IN THE ARTS

Michael Bryan opens gallery

Laguna Beach-based artist Michael Bryan will hold an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23 at his new gallery at 688 S. Coast Hwy.

Bryan specializes in painting people, street scenes, sporting events and “the good life.” His works on polished aluminum have been commissioned by the Olympics, BMW and In-N-Out Burger, among other entities. His commissions have ranged from portraits of John Wayne to the U.S. president. He has exhibited in museums around the country. For information about gallery hours and special events, call (949) 500-0721 or (949) 640-0377, or visit www.michaelbryan.com

Art Projekts holds grand opening

A new art gallery, Art Projekts, is opening Saturday at 266 Forest Ave., with a grand opening celebration from 6 to 9 p.m.

The gallery is a joint venture of Laurie Swenson and Sanja Simidzija.

“We look forward to sharing our passion for art through showcasing exceptional art that stirs the soul, and provokes the urge for deeper understanding of ourselves and the beauty of the world around us,” the partners stated.

The gallery will feature contemporary art. For more information, call (949) 376-1122.

Preview of ‘Saraha’ documentary

In “Running the Sahara” three professional runners from Canada, the U.S. and Taiwan decide to run 4,300 miles from Senegal to the Red Sea to promote H2O Africa, a charity that promotes clean drinking water for people in the six countries they crossed.

The documentary, directed by Academy-Award winner James Moll and narrated by Matt Damon, explores the physical and emotional impact of this test of strength and determination.

The Laguna Beach Film Society will present the film at 7 p.m. Thursday at South Coast Cinema. Tickets are $15 at the door, or, for $20, join Film Society members at 6 p.m. for wine, hors d’oeuvres and pre-film discussion at the Wells Fargo Bank Community Room. To join the Laguna Beach Film Society, call JoAnne Story at (949) 494-8971 ext. 201.

Museum auction preview online

Auction 100, presented by Laguna Art Museum, features 100 works from 100 top California artists. The auction will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 28.

The event will feature both a live and a silent auction. Auctioneer Chuck Dreyer will present the work during the live auction.

A buffet, cocktails, music and curbside valet parking at the front door of the museum are included with the price of admission. Tickets for non-museum members are $150 each.

Art will be previewed from Feb. 21 27 at the museum from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at LagunaArtMuseum.org

For more information about Auction 100, call Marnie Wall at (949) 494-8971 ext. 219.

Collectors’ Council goes to L.A.

Laguna Art Museum’s Contemporary Collectors’ Council will meet Jan. 24 to visit the Los Angeles studios of artists Mary Cecile Gee, Allison Schulink and Roy Thurston. Lunch is included, after which the group will tour the Los Angeles Art Show at the L.A. Convention Center.

All Laguna Art Museum members are invited to join the Contemporary Collectors’ Council. Dues are an additional $100 a year. The cost for art trip is $95 for members, $115 for non-members with a deadline for reservations of Jan. 16. For more information, call Johanna Felder at (949) 497-4525 or Bibe Stockman at the Museum (949) 494-8971, ext. 213.

Mystery book group, author at library

Laguna Beach Library’s new mystery book discussion group, 2nd Saturday Sleuths, will meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to talk about “In the Woods” by Tana French, a 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 at 2ndsaturdaysleuths. pbwiki.com.

Pageant holds 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.” Casting call will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday; from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and from 7 to 9 p.m Thursday 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 meet the behind-the-scenes Pageant staff. No theater experience is necessary.

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 other positions. Students can earn credit toward community service requirements.

Tickets are on sale by calling (800) 487-3378 at www.LagunaFestival ofArts.org.

Stone carving class begins Saturday

Stone carving classes taught by master stone carvers Marvin Johnson and Joseph Sovella will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, starting this weekend, at Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road. The cost for the 10-week workshop is $350 and includes basic tools and a practice stone. The class is open to all skill levels. To register or receive more information about the workshop, 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 nonprofits 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

Festival of Arts accepting applications

Artists who would like to apply for the 2009 Festival of Arts 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 the Festival’s website, www.LagunaFestivalof Arts.org, or call (949) 464-4234.