ARTS COMMISSION WRAP-UP

The following is from the Sept. 11 meeting of the Laguna Beach Arts Commission.

Sculpture honorarium doubled at Crescent Bay

The Commission approved Dora Wexell’s proposed modifications to the competition guidelines and artist honorarium for the Crescent Bay Park Sculpture Competition — increasing the honorarium from $18,000 to $42,000.

Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl said that only $22,000 was available from Business Improvement District funds.

Wexell said that the City Council had requested that the commission consider larger projects.

Concerts in the Park succeed in being quiet

Commissioner Pat Kollenda said that she was very pleased with this summer’s Concerts in the Park series but suggested that the opening act feature more “general” music to attract a larger crowd.

Poeschl said that no noise complaints were received during the duration of the concert series.

$150,000 for Senior Center public art

The commission discussed the location and concepts for art in public places at the proposed community/senior center.

Poeschl said that $150,000 had been appropriated for art, which would be prominently located on the wall facing Third Street.

Commissioners discussed possible concepts for the installation, suggesting murals, metalwork and mosaic.

“It needs to be something timeless because it’s going to be there forever,” Chairwoman Nancy Beverage said.

Commissioners Kollenda, Mike Tauber and Joan Corman will make the recommendation, with Jan Sattler as alternate.

Demolition of the current building is expected in January, with construction to begin in September 2007 and completion in 2008.

Upcoming meeting time changed

The commission changed the time of the Oct. 9 meeting to 3 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict.

‘People’s Council’ completion delayed

Poeschl told the commission that Linda Brunker said she will be unable to complete the benches at her “People’s Council” sculpture by deadline, citing medical reasons.

The benches are complete, but installation may be put off a bit longer. Brunker is currently in Ireland.

Two banners missing

Poeschl said that two of the city’s artist-designed banners are missing and attempts are being made to locate them.