In The Arts

Mystery writers to visit library

Mystery readers will be able to put a face to a name on March 17, with an appearance by writers Cara Black and Libby Fischer Hellmann at the Laguna Beach Library. The authors will do a Q&A and sign copies of their novels.

The San Francisco-based Black is known for writing stories set in Paris. The Washington Post awarded her book, “Murder in the Rue De Paradis,” with Best Fiction in 2008. Her most recent endeavor, “Murder in Passy,” follows her lead heroine, Aimee Leduc, as she investigates the French city.

Hellmann bases her books in Chicago. The former publicist has published seven novels, such as “Easy Innocence,” “An Eye For Murder” and “Doubleback.” Her latest release, “Set the Night On Fire,” came out in December.

The event starts at 3 p.m. at the library, 363 Glenneyre St. For more information, contact Laguna Beach Library at (949) 497-1733.

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Watercolors on the beach

Laguna Beach might be an artist enclave, but its scenic backdrop can also serve as the inspiration.

Starting in March, people can learn from the pros while enjoying the city’s landscape during Watercolors on the Beach, a joint program with Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) and The Ocean Foundation, in which participants sit on the sand while learning the basics of the art form

The event is held on Treasure Island Beach in South Laguna. Before artists hit the canvas, the educational director of the Ocean Foundation, Jake Bonus, will lead the group on a tour of the tide pools. Afterward, September McGee will teach an introductory class on watercolors.

Participants will walk away with their personal masterpiece, a tote bag, watercolor kit, gel pen and pencil. The Montage Resort is contributing towels and snacks.

The classes start at 10 a.m. on March 13, April 10 and May 22. To register, contact LOCA at (949) 363-4700 or visit https://www.locaarts.org.

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Art-A-Fair selects artists

This June will mark the 45th anniversary of the Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach, and on Feb. 13 more than 100 artists submitted their work for consideration in the festival. By the end of the day, known as Jury Day, 23 were chosen by the eight-person jury to showcase their works at show, which lasts from June 24 to Aug. 28, alongside the 102 returning artists.

Applicants from all over the United States applied, from as far as Maryland and Massachusetts, and mediums were diverse, including acrylic, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, glass and photography.

“This year’s competition was high, due to the impressive work submitted by the artists and the limited number of spots available,” Joyce Kasprzyk, vice president of marketing at Art-A-Fair, said in a statement. “We look forward to a remarkable collection.”

For more information about Art-A-Fair, visit https://www.art-a-fair.com.

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Live jazz at the library

Laguna Beach Library will double as a music venue on March 20 with a live jazz band.

Starting at 3 p.m., listeners will get to hear a free performance by the Hollywood Combovers, comprised of musicians Gary Hogan on trumpet and bass, pianist Fred Carroll and drummer Shelly Gordon.

For more information, call the library at (949) 497-1733.

—Joanna Clay