LCAD holds successful fundraiser

The Laguna College of Art & Design netted $105,000 at the annual Collector's Choice fundraiser, held Saturday at the campus on Laguna Canyon Road.

A crowd of about 400 college supporters attended the event, which included an art raffle, silent and live auctions of works donated by professional artists, and an al fresco dinner. Students at the college directly benefit from the funds raised at Collector's Choice, which provides financial assistance via scholarships, and pays to upgrade the campus facilities where they strive to fulfill their dreams of a career in the arts.

"We could not be more grateful to the artists and others who by donating to Collector's Choice help make it possible for the next generations of artists and designers to study here," college President Dennis Power said.

Tom Swimm has been among the donors to the fundraiser for so long he doesn't remember when he started.

"It's got to be more than 10 years, more than 15," Swimm said.

The 21st Collector's Choice featured donations by 142 donors.

High bid for the night was $5,000 by Mark Porterfield for Andrew Myers' piece, "Commissioned Screw Portrait." The piece has the head and shoulders composed of screws at different levels to create the features of a balding man against a background of aged telephone directory pages.

Myers, an LCAD graduate, was the winner of a recent Art in Public Places contest, which had $20,000 in prize money. However, he relinquished the prize and withdrew his submission after the City Council approved the sculpture but wanted it relocated, reoriented and restricted to a bronze finish.

Porterfield and Steve Chadima were the Platinum Sponsors of the LCAD event.

Among the donors of art: glass blower John Barber photographic archeologist and gallery owner Mark Chamberlain, Coastline Pilot columnist Cherril Doty, Starr Ramsey Helms, Hedy Buzan Williamson, Arts Commissioner Suzi Chauvel, Mark Jacobucci, Julita Jones, LCAD faculty member Jonathan Burke, Mike Kelly, Carolyn Machado and Jennifer Griffiths, whose daytime job is managing the Laguna Beach Farmers Market.

Anne England, who also donated a piece to the event, was named Trustee Emeritus.

The city was well-represented by donors, volunteers and sponsors.

Newly appointed Arts Commissioner Gerard Basil Stripling and former Arts Commissioners Olivia Batcheler and Mike Tauber, all working artists, donated pieces.

Former Commissioners Terry Smith and Nancy Beverage hosted tables