Museum boasts growth at retreat

Suzie Harrison

The Laguna Art Museum’s Board of Directors and key staff members

used this year’s weekend retreat to discuss future plans and review

the past year’s progress.

“It’s the 85th anniversary this year, a very exciting time,” Chuck

James, board president said of the January retreat.

Museum Director Bolton Colburn thinks the retreats are good for

the betterment of the museum.

There are about 25 people on the board and 10 to 11 staff people

who go to the retreat. James said that last year set a precedent, and

Colburn said he is looking forward to the impetus continuing.

“I’m thrilled to note membership is up 31%,” James said. “We have

about 2,000 members now.”

In the categories of development, James said that the advisory

board of trustees swelled in numbers from four to 35.

There are new board members who have moved to the area and wanted

to become a part of Laguna Art Museum. These include people with

experience serving other museums and are well versed in the art world

as collectors.

Admissions are up 250%, primarily because of the extraordinary

success of “Surf Culture” and all the events tied in with it.

“Surf Culture set and broke all records,” James said.

Colburn said that a lot of what they’re working on were broken

into four strategic areas -- increasing financial stability,

establishing a more comprehensive education program, enhancing

community outreach and examining the infrastructure.

“We wanted to address the $1.5-million budget and execute it

properly,” James said. “We broke into smaller groups to discuss and

go over recommendations.”

Laguna Art Museum is working on relationship-building in Laguna

Beach, reaching out to the community more effectively and energizing

locals to become a part of the museum.

“Education has been expanded for children’s and adult programs,

which would include lectures, films and hands on art projects,” James

said.

These are some of the plans the museum has instituted.

“It was intense, well attended, and everyone got involved,” James

said.

The Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff Drive. For more information

about becoming a member, call 494-8971.