a Posse. The following 30 years saw Fairey develop a constant presence in the urban landscape, forging a global following and establishing himself as a leading artist who has influenced youth culture, fashion, identity, aesthetics and even politics. His bold, iconic images always convey a clear message, often depicting the struggle of oppression as a human experience and celebrating those who fight for change.

Poster Contest – New In The Lab @ LAM: Use your voice and speak up for a cause that is important to you! Inspired by Facing the Giant – Three Decades of Dissent: Shepard Fairey, create a mixed-media poster for a purpose.

Snap a picture of your “poster for a cause” inspired by this exhibit and tag @lagunaartmuseum on Instagram for a chance to win.

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Beautiful Oops! - Storytime on March 25 

–Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Storytime - Beautiful Oops! 

Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive storytime and art-making experience unlike any other. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others.

Storytime featuring Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg, with an activity that encourages participants to use out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to create beautiful pieces of art. Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach will be partnering with LAM to help spread the message of a growth mindset and how you can turn your “oops” into a beautiful work of art. Fee: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. For tickets, click here.

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Katie Ruiz of The Women’s Museum of California 

–Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m.

Feminist Art and Craftivism

In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the Laguna Art Museum for a lecture on feminist art presented by Katie Ruiz of The Women’s Museum of California. From the suffrage sashes and banners of the early 1900s to the pink knitted hats of the modern Women’s March movement, textiles and craft have played an important role as a messenger for women’s activism. By celebrating craftwork as a tool of artistic and political expression, and not only as private acts of women’s labor, observers will see how impactful women have been in our society.

Advance tickets are recommended. Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14. For tickets, click here.

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LOCA marches into spring

LOCA has put together an interesting and diverse mix of events for the end of March and going into spring. There are new art programs and collaborations between LOCA and LPAPA – Artful Afternoons and paint togethers. Here comes spring and Sunday is the 30th LOCA Birthday BASH.

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30th LOCA Birthday BASH on March 26

–Sunday, March 26, 4-7 p.m. 

LOCA Arts Education Birthday BASH

LOCA Arts Education invites all art lovers to their Birthday BASH fundraising event in celebration of 30 years of LOCA’s service in Laguna Beach. Festivities take place in Bridge Hall at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach.

Partygoers will enjoy gourmet foods and wine, interactive games for grownups including a musical cake walk, a bash-the-piñata and a “Laguna Gothic” photo booth, inspired by Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting. A signature cocktail will be served and everyone will receive a handmade ceramic party favor to keep. Those who take part in the wine pull will pick numbered corks and win bottled wine to take home. Opportunity drawings, live and silent auctions and a live jazz trio will round out the fun. 

Fundraiser proceeds support LOCA’s award-winning programs serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities throughout Laguna Beach. Free on-site parking; enter from Glenneyre Street. 

Cost: $75 each in advance, $85 at the door. For tickets, click here.

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Illustrate and create at the Laguna Beach Library 

–Monday, March 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Illustrate and Create for Kids 7 years and older

Laguna Beach Library at 363 Glenneyre St.

LOCA Arts Education is offering free art workshops for kids at Laguna Beach Public Library. Young children ages 7 years and older will enjoy Illustrate and Create on Mondays in March. LOCA Arts Education and Crystal Cove State Park team up to present a series of workshops focusing on art and nature. Learn about the critters of Crystal Cove State Park followed by an art lesson presented by Liz McGhee. The March 27 subject is Sharks.

These workshops are funded by the FOA Foundation and LOCA Arts Education. Free. No registration required, but seating is limited.

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Artful Afternoon on April 6 

–Thursday, April 6, 3-4 p.m.

Artful Afternoons at the Library

Laguna Beach Library 363 Glenneyre St.

Laguna Beach LOCA Arts Education is offering free art workshops for kids at Laguna Beach Public Library. Young children ages 4-6 will enjoy Artful Afternoons. LOCA teachers Reem Khalil and Allison Keefe will introduce books, stories and pictures as inspiration for the art projects. Nature-themed books are the focus this spring. The workshops are free and no registration is required. 

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In-person paint together with Wendy Wirth on April 

–Tuesday, April 18, 9-11 a.m.

LPAPA and LOCA - Wendy Wirth: In-Person Paint Together, Magical Main Beach, rescheduled due to rain

375 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

Register to join LPAPA Artist Member Wendy Wirth for this fun and informative LPAPA+LOCA in-person Mentor Paint Together session on “Magical Main Beach” in plein air. Join Wirth right on the shore to capture Laguna’s unique coastal view from Main Beach on your canvas. In this mentor session, she will show you how to compose an interesting viewpoint and how to establish values that create depth and atmosphere.

Registration fee: $25 for LPAPA and LOCA Members, $50 for Non-members. For tickets, click here.

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Two textile workshops on April 19 and 26 – demonstrating the ancient practice of Shibori 

–Wednesdays, April 19 and 26, from 1-4 p.m.

Shirbori and Indigo Dyeing with Reem Khalil

These classes are held on two consecutive Wednesdays in the Susi Q art room of the Laguna Beach Community Center.

This two-session textile workshop will demonstrate the ancient practice of Shibori tying, clamping, stitching and wrapping of silk or paper. Shibori will then be dipped in an indigo vat. You will walk away with several pieces of wearable and fine art pieces.

Cost: LOCA Members $50, Non-members $100. To register, click here. 

For more information about LOCA, go to www.locaarts.org.