Art unveiled across Laguna

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

This month’s First Thursday’s Art Walk was busy with a few noteworthy

pre-events. It’s times like this I wish I could be two places at

once.

At Wells Fargo “Banking on Art,” there was a reception recognizing

the opening of the “second annual Laguna Canyon Artists Exhibit.”

There was a lot of talent there -- Laguna Canyon Artists have 25

private studios and represent the largest plaza of professional

students in Laguna Beach. Artist Fitz Maurice, who is in charge of

“Banking on Art,” was quite pleased and said there was a good turn

out.

A little bit north behind Inn at Laguna an “Art in Public Places”

dedication was happening with the unveiling of Paul Braslow’s

sculpture “Astarte.”

Mayor Toni Iseman was introduced by Arts Commission Chairman Les

Thomas. He also remarked that Sian Poeschl, city arts coordinator,

will become the head of the city’s cultural art department effective

the beginning of July. She received a loud round of applause.

Braslow’s piece was created to play with the elements. And it has

the gorgeous backdrop of the ocean and scenery of Laguna.

Iseman said it was made to get better with time and used a

watering can full of seawater to start the patina.

Marion Cuddyer of Marion Meyer Contemporary Art helped with the

unveiling of “Astarte,” a goddess of the love and fertility. She

thanked the art community for coming together, noting how important

it is to have collaborative projects.

“Astarte is the ancient pre-Biblical goddess of fertility, going

back 20,000 years,” Braslow said. “She’s made of high quality

silicone bronze with no finish, intentionally. She’ll acquire a

greenish blue patina in winter and in the summer an orange and brown

color from the warm air. She’ll change with the seasons.”

The piece will stand about 50 feet from the ocean. Braslow poured

some additional saltwater on it, to “kick-start” the patina.

Arts commissioner Nancy Beverage said that this is the best way to

dedicate public art.

“Everyone has an opportunity to hear from the artist,” Beverage

said. “And we got to see the mayor christen the new sculpture with a

watering can.”

Arts commissioner Jan Sattler said she was pleased with the

community response.

“It’s a wonderful turnout, a wonderful reception,” Sattler said.

“I’m very excited to see the sea air changing the surface of the

bronze sculpture over time -- so we can enjoy its changing appearance

through the seasons.”

Having talked with more of the arts commissioners, Pat Kollenda

commented that arts are alive and well in Laguna Beach and was

pleased with the fabulous installation of “Astarte.”

Thomas called the piece delightful and really magnificent.

“It’s designed specifically for the site,” Thomas said. “It’s

absolutely beautiful and will be fun to watch it in six months to

patina. I’m going to have to come back every two weeks to see it.”

Marilyn Thomas of Music in the Park Inc. enjoyed the event, as

well.

“The crowd was incredible, the statue is incredibly elegant,”

Thomas said. “It will be fun walking by to see the color change.”

Next art walk I’ll have to concentrate more on the south end. I

love the Joseph Wise Fine Art Gallery and the stories co-owner Scott

Crosby shares about his travels to Africa, getting his art and really

getting to know the artists.

FREE DANCE

DAY TOMORROW

Tomorrow the California Choreographers Dance Festival will have

its second annual Dance Day. It will take place on Main Beach and at

No Square Theatre’s rehearsal studio on Broadway, across the street

from Coast Hardware. It’s from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with free dance

classes and performances. For information, go to www.cadancefest.com.

BUY BURGERS TO

HELP THE SEA LIONS

Today is a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch for a

scant $1 and help raise money for the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine

Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., stroll to the

Wild Oats parking lot at 283 Broadway and have a chicken dog, veggie

burger or hamburger with the appropriate condiments for a $1 each.

Kettle Chips are also a dollar.

Proceeds benefit the marine mammal center, which rescues and cares

for California sea lions, elephant seals, Harbor seals and other

important sea mammals. The Friends of the Sea Lion is located at

20612 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information about the benefit

lunch, call Wild Oats at 376-7888. For more information about the

marine mammal center, call 494-3050 or go to www.fslmmc.org.

A PAGEANT OF MASTERS

Last week I enjoyed press night at the Festival of Arts and

Pageant of the Masters on Tuesday, where we get to see everything

behind the scenes, which is even more phenomenal than just seeing the

show. Understanding every intricate detail that goes into the pageant

-- from the set design, make-up, costumes, people who pose to the

lighting, music and narration -- is the most fascinating experience

in the art world.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

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