Art in mixed mediums abound

SUZIE HARRISON

Don’t let the early sunsets and chilly weather keep you away from the

veritable buffet of art and entertainment offerings.

THE SCENE ON DISPLAY

Laguna Art Museum’s Sunday opening of “The OsCene: Contemporary

Art and Culture in OC” has a lot of Laguna artists thrilled that

there would finally be a survey show of contemporary arts in Orange

County by artists working in all media.

The last time a survey exhibit of contemporary art was done in

Orange County was in 1979 by the Newport Harbor Museum. So much has

changed since then and Laguna Art Museum is the perfect cultural

institution to bring this exhibit to light.

There are many facets to the show with many events over the course

of the exhibit through Feb. 27, including lectures and panels, film

screenings and music performances.

The first event is at 1 p.m. Sunday. As part of the museum’s “Talk

of the Town” lecture series, chief curator Tyler Stallings will

moderate a panel exploring “Sex Behind the Curtain: Eroticism in the

art of The OsCene.” Artists Sherie Franssen, Lady, Sir and Her, Viet

Le and Ed Templeton will discuss the use of eroticism in their work.

An acoustic performance by the “Blue Wales” exemplifies a music

component to “The OsCene” at 1 p.m. Nov. 14. An anthology of short

films will be screened with the filmmakers present at 7 p.m. Nov. 17.

The timing for the exhibit works on multiple levels. Orange County

Museum of Art is having its 2004 California Biennial, Stallings said;

perhaps it could create a dialogue between the two.

It’s interesting because the California Biennial is focused more

statewide than looking at the renowned talent in Laguna Beach and in

the county.

Stallings has been with Laguna Art Museum since ’95. He said the

idea has been to create opportunities that bring in Orange County

artists.

The exhibit gives a closer look at Orange County’s contemporary

art. It’s interesting to compare the relationship to national trends

and growth and also to examine in contrast how it differs.

Stallings said for the show they picked multi-media, music and

film in Orange County to continue Laguna Art Museum’s history of

expanding the definition of art and culture.

“In ‘The OsCene,’ we’re trying to make it a bigger thing,

especially with film being another visual medium,” Stallings said.

“Music is another element that gives a profile of the region. To look

at what’s going on, we wanted to be as inclusive as we can.”

Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff Drive. To find out more about

“The OsCene” exhibit and events call (949) 494-8971.

PUT YOURSELF IN IT

Arts commissioner Mike Tauber is so excited that the public gets

to start to help in the creation of the “Memento” mural at Lang Park

Community Center courtyard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

and Nov. 12, 13 and 14.

Artist Gerard Basil Stripling won the artist competition with his

design and is looking forward to working with the public to create

“Memento.”

“It feels wonderful for me to do a public art piece,” Stripling

said. Having the public enjoy it and having other people

participating is initially what drew me to the project.”

He said he wanted it to evoke memories for people who participated

or donated a piece when they visited the mural.

“What I like about ‘Memento’ is that it goes across the board and

touches everyone,” Stripling said. “Everyone has precious memories,

events and things that happen in their lives. It’s nice to sit and

think about.”

Lang Park Community Center is at 21540 Wesley Drive. For

information, call (949) 497-0722.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

suzie.harrison@latimes.com.