Nice day for an art walk

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ART WALK AND TALK

The weather has been quite the dream, which made it perfect for

First Thursday’s Art Walk. I started south at Elizabeth Edwards Fine

Art, a great place that always has interesting pieces.

One of my favorite galleries in town is Joseph Wise Fine Art

Gallery otherwise known as Gwindingwi. I remember when they first

opened on Glenneyre Street -- I was in awe of their serpentine Shona

stone sculptures. I was lucky enough to meet world-renowned sculptor

Nicholas Mukomberanwa last year with his talented sculptor son

Anderson when they were at the gallery for an artists’ reception. I

spent a long time chatting with them and was blown away with their

amazingly magical energy, and to hear the inspiration behind

different pieces was an incredible experience.

Mukomberanwa is an artist from around Zimbabwe, and his workshop

is on a knoll on an ancient burial ground. Gallery co-owner Scott

Crosby is good friends with Mukomberanwa and has been to the workshop

a few times.

“It’s in the middle of the bush, about 40 miles outside Harare,”

Crosby said. “The ranch has no running water or electricity. The

artists completely immerse themselves in their work. Everything is

done by hand, and most the sculptures have a profound story behind

their creation.”

Crosby has informed me that Mukomberanwa passed away and that he

really misses his friend. I am so glad to have the opportunity to

have met him. He was a creative genius.

The gallery moved to 1590 S. Coast Highway and has expanded

considerably.

“We’re exhibiting acclaimed French Limoges painter Jacques-Jean

Boiredon exclusive to France and our gallery,” co-owner Donnie Wise

said. “We’re also featuring original figurative nudes by Sergio of

Chile.”

Check out Mukomberanwa’s work and that of master artist Dominic

Benhura. For information, call 376-7902.

On the walk, I also had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic duo at

Fil Mottola Gallery at 1492 S. Coast Highway. At the door, we were

greeted by the artist’s wife, Lottie, who is 80-something years

young. In the background, Fil was talking to art lovers about some of

his paintings. It was great to hear her talk about his adventures and

world travels, discovering beautiful landscapes and portraits he has

painted over the years. For information about the gallery, call

497-1050.

The Esther Wells Collection is also one of my favorites. Per

usual, I was not disappointed. I also enjoyed some of the galleries

on Gallery Row in North Laguna.

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

I am so glad that Stu Byer is back at his post. He is one of my

favorite people that I’ve met over the years in Laguna. Welcome back!

On Jan. 17 and 18, the museum will feature performance artist Tim

Miller with his newest work, called “Body Blows.” Miller has gained

recognition as a premiere performance artist who specializes in

autobiographical monologues. This will be his final appearance in

Laguna before he leaves the country, and this performance deals with

topics close at hand.

“Body Blows” is about the adventures and struggles of gay

bi-national couples in America. Miller has to leave the country

because his partner’s visa has expired.

Tickets are $15 per performance. Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff

Drive. For more information, call 494-8971 or go online to

www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

NO SQUARE THEATRE AUDITIONS

No Square Theatre will be holding auditions for “A Midsummer

Night’s Dream.” From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday at the No

Square Rehearsal Studio, 221 Broadway. They are auditioning children

ages 8 to 18 and also casting two female adults: Titania, age 25 or

older and a grandmother type, age 50 or older.

Bring a two-minute Shakespearian monologue or be prepared to read

at casting. Also bring a list of conflicts through March 16.

Performances will be March 8, 9, 15, and 16 at the Festival of Arts

Forum Theater. For an appointment, call 497-1950.

ANNUAL SHELTER FUND-RAISER

Local residents will open their homes for the 11th annual

Friendship Shelter’s “Dinners Across Laguna.” They’ll do so in

support of the programs the shelter provides to help homeless adults

become self-sufficient and productive members of society.

The event is Saturday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m., and tickets are

$125 per person. To receive an invitation to the event or for to find

out how to host a dinner, call Jill Edwards at 494-6631.

BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

The award-winning Laguna Beach High School Jazz Ensemble is having

its ninth annual Blues and Jazz Festival at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. This

production will introduce the new band director Wade Hendricks and

will feature Thelma Jones with John Heussenstamm and the Land of the

Jam, along with the jazz ensemble.

The festival will be performed at the Laguna Beach High School’s

Artists Theater on 625 Park Ave. Tickets are $25 reserved, $15

general and $10 students. Proceeds benefit Laguna Beach High School

Music Department. For information or tickets, call 497-9779.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or suzie.harrison@latimes.com.