BRIEFLY IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Festival of Arts seeks exhibitors

The Festival of Arts is now accepting applications from artists who would like to apply to next summer’s festival, which runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.

Applications and slides must be received by Feb. 28, 2007. There will be a jurying fee of $30 per medium submitted.

The first phase of jurying is scheduled for March 10, when slides will be reviewed; selected applicants will proceed to the physical jurying session on March 24.

There will be a free photo jurying seminar on Jan. 16, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., that will highlight the how-to’s of the jurying process.

Artists must create original art and have resided in one of the qualifying regional cities for at least one year: Aliso Viejo, Balboa, Balboa Island, Capistrano Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest (El Toro), Mission Viejo, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

The application is downloadable on the organization’s Website, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org, or is available by calling (949) 464-4234.

Art Walk dedication, reception in January

Mayor Toni Iseman will dedicate “Toward the Within,” by Laguna Beach artist Gerald Stripling, at 5 p.m., Jan. 4. The bronze sculpture, on loan through the Diane DeBilzan Gallery, will be on temporary exhibition at Monument Point, Heisler Park through Dec. 2008.

The installation has been facilitated by the Arts Commission and funded by the lodging establishments and the city of Laguna Beach.

Following the dedication, a reception will be held at the gallery, located at 224 Forest Ave. First Thursday’s Art Walk will follow the event from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call (949) 497-0722.

Photo exhibit, party at Story shop

Katharine Story will show the photographic works of Terry Rogers and his “Leave Only Footprints” collection at a kick-off party at her eponymous clothing boutique, 226 Ocean Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m. during Art Walk, Jan. 4.

Classic guitarist Eric Henderson and Common Sense lead singer Nick Hernandez will perform at the party, where Rogers and Story will each auction an item from their collections at the event; proceeds will benefit the Surfrider Foundation.

For more information on the party, call (212) 696-1321.

Local residents throw musical benefit

Charlie and Brandi Hawkins celebrated their second annual holiday party with more than just eggnog and fruitcake. As part of a special benefit performance, bands Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth performed for their 250 guests.

The event raised more than $75,000 for Music for a Cure, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Sugar Ray bassist Murphy Karges to bring music to children who are critically ill or facing financial hardship.

Local restaurant Hush donated appetizers, and Wagner & Ko donated a diamond necklace to be raffled.

During a live auction, guests placed bids on prizes ranging from a weekend retreat at the St. Regis to a signed Sugar Ray guitar to a suite at an Anaheim Ducks game.