Program to Address Dispute Over Artistic Freedom, NEA

Tonight at 8 at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, a free program will call attention to issues of artistic freedom, particularly as they concern the beleaguered National Endowment for the Arts.

“Diversity of Thought: The Current NEA Controversy and Related Issues” will feature video artist Bill Viola, who recently testified before a congressional subcommittee on the reauthorization of the NEA, which is under attack by conservatives; and Jeffrey Chester, a political and media consultant who specializes in public interest campaigns.

The civic center is at 2000 Main St. in Huntington Beach. Information: (714) 960-9147.

Russell E. Lewis has been appointed president of the Art Institute of Southern California in Laguna Beach, replacing William Otton, who resigned in May.

Lewis has been at the school since September, as vice president of academic affairs. Before that, he was a teacher and administrator for 10 years at the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich. He holds a master of arts degree in anthropology and a doctorate in resource development, both from Michigan State University, and a doctorate in law from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind. He lives in Laguna Beach.

Opera Pacific will offer senior citizens and students half-price tickets to “Showboat” July 13 to 22 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The tickets will be available one-half hour before curtain time (8 p.m. for evening performances, 2 p.m. for matinees). Information: (714) 546-7372.

An art sale to benefit the South Coast Symphony will be held July 14 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Scott Kennedy Gallery, 507-B 29th St. in Newport Beach. Information: (714) 675-8173.

A July 19 lecture and a July 19 to 22 workshop by photographer Thomas Barrow at the Irvine Fine Art Center have been canceled.