ARTS COMMISSION WRAP-UP

The following is from the Oct. 22 meeting of the Laguna Beach Arts Commission.

Cultural arts center suggested

Commissioner Pat Kollenda proposed allocating part of the Business Improvement District funds to a trust fund for a town cultural arts center. The center would include affordable artist work space.

Kollenda suggested contacting the Athens Group regarding locating the center at Aliso Creek.

Several community members and a city official spoke about the proposal during public comment.

“I think this would really put your commission on the map,” City Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman said.

A former arts commissioner, Jan Sattler, voiced trepidation at the commission’s focus on artist work space, rather than creating the opportunity for artists to both live and work in a single, affordable space.

“I’m just really concerned,” Sattler said. “Please don’t drop the ball on artist live/work.”

Commissioner Suzi Chauvel made a recent visit to such a program in Paducah, Ky.

She will discuss her findings at the next meeting.

“It is our purview as a commission to have a longterm view,” Chauvel said. “It’s a very exciting thing. It’s an opportunity for a real vision.”

Frontage road sculpture discussed

The commission discussed installing a temporary or permanent sculpture on Laguna Frontage Road, near the Sawdust Art Festival, which would complement future road improvements.

Sculpture installations approved

The commission approved a Community Art Project proposal to extend its current installation in front of Wells Fargo Bank to March 1, 2008. The proposal would also allow for the installation of a temporary sculpture by Misha Von Doring, “Pillars of Society,” from March 2, 2008 to March 2010. The commission viewed a maquette of Von Doring’s piece.

Plaque policy to be revisited

The commission discussed revisions to the city recognition and plaque policy. Revisions will be brought to the next meeting for the approval.

“” Candice Baker