BEST BETS Saturday 10/20

Noon

Art

The paintings of Russian painter Leonid Steele are on exhibit at Mission San Juan Capistrano in “The Living Legacy of the Art of the Soviet Union,” curated by Steele’s son, Alexey. Steele’s paintings represent one of the few collections of the “Sotsrealism” period during the Soviet era in Russian Art. His works are on view along with other featured Russian artists, including Boris Beltyukov, Alekesei Gritsai, Popov Igor and Vladimir Stozharov at the Barracks Gallery. The show is part of the Mission’s Russian Heritage Celebration.* “The Living Legacy of the Art of the Soviet Union,” Mission San Juan Capistrano, 31522 Camino Capistrano. Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Ends Nov. 29. (949) 234-1300.

6pm

Art

The Laguna Art Museum will offer the works of more than 200 artists for sale during its 19th annual art auction. The Butterfield auction house will lead the fund-raiser this year, themed “An Art Odyssey.” Cocktails and a buffet dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. The event is dedicated to the late Laguna artist and museum supporter Felix Tharin and to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.* “2001: An Art Odyssey,” Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. Dinner, 6-7 p.m.; auction, 7 p.m. Museum hours: Daily, except Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. including Monday holidays. $4 to $5. Tuesdays, free. (949) 494-8971.

7pm

Art

In the exhibition “Art: Or Is It?” at the Guggenheim Gallery at Chapman University, three Los Angeles artists feature their works, ranging from acrylic washes to seaweed to wood reliefs. Mark Bradford’s art consists of paint washes brushed over surfaces covered with permanent-wave endpapers. Richard Haga uses agar, a seaweed-based material, poured into shallow glass vitrines as his medium. Daniel Mendel-Black’s painted balsa reliefs distantly recall the strict geometry and flat colors of Mondrian’s later works.

* “Art: Or Is It?” Guggenheim Gallery, Chapman University, 1 University Drive, Orange. Artist reception, Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Ends Nov. 20. (714) 997-6729.