Keeping up with hectic summer season

SUZIE HARRISON

First Thursday’s Art Walk was a perfect primer for the arts and

entertainment happenings I consumed over the weekend. Dodging throngs

of tourists as I navigated my way to the galleries proved to be an

exercise in agility. I quickly felt reprieve once safely inside the

sanctity of the art world, surrounded by familiar faces and allured

by the artists’ creations.

Diane DeBilzan Gallery was one such safe haven, featuring new

works by William DeBilzan, Gavin Heath, Andrew Myers, Rob Riemer and

Claudia Meyer.

Sawdust Art Festival was a decathlon in and of itself Friday

night. I was met with the surreal while watching artist Joan Corman

painting actor George Wood -- actually his white linen trademark suit

-- while he recited poetry. It was an interactive piece with his

words inspiring each stroke of her brush. The two will have another

such event at the Sawdust on Thursday.

A few steps away on the main stage, the “Project Skimboard”

auction was a thrill to watch, as people tried to outbid each other

over the unusual works. Exhibitors were given a blank skim board and

turned it into one-of-a-kind art.

“We grossed near $20,000,” Sawdust community and media relations

manager Rebecca Meekma said. “It was the first time we had an

auction; I’m really pleased how many exhibitors participated. It’s a

goodwill event for our community.”

Saturday, I started my art excursion back at the Sawdust for “Art

on Stage,” which always attracts a crowd from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It’s

entertaining to watch participants try to put together the

larger-than-life koi-pond inspired puzzle. Some of the most unusual

suspects win.

Following that, after perusing the Sawdust art, I ventured to an

art opening at Gallery 51.

Gallery 51 owner and Sawdust Festival exhibitor Don Brown opens

“Summer Heat,” which will run until Aug. 28.

Brown said the idea was to show some of the Sawdust artists whose

work he respects, but unfortunately he could not include everyone.

“I selected a group of artists whose work would show well

together, artists who use a lot of color,” Brown said. “We also tried

to get some artists whose work represents summertime in Laguna.”

Sawdust artists in the show are Sue Thompson, Sian Poeschl, Simon

Purll, James Koch, Roy Slavin, Sheila Lind Anderson, Corman, Michele

Taylor and Brown. Other Laguna artists in the exhibit are Mike

Downey, Rebecca Molayem, Anne-liv Scott and Simon Grainger.

Taylor and Corman, Laguna Art Studio, both said the show allows

them to exhibit larger pieces that they were unable to show at the

Sawdust.

“I liked the idea that after a collector bought a piece, they came

to support the gallery,” Taylor said. “They were extremely impressed

with the diverse work.”

Next I went straight to “A Chorus Line,” a Gallimaufry Performing

Arts production. It was magnificent, my date said -- five stars.

After the performance, it was wonderful to chat with the beautiful

and talented Jodie Gates, Gallimaufry Dance artistic director. This

fall she has big plans for a phenomenal dance festival. Her

background and credentials are beyond impressive.

Sunday the pace was a little slower but a perfect way to cap off

the weekend. I watched the talented Jason Feddy at the concert in the

park summer music series and socialized.

This weekend started yesterday with the MTV benefit for landslide

victims and will be a little more leisurely. Saturday I’ll attend

“Tie One On” at the Festival of Arts -- I’ve never missed this event.

And Sunday it’s back to the park for more music.

So many events, too little time.

On a sad note, well-known female impersonator Hunter has been in

the intensive care unit at Cedars Sinai after incurring a brain

injury two weeks ago when he fell while rehearsing his new show.

Hunter is the Boom Boom Room’s “Dream Girls Revue” emcee and lead.

Wednesday night the Boom held a benefit to help raise funds for

Hunter, who is uninsured. His protege and best friend Chad Michaels

said Hunter has had two brain surgeries and is not yet conscious. A

bank account has been set up in Hunter’s roommate’s name, Peter

Jacobson, who will be his primary caretaker. To contribute or for

information, e-mail Chad at o7chad@dreamgirlsrevue.comf7.