First Thursday hits fifth year

Suzie Harrison

One of the most exciting days of the month in Laguna will get a

little more fun this time around when gallery owners and art lovers

celebrate the fifth anniversary of First Thursday Art Walk.

The citywide event is an open house for more than 40 galleries in

Laguna. There is wine, food, live music and a plethora of art. Art

lovers can stroll or take the free shuttle to the different places.

Some galleries offer artist receptionists, interpretative dance and

new exhibits and other fun happenings from 6 to 9 p.m. One thing for

sure is that every type of art can be experienced, from contemporary,

abstracts, photography and sculpture. Diversity is a constant.

The idea came from the creative minds of the city’s arts

coordinator Sian Poeschl and artist William DeBilzan. Starting with a

crowd of 200 its first month, the event that spans from North

Laguna’s Gallery Row to Downtown and south to Bluebird Canyon now

gathers 2,000 to 4,000 participants, depending on the season.

“Over the past five years, I have worked with gallery owners and

volunteers on 59 Art Walks. Along with people such as Wayne and Faye

Baglin, I have attended nearly all,” Poeschl said. “Each Art Walk has

offered a different cultural art experience. I have had the

opportunity to meet innovative and exciting artists and

participants.”

To celebrate the anniversary there will be a post-party from 9 to

11 p.m. on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Drive.

The party will feature entertainment by Elvis Schoenberg’s Orchestre

Surreal featuring Miss Thing. The 20-piece orchestra plays a myriad

of classics of rock ‘n’ roll favorites such as Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple

Haze.”

Other performers are the Scarlet Sisters, Balloon Diva and

Kimberly Bixler Leeds from California Choreographers Dance Company,

performing with Native-American flute prodigy Evren Ozan.

“So many people have been responsible in making the event happen.

So many people have been supportive and eager to make Art Walk a

success,” Poeschl said. “My personal thanks goes to Kathleen Barrett,

Robin Fuld, Marion Cuddyer and Verna Glancy, who showed commitment,

diligence and enthusiasm in investing their heart and soul into First

Thursday’s Art Walk. First Thursday’s has become a family of gallery

owners, artists and volunteers who want to continue to further the

art experience in the city.”

People from all over the country and world have enjoyed Art Walk,

most avidly Lagunans.

“First Thursday’s Art Walk has certainly proved itself to be an

arts organization and event that has enhanced the cultural experience

in the city during the past five years,” Poeschl said.

She said that she has received calls from representatives of

cities in Oklahoma, Kansas and South Carolina, and others who are

seeking information on replicating the event in their own

communities.

“I consider their intent to replicate First Thursday’s Art Walk to

be a compliment to the success of the event,” Poeschl said.