IN THE ARTS

Mystery book group, author at library

Laguna Beach Library’s new mystery book discussion group, “2nd Saturday Sleuths,” will meet for the first time in the new year at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 10 to talk about “In the Woods” by Tana French, a blend of police procedural and psychological thriller. Copies of the book are available at the checkout desk. Participants can join in at the library for a casual discussion and refreshments, or participate at 2ndsaturdaysleuths. pbwiki.com

Mystery author Marja McGraw will make an appearance at the library at 2 p.m. Jan. 22.

Webster is a Southern California native whose mysteries include “A Well-Kept Family Secret” and “Bubba’s Ghost,” both set in Los Angeles.

The library is at 363 Glenneyre St. For more information, call Jenny Gasset at (949) 497-1733 or e-mail jdgasset@ocpl.org.

Pageant plans casting call for 2009 show

The Pageant of the Masters is looking for men, women and children to volunteer for next summer’s show, “The Muse.” People of all sizes and ages are needed to be cast members in the presentation of tableaux vivants or “living pictures.”

The casting call will be from at 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 10, 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 11, and 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 15 at Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Next summer’s performances will run nightly at 8:30 from July 8 to Aug. 31.

Call (949) 494-3663 for additional information.

During the casting call, prospective volunteers will be measured and photographed, and can meet the behind-the-scenes Pageant staff.

No theater experience is necessary. The only requirement is the ability to stand still and have fun.

“It takes more than 400 volunteers, both onstage and behind-the-scenes, to put on the Pageant,” said director Diane Challis Davy. “We wouldn’t have a show without our volunteers. They have so much fun backstage, volunteers return year after year to participate.”

Pageant volunteers are also needed for positions in the wardrobe, make-up and headdress departments, as well as cast area coordinators and refreshment servers, among others.

Students can earn credit toward community service requirements.

Tickets are on sale by calling (800) 487-3378 or going to www.Laguna FestivalofArts.org after Jan. 15.

The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization whose proceeds go to support the arts.

Stone carving class begins Jan. 10

Stone carving classes taught by master stone carvers Marvin Johnson and Joseph Sovella will be at Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, for 10 Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10 through March 14. The cost for the 10-week workshop is $350 and includes basic tools and a practice stone. No prior experience is necessary. The class is open to all skill levels.

Sovella has taught at Laguna College since 1986 and Johnson since 1992. Sovella’s interest in stone has taken him to the far corners of the world, including Pietra Santa, Italy, where he has worked with some of the great sculptors of the world. He has also exhibited in Europe and just completed an exhibit in Nice, France, and Kealakekua, Hawaii.

Johnson holds a master’s of fine arts in sculpture and studied at the Boston Museum School as well as receiving his bachelor’s in philosophy from Whittier College.

Johnson was a foundry pattern maker in the mid-1960s and designed parts for Barbie Dolls; sculpted civil war soldiers for diorama in Gettysburg; was a clay modeler at General Motors; and developed a line of jewelry made of tropical hardwood.

His work has been widely exhibited, including at the New England Sculptor’s Assn., Boston; the National Orange Show; the Bahrum B. Gallery in Laguna Beach, as well as in private collections throughout California.

To register or receive more information, e-mail jdaniels@lagunacollege.edu

Cultural arts grant applications open

The city of Laguna Beach is accepting applications for cultural arts grants.

The grant funds must be used by nonprofit organizations for projects to promote tourism and encourage overnight hotel occupancy during the non-summer months.

Applications must be submitted at the counter in the Community Services Department by Feb. 6. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachcity.net.

Art-A-Fair seeking artists for 2009

The Art-a-Fair Festival is seeking new artists for its 43rd annual season, which will run from June 26 to Aug. 30.

The Art-a-Fair is the only one of three summer art festivals in Laguna Beach that exhibits not only national, but international artists among its approximately 125 participants.

Jury day is Feb. 8. Artists who wish to be considered are invited to bring artwork for jurying either in person on that day between 8 and 11 a.m. at the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road.

Mail submissions are due by Jan. 20. All mediums are available for jurying and artists may jury with more than one.

Three original works of art are required in each medium entered; two-dimensional pieces must be framed, wired, and ready to hang.

Every art form is represented at the show, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood.

Artists who have hand-delivered their work on Jury Day receive their scores and notification of acceptance or declination at pick up between 4 and 5 p.m. that day.

The Art-A-Fair also features entertainment, fine dining, demonstrations and workshops. More than 60,000 visitors are expected.

Forms and information about the specifics of submitting applications and work, including an artist prospectus and application checklist can be found at www.art-a-fair.com.

For more information, call (949) 494-4514.

Festival of Arts accepting applications

Artists who would like to apply for the 2009 Festival of Arts “” California’s Premier Fine Art Show should submit a CD with three digital images per media and a completed application form by 4 p.m. Jan. 16.

The Festival of Arts accepts applications from artists residing in: Aliso Viejo, Balboa, Balboa Island, Capistrano Beach, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest (El Toro), Mission Viejo, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Artists must be able to show that they have resided in one of these cities for at least one year. Jurying fees are $40 per medium submitted.

The jurying process is two-phased.

During the first phase, jurors will review three digital images per media submitted by applicants. Artists accepted into this first phase will be notified by mail and invited to submit three finished pieces to a physical jury in Laguna Beach on Feb. 21.

The same panel of eight jurors will review the artwork.

An invitation will be extended to those who receive the highest scores during phase two to participate in the 2009 Festival of Arts exhibit.

The 2009 jurors are Yachiyo Beck (watercolorist), Gene Cooper (painter), Lynn Lowry (jeweler & stained glass artist), Carolyn Machado (mixed media), Miriam Shelton (sculptor), Julie Sample (photographer), Pat Sparkuhl (mixed media) and alternate juror Monica Dunham (ceramicist).

The 2009 show will run from July 5 to Aug. 31.

Applicants may download an application from www.LagunaFestival ofArts.org, or call (949) 464-4234.