BRIEFLY IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

‘Master of Disaster’ to speak in Laguna

Randall Bell, often called the ‘Master of Disaster’ for his work involving major crises, will discuss his new book, “Bottom Line Results: The 10 Strategies for Achievement,” at the Latitude 33 Bookshop at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

As an economist, Bell’s work has taken him to disaster sites all over the world, including here in Laguna Beach with the 2005 Bluebird Canyon landslide home sites.

“When I walk into a boardroom to discuss the fate of the World Trade Center site, hack through the jungle of the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Sites, or drive a Humvee though the flooded areas of New Orleans, I have a strategy. I have to, because millions or billions of dollars are riding on my decisions,” Bell said.

In addition to consulting on climate, environmental and terrorist events, he also worked on crimes and tragedies such as the OJ Simpson, Jon Benet Ramsey and Heaven’s Gate cases.

The first of the 10 strategies is to “Get the Big Picture.” Bell believes that this strategy prompts everyone to take a look at underlying core values and philosophies.

“With a crisis, people often want to get busy and jump right into the details, but I always want to first take a step back and understand the overall picture and the real priorities. This exercise alone can help get people moving in the right direction and help turn the situation around,” he said.

Bell believes that those who have a game plan and are “strategically fit” become financially fit, physically fit and intellectually fit. He will address all 10 strategies during his presentation.

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Gallery show addresses global issues

Endangered Planet Gallery, 384 Forest Ave., Suite 13, is exhibiting sculptures of global issues featuring artist Norman Deesing in his new show, “Global Warnings,” which will run through March 30.

Deesing’s sculptures are created as a way to visualize and memorialize important world events. The human figure is used as a universal symbol. Much of his ceramic work reflects upon the human state, natural disasters and current world affairs.

Deesing graduated from UC Davis in 1984 with an undergraduate degree in Fine Art methods, including ceramics. At Davis, he studied under famous artists such as Robert Arneson for ceramics and Wayne Thiebaud for painting. Deesing teaches sculpture at a Southern California high school. For more information, visit endangeredplanet.org.

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Local artists’ exhibit in Santa Monica show

Laguna Beach jewelry designer Gretchen Shields and wearable art creator Barbara de Jounge will participate in the Santa Monica Arts Festival this weekend with more than 200 artists at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

The show will feature 15,000 original works by artists from more than 20 states.

For more information, visit www.americanartfestivals.com.

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Zimmermann debuts new collection

Gallery McCollum, 206 N. Coast Hwy., will introduce Caroline Zimmermann’s “Currents ‘o8” show with an artist reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

The show will feature a new collection of waterscapes from the waters of the Arno River in Tuscany to the Hollister Ranch and Crystal Cove of California. The exhibit will also include Italian landscapes and still-lifes, such as colorful florals, exotic fruits, wine and cheese and whimsical coffees.

To RSVP, call (949) 497-4027. For more information, visit www.gallerymccollum.com.