Get out and enjoy the art

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

With this summer-like weather, I am having dreams of the Pageant of

the Masters, Festival of Arts and the Sawdust Art Festival, these

events are around the corner, but I just can’t wait . Also testing

my patience are thoughts of the Concert in the Park summer music

series that the city puts on and the other exciting annual events

that are about to commence. But it’s hard to complain considering

there are plenty of events I get to enjoy right now.

TREASURE OF ART REVEALED

What a treat it was Thursday to go to Treasure Island Park and get

a tour of the newly installed art, thanks to the Arts Commission and

its art in public places program. It was an incredible community

event that lead to substantial socializing and getting a feel for the

art.

Mayor Toni Iseman dedicated the spectacular pieces by John Barber,

Linda Brunkner, Dora De Larious, Cheryl Ekstrom, Gerard Stripling and

Terry Thornsley. Following the dedication there was a reception and a

dance performance by California Choreographers Dance Festival’s Steve

Josephson and Kimberly Bixler Leeds with the ever talented Evren Ozan

playing the Native American Flute. Evren’s mother Faith said that

it’s been a good year for the 9-year-old prodigy and she can’t wait

for all the upcoming events.

TIME FOR ANNUAL

STUDIO ART WALK

The fact that the 12th annual Studio Art Walk Tour has been

expanded to two days is a reason to joyful. I really enjoyed last

year including a trip to Tracey Moscaritolo’s studio on gallery row.

I love her work along with the creativity of the jewelry made by

artist Catherine Reade. Around the corner, Sue Thompson’s

studio/house is an art-lovers dream. Thompson also works as a

waitress and has been on the art scene for only a few years, but her

work looks like she has been an accomplished artist for some time.

Recently I talked to artist Anne England, who came up with the

idea for the event. Her house is unbelievable and, surrounded by

foliage, is aptly named the Jasmine House Anne is such an incredible

artist who has done so much for our community. Her house is a

must-see.

Other must-sees include Fitz Maurice, Bill Agee and Javier

Alvarez-Palomar. I am also looking forward to seeing John Barber’s

hand-blown glass, Joan Corman’s paintings ... well actually I plan to

enjoy all 60 plus participating artists.

The studio tour is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with an afternoon

reception from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday with an

afternoon reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets to both days cost $55,

$45 for a one day pass and $40 for senior/student one day pass.

Information: 494-3030.

At the reception Saturday keep an eye out for the the California

Choreographers Dance Festival performance -- there will be a special

San Francisco treat. Eric Kupers and the Dandelion Dancetheater of

San Francisco will perform an original piece called “Stories Written

Under the Skin,” written by Lori B and David and Joseph DeRusha.

ON THE ISSUE OF THE FOUNTAIN

City Arts Coordinator Sian Poeschl reminded me of an important

meeting she has urged the public to attend. It regards the fountain

that was on Forest Avenue near City Hall. The fountain was removed

because it has been deemed to be a safety risk. Before the arts

commission recommends to the City Council that it be permanently

removed, they want the public’s opinion which can be voiced at the

meeting or e-mailed in advance to [email protected].

The meeting will be 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at the council’s

chambers, 505 Forest Ave.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

AT WELLS FARGO

The Festival of Arts latest show just opened and is featuring

ceramics by Festival exhibitors Monica Dunham, Denise Ford, Walter

Reiss, Greg Riley, Jay Sampson, Fred Stodder and Scott Young. The

caliber of these artists is renowned and features diverse works.

CHAMBER MUSIC EVENT

Laguna Beach Live! Along with the Laguna Chamber Music Society and

the Philharmonic Society of Orange County are presenting the Laguna

Beach Chamber Music Festival. The festival includes a week of

education, performances, events throughout the city and will

culminate with three concerts on April 11, 12 and 13. Renowned

concert pianist Claude Frank along with the Calder Quartet and Trio

Movado will be performing. Call 553-2422 to find out more about the

festival or go to www.lagunabeachlive.org.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at [email protected].