Nominees for Art Star Awards revealed

Hollywood has its Oscars and Golden Globes, and Laguna Beach has its Art Stars.

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts will honor the best in the arts in Laguna Beach at the fourth annual Art Star Awards, set for 6 p.m. March 31 at [seven-degrees].

The award recognizes organizations, business and individuals who have contributed and shaped the arts and culture of the community, according to organizers.

“We are so lucky to live in Laguna Beach, a town where regular people get to live next door to painters, playwrights, sculptors, musicians, actors, cinematographers, authors, dancers, performers, poets, photographers, glass blowers, ceramicists and singers,” said event Chairwoman Mary Ferguson. “It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize and celebrate the amazing artists that live among us.”

A special Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to sculptor Ralph Tarzian, known for abstract figures in bronze. Tarzian’s works are in private collections and have been exhibited in modern art museums and galleries throughout California.

Alliance members from more than 20 Laguna Beach arts organizations submitted nominees in five categories. The winner in each category will be announced during the event, when they will be presented with a custom-designed bronze sculpture created by local artist Louis Longi.

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts was established in 2002 to serve as a united voice for the arts in the city.

Members include: Art-A-Fair Festival, CaDance, Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Commission, Community Art Project, Festival of Arts, First Thursdays Art Walk, Gallimaufry Performing Arts, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach Chorale, Laguna Beach Craft Guild, Laguna Beach Film Society, Laguna Beach Live!, Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau, Laguna College of Art & Design, Laguna Community Concert Band, Laguna Outreach Community Arts, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, No Square Theater, Pageant of the Masters, Sawdust Art Festival, Southern California Artists Assn., and [seven-degrees].

To buy tickets, e-mail information@lagunabeacharts.com