CHASING DOWN THE MUSE:Not just another art gallery

“Whatever you can do,

Or dream you can do,

Begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Begin it now.”

— Goethe

This is a story about love, about passion, about caring and sharing. This is a story about commitment — to dreams, to a special other, and to community at large.

On a recent clear, cool day, I sat with John and Rebecca Barber in their new Studio Arts Gallery at the old Pottery Shack (now dubbed The Old Pottery Place).

I had requested this time together with them after several other far too brief conversations had left me wanting more of their story. As we looked across the highway to the horizon where the blues of sky and sea meet, we spoke easily of many things. These are easy folks to speak with and, prompted by my own probing questions, they spoke of the evolution of the dreams that had brought them to this beautiful place.

Shakespeare wrote that “action is eloquence.” The eloquence expressed by the very existence of the Studio Arts Gallery does speak louder than any words and one need only visit there and speak with John and Rebecca to note this.

Still, I have been impressed by the process unfolding in the achievement of the dream and so I will try to tell their story in words.

John’s dream seems to have begun with the question he heard all too frequently — “Where are the local artists?” Beyond the summer festivals, where could one see the work of local artists and artisans? Seemingly, not in the local galleries. How could an art community not show its locally produced art? There should be some way. And so, John’s dream began.

The dream was, of course, about John’s own work, but it also held a larger sense of the community of artists to which he belongs.

Generosity of spirit plays a big part in this dream of a place for local artists to show their work, of a directory of sorts that guides art lovers and visitors to the locals who make up this art community in which we live. With Rebecca at his side, assisting, guiding and encouraging, the dream has moved from “putting in a specific order” to manifestation.

As John continued with other personal dreams that have led to his beautiful work at the Montage here in Laguna and in Steve Wynn’s resort hotel in Las Vegas, among others, the concept that was to become Studio Arts bubbled and brewed on its own.

One door closed, another opened, and the dream continued. When talks failed to create the desired result at one local site, Rebecca reminded John that things work in their own mysterious ways. Before long, the project now known as “The Old Pottery Place” began to take shape, and they entered into conversation with owner Joe Hanauer. Joe has become an ardent supporter of the dream. The passion is contagious.

The love story is far from over as other chapters continue to unfold, but the reality that is Studio Arts Gallery is now a tangible thing for all to see. It is, as one passerby was heard saying, “Just what Laguna needs — another gallery!”

This woman may have been sarcastic in her declaration, but she was right. We do need this gallery. It is not just another gallery. While it provides a destination spot to see locally produced art, it also provides a spirit of community that many of us continue to want to nourish here.

If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself. This month is an ideal time. Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., there are glass-blowing demonstrations by local artisans on the patio. Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. are for sipping hot toddies and shopping for that special gift of art.

Parking is free, the holiday lights twinkle, the owners and employees of nearby shops are congenial, neighbors wander in to say hello. As Rebecca Barber states with twinkling brown eyes, “This is exciting!”

Studio Arts Gallery and The Old Pottery Place are at 1200 So. Coast Highway at Brooks Street. Call (949) 375-1619 for more information.