Arts & Culture

The arts are inextricably woven into the fabric of Laguna Beach—discovering and enjoying them are part of understanding the history and unique culture of the place. There are many ways to put your finger on the creative pulse of the community. This section provides an overview of ongoing and seasonal/periodic opportunities.

Ongoing Opportunities

City of Laguna Beach Public Art Collection

Visit over 69 pieces of public art located throughout the City. A brochure and walking map is available on the City’s Web site. View the public art documentary online and meet some of the artists who created the works and have insight into their creative process and inspiration.
(949) 497-0722
www.LagunaBeachCity.net
First Thursdays Art Walk

Established in 1998, First Thursdays Art Walk is a festive, cultural evening on the first Thursday of every month from 6 pm – 9 pm. The event is free, and free shuttle service runs throughout the evening linking member gallery locations. Over 40 galleries participate in the evening, offering artist receptions, demonstrations and live music. Free admission to the Laguna Art Museum is offered during this event.
(949) 683-6871
www.FirstThursdays
ArtWalk.com
Gallimaufry

Gallimaufry Performing Arts is dedicated to creating and promoting all of the performing arts: Theatre, Dance and Music. Gallimaufry produces plays, musicals, choral concerts, dance festivals, classes and workshops. They strive to create unique experiences for both the audience and the participants by presenting entertaining programs of superior quality and creativity.
(949) 499-5060
www.Gallimaufry.info
Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts is a membership organization of the 22 cultural arts organizations based and working within the city. LBaa publishes the quarterly City Cultural Calendar, supports collaboration and networking, serves as an advocate for the Arts and ensures the inclusion of the Arts in all city planning. The Cultural Calendar is available online.
www.LagunaBeachArts.org
Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum, an American art museum with a focus on the art of California, promotes an understanding of art and artists in American culture through collection, exhibition, research and instruction. Open 11am-5pm daily and the first Thursday of each month open 11 am-9 pm. Admission is $10/adult, $8/seniors, active military and students, children under 12 and members are free.
307 Cliff Dr.
(949) 494-8971
www.LagunaArtMuseum.org
Laguna Beach Live!

Laguna Beach Live! brings music at its best to the community of Laguna Beach. Enjoy chamber music on First Sundays (October–May) at the Laguna College of Art & Design, a weeklong Music Festival in January exploring classical music, an outdoor jazz series at Hotel Laguna during summer, and special concerts from Bluegrass to Big Band and more.
(949) 715-9713
www.LagunaBeachLive.org
Laguna Canyon Artists

The largest colony or artists in Laguna Beach, individual working studios of over 34 artists. See web site for open house event information and links to artists websites and contact information.
3251 Laguna Canyon Rd.
3275 Laguna Canyon Rd.
www.Laguna
CanyonArtists.com
Laguna College of Art + Design

An accredited institution offering Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that combine studio work with academic studies in the liberal arts. The college shares its resources with the broader community through continuing education, exhibitions and partnerships. The college strives to operate in an eco-friendly manner and is in the process of building improvements in hopes of gaining LEED certification.
2222 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 376-6000
www.LagunaCollege.edu
Laguna Craft Guild

Laguna Craft Guild sponsors bi-monthly Sunday shows in the downtown Main Beach area from September to June. Artwork is created and sold by Laguna Beach artists.
P.O. Box 1244
(949) 499-2681
lagunacraftguild@gmail.com
Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA)

Art & Sea Adventure: Classes available in spring and fall. Please visit the Web site above for details on these and other workshops.
(949) 363-4700
www.LOCAArts.org
The Laguna Playhouse

This award-winning, critically acclaimed professional theater company, the West Coast’s oldest, offers a year-round performance schedule in the beautiful Moulton Theater, next door to the Festival of Arts, steps from fine dining, shopping and the beach.
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 497-ARTS
www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

Seasonal or Periodic Opportunities – Art Festivals

Art-A-Fair Festival

Featuring over 125 artists and crafts people, Art-A-Fair Festival is a must for art lovers. Browse through booths of original watercolors, oils, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass and more. Meet the artists, get hands-on demos and enjoy fine dining. Open July through Labor Day Sunday 2009. Located between the Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival.
777 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 494-4514
www.Art-A-Fair.com
Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show

This top-rated art show features original artwork by over 145 of the area’s most accomplished artists. Find affordable and unique works of art, perfect for your home or business. Enjoy art workshops, tours and a variety of special events including Blues Fest, Beatles’ Sunday, Art Live, Summer Smooth Jazz Concert Series, Art of Cooking: OC Chef Series and much more. Open July 5 through August 31, 10:00am–11:00pm daily.
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 494-1145
(800) 487-3378
www.LagunaFestivalOfArts.org
Pageant of the Masters

The Pageant of the Masters is a world-famous stage presentation featuring “living pictures.” Watch as cast members are magically transformed into famous works of art, accompanied by a full orchestra and live narration. Presented nightly in a starlit amphitheater from July 8 through August 31. The 2009 theme is The Muse.
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(800) 487-3378
Info: (949) 494-1145
Tickets: (949) 497-6582
www.PageantTickets.com
Sawdust Art Festival

The Sawdust Art Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created in Laguna Beach. During the festival shows, Sawdust artisans create and sell unique handcrafted pieces from a wide variety of media including recycled materials, blown glass, fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, painting, woodwork, metal, ceramics and much more. The Sawdust often educates their visitors by hosting eco-friendly, recyclable and “upcycle” hands-on art projects. They also hold an annual “green day,” encouraging visitors to become involved in a multitude of environmentally friendly activities. The Sawdust Art Festival is enrolled in the SCE’s Energy Efficiency Program and had recently partnered with the Wyland Foundation to teach water conservation and promote clean oceans. Other seasonal events include: January Jewelry, Spring Into Art and Autumn Art workshops, Winter Fantasy and Art Studio Tour.
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 494-3030
www.SawdustArtFestival.org

Seasonal or Periodic Opportunities – Other

The Laguna Beach Music Festival

Presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Laguna Chamber Music Society and Laguna Beach Live!, this world-class festival brings music at its most exciting—up close and personal—to Laguna Beach. Each festival stars an internationally acclaimed Mentor Musician or Ensemble along with other talented artists in a week-long blend of performance and education. World renowned cellist Lynn Harrell was the 2008 Featured Artist.
(949) 715-9713
www.LagunaBeach
MusicFestival.com
The Laguna Beach Dance Festival

The Laguna Dance Festival is dedicated to the development of audience awareness, providing access to all forms of dance through the presentation of dance events and educational opportunities. The annual week-long Festival generally occurs in early October, with Festival tickets going on sale in August.
(949) 715-5578
www.LagunaDance
Festival.org
Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational

Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) is dedicated to upholding the traditions of representational art and to continuing the heritage of the early California painters. The organization sponsors the annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, where artists paint throughout the town for a week, followed by an exhibition, gala and public sale. The organization also holds other exhibits and events throughout the year.
(949) 376-3635
www.LPAPA.org

City of Laguna Beach Offerings

For more information, please call (949) 497-0716 or log-on to www.LagunaBeachCity.net/arts.

Music in the Park Concerts

July & August
Sundays from 5:00–7:00pm in Bluebird Park.
Bluebird Park
September Sunset Serenades

Friday nights in September from 5:30pm–Sunset in Heisler Park.
Heisler Park
 


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