In The Arts

The free exhibit is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information on applying to the Festival of Arts, call (949) 464-4234 or visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

‘ART’ moving to Palm Desert

This past summer, the Festival of Arts featured a new event called “Art Live! Work in Progress,” during which patrons could watch the evolution of a piece of art from concept to completion. One of the projects was a collaboration among Monica Dunham, Carol Tripp Martens, Gary Monji, Walter Reiss, Greg Riley, Scott Schoenherr, Fred Stodder, Derek Voien, Scott Young, Patricia Turnier, Linda Saville, Less Hall, Gavin Heath and Michael Ezzel.

In 58 days, these ceramic artists transformed a lump of clay into a statue, affectionately named ART, that weighs more than 700 pounds and measures more than 8 feet tall.

ART was constructed primarily with paper clay, found objects, a concrete base, and it was made structurally sound with rebar and metal fittings.

“ART represents the community and collaboration, which makes the Festival of Arts summer exhibit so terrific,” said Tom Lamb, Festival of Arts board member and exhibits coordinator.

ART had many fans during the festival’s summer season, and one particular admirer, Laguna Beach resident Michael O’Neill, decided to purchase ART during a silent auction.

“I visited the festival nearly every week watching the progression and transformation of ART,” said O’Neill, president of the BridgeWorks Group. “ART will be featured in a prominent location among other works of art, acting symbolically, as the protector/warrior of my Palm Desert home.”

ART will be installed at O’Neill’s home this weekend, with a private unveiling reception Sunday. The funds are earmarked for future arts education projects at the Festival of Arts. For more information, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.

LOCA holds annual gathering

Laguna Outreach for Community Arts will hold its annual meeting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Villa at Pacific Edge Hotel, 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane (next to the Beach House Restaurant).

The meeting will include a presentation titled “From the Studio...To the Street: A Look at Public Art,” plus an art exhibit, opportunity drawings and refreshments. Admission is free for members (both new and renewing), and $15 to $20 at the door for guests.

For reservations, call (949) 363-4700 or e-mail LOCAarts@yahoo.com.

Free art workshop for adults is Saturday