Finalists for Laguna’s Gallery of the Year announced

In some cities in America, three galleries might comprise the entire local visual arts scene, not just the cream of the crop.

Laguna Beach, clearly, does not belong in that group.

It’s hard to walk 10 paces down Coast Highway without spotting at least one gallery sign. Every month, a number of venues stay open late into the evening for the First Thursdays Art Walk. Out of all those choices, picking the very best gallery in town seems about as daunting as the Grammys perusing 12 months of music and determining Song of the Year.

But that’s just what the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce does with its annual Spirit of Laguna Awards. Among the 12 categories is Gallery of the Year, with nominations submitted by residents and the winners chosen by the chamber board.

For 2014, the finalists are Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, Ruth Mayer Gallery and Peter Blake Gallery. The winner will be announced at the chamber’s annual board of directors installation on Jan. 23 at the event venue [seven-degrees].

“Bragging rights are probably the best thing that you get out of the whole deal,” said chamber Executive Director Laura Ann Henkels. “But yes, they will definitely be presented with a trophy.”

Here’s the rundown on each of the three contenders:

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Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art

Address: 611 S. Coast Hwy.

Year founded: 2012

Owner: Michael Roy

Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays

Specialty: Humanitarian works by artists who support social causes — through hands-on activism as well as proceeds

Website: lgoca.com

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Ruth Mayer Gallery

Address: 380 S. Coast Hwy.

Year founded: 1977

Owner: Ruth Mayer

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays

Specialty: Works by Mayer, including her portrait of Pope John Paul II

Website: https://www.ruthmayer.com

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Peter Blake Gallery

Address: 435 Ocean Ave.

Year founded: 1993

Owner: Peter Blake

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Specialty: Modern and contemporary art by local and international artists

Website: https://www.peterblakegallery.com