Nature and art merge for spring show in Corona del Mar

Ceramicist Agnes Noble joins husband Don with her functional clay art pieces.

May 15, 2024 4:41 PM PT

Twenty-one artists contributed a variety of nature-themed art to show Saturday throughout the patios in Corona del Mar’s botanical showplace, Sherman Gardens.

Mounted sea mussels forming a whale shape in Wendy Hamu's "The Twisted Tide" booth.

Among them, Huntington Beach artist Wendy Hamu turned finds from her frequent beach walks into a business, creating one-of-a-kind art. Asked about her large mussel sculpture, Hamu said, “I don’t like to eat mussels, but I like to collect the shells.”

Attendees check out the mini succulents at Olivia Angulo's table.

Carole Boller, a recognized artist and signature member of the Pastel Society of America and other Laguna Beach organizations, displayed her vibrant flower paintings that included both originals and giclée prints.

“After the originals are sold, I create five giclée prints,” Boiler said, adding that the prints can be sold for about one-tenth of the cost of the original.

Laguna Beach artist Carole Boller begins a painting behind her display of giclée prints.

Irvine artist Agnes Calagui Noble, a retired transplant nurse, recently began the art of hand-building clay into functional pieces. “They are all microwave and dishwasher safe,” Noble said.