Seeing all walks of art life

Suzie Harrison

Imagine it being seven years ago, the first Thursday of the month, in

the evening. Several residents may have been taking in a light night

of “Must-see TV.” For the past six years, however, Lagunans and

visitors alike have had the option to take a more stimulating route

-- First Thursday Art Walk.

More than 40 galleries participate throughout Laguna Beach,

opening their doors to the public with new exhibits, artist

receptions, demonstrations and lectures.

“There’s a cross-section of galleries, from contemporary, abstract

to seascapes, photography and sculpture,” City Arts Manager Sian

Poeschl said. “It’s inclusive of all the art genres.”

Collaboration is something the galleries find important.

“A lot of us that have been involved since the beginning of Art

Walk have been working together for six years,” Poeschl said. “It’s

gone beyond just an arts organization -- we’ve now become a family

whose objective is not an individual objective, but it’s a

collaborative goal for everyone’s benefit or enjoyment.”

Marion Cuddyer, owner of Marion Meyer Contemporary Art, has been a

part of art walk since its inception and serves on the board of

directors.

“The reason I like being involved is because we are offering a

free cultural event year round that locals and tourists anticipate,”

Cuddyer said. “It’s a diverse event with visual art, performance art

-- a collaboration of many organizations.”

The formula has been successful by attracting more people each

month, Poeschl said, adding that she likes working with other

organizations as well along with other board members and the advisory

board.

There have been some great highlights over the years, Poeschl

said, one being the mentoring program held in December with the

Laguna College of Art and Design students. The program gives students

a real world lesson in the business side of being an artist and

allows them to exhibit in Laguna galleries.

Another highlight, Poeschl said, was the fifth anniversary last

year, when they were able to bring a contemporary L.A. orchestra to

Laguna.

“About 1,000 people came,” Poeschl said. “The feelings about the

turnout of people were absolutely overwhelming with the support that

was shown by the community. There’s really a sense of pride and

ownership regarding the Art Walk.”

Participants receive a wide range of support from organizations

such as the Arts Commission, Laguna Art Museum, Festival of Arts,

Arts Orange County, Wild Oats and the Laguna Board of Realtors, among

others, Poeschl said. “It’s gaining a reputation nationally, and is

gaining a reputation because it’s not in a vacuum or in isolation,”

Poeschl said. “It’s part of a picture of what is going on in the

city.”

The art walk has had to reinvent itself and continue to provide

new and exciting experiences for audiences.

“I think they’ve met the challenge well,” Poeschl said. “They’ve

gone from being a regional event to becoming nationally recognized.

It’s grown from 90 people at the first event to about 3,000 each

month.”

Donnie Wise, co-owner of Joseph Wise Fine Art Gallery, is pleased

to be a part of it.

“We have enjoyed being a member of Art Walk now for over two

years,” Wise said. “The gallery feels that Art Walk has helped to

bring exposure to new and seasoned art collectors. It’s a leisurely,

festive event that is gaining a reputation among local Orange County

residents as well as vacationers and business travelers.”

Wise said that over time it has generated a modest increase in

sales, is a proven educational venue and brings broader awareness and

exposure to collecting fine art.

Poeschl would like to see the event expand its collaboration with

different forms of media and to expand its activities.

“An example would be to continue with its mentoring program,”

Poeschl said. “Because we need to ensure that Laguna Beach remains an

art colony.”

It starts with the young artists being able to see a career in the

arts in Laguna, she said, and it’s important to ensure that Laguna

continues to be seen as a cultural arts destination.

First Thursday Art Walk is the first Thursday of the month from 6

to 9 p.m. For its six-year mark on Feb. 5, a post-art walk party will

take place on the Festival of Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road

from 9 to 11 p.m.

“We always try to offer something unique, showing performance and

visual arts together,” Poeschl said.

“Wild Child,” a Jim Morrison celebration band, will perform and

the California Choreographers Dance Festival will present an

acclaimed performance art presentation by the “Tweaksters.”

For more information, call 683-6871 or go to

https://www.firstthursdays

artwalk.com.