Bus depot gets artistic look

Barbara Diamond

Wall-sized “Postcards From Laguna” and a sculpture loaned by the

Festival of Arts for display at the bus depot were formally dedicated

last week.

Paintings by Ken Auster, Michael Jacques, Craig Keenan and Mike

Kungl were chosen by competition for the temporary exhibit at 364

Ocean Ave.

“We had 18 applicants and it was hard to narrow it down,” said

Arts Commissioner Mike Tauber, who chairs the mural sub-committee.

“The Festival loaned ‘Horse,’” a sculpture by David Brunetta, for

an 18-month exhibit on the site.

“We are really pleased to have a place to display some of our

permanent art collection,” said Sharbie Higuchi, director of

marketing and public relations for the festival. “Plus it is an

opportunity to give visibility to some of our artists.”

A reception was held at the pocket parking lot next to Zinc Cafe,

which catered the event. Arts Commission chair Jan Sattler welcomed

guests.

Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman was invited to say a few words.

“I have asked Councilman Wayne Baglin to help me because the city

is so proud of the Arts Commission and the local artists,” Kinsman

said.

Baglin, still hoarse from a medical procedure that left him nearly

speechless at times at the Nov. 3 council meeting, expressed his

appreciation for those who keep Laguna’s artistic reputation alive.

“We are very grateful to Del Upchurch who owns the building on

which the murals are displayed and Dr. Bill Anderson of Sleepy Hollow

Medical Center who is the tenant,” said Rebecca Meekma, vice

president of Community Art Project.

CAP made a sizable contribution to the city to help fund the mural

competition and installation.

One of the more impressive guests at the dedication was Schnitzy,

a sociable Bouvier des Flandres which brought along Laguna Art Museum

publicist Stuart Byer and Jeffry Rehm to the party.

Other guests included Carol Reynolds, Jim Kollenda, former Arts

Commissioner Suzi Chauvel, Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman,

former Mayor Wayne Peterson, Marilyn Thomas, Nicholas Kinsman,

Kimberly and Clay Leeds and the artists whose works are on display.