In The Arts: Festival of Arts taking scholarship applications

The Festival of Arts will accept scholarship applications from high school seniors who live in Laguna Beach or study at Laguna Beach High School until March 14.

“Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to submit an application in more than one category,” Pat Kollenda, Festival of Arts board secretary and scholarship chair, said in a release. “This is an excellent opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts.”

Since 1957, this program has aided young artists pursuing an arts education in college. Four-year scholarships are given to youths who demonstrate a keen aptitude for film, performing arts — dance, music and theater arts, which includes performance and production — visual arts and writing. Applicants may apply for any or all of the categories but will receive only one scholarship. Auditions and interviews will be in March and April.

In 2013, the Festival distributed $31,400 to graduating seniors. Award amounts start at $1,000 and can be renewed. Students must reapply each summer.

For more information, call Michelle Reindl at (949) 464-4201 or visit https://www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

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Pageant offers discounted tickets

Until Feb. 14, the Pageant of the Masters is offering $14 tickets — which typically cost $20 — to the upcoming production of “The Art Detective.”

“It doesn’t get more romantic than watching the Pageant of the Masters under the stars,” Festival of Arts Marketing and Public Relations Manager Sharbie Higuchi wrote in a release.

The season runs from July 9 until till Aug. 30. The discounted price applies to only Monday to Thursday performances.

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Movie genre class offered

Actress Katharine Kramer will offer a Tuesday film genres course at the Susi Q, 380 Third St. at 12:30 p.m. starting Feb. 11.

“We don’t just study one genre each eight-week session,” Kramer wrote in a release. “We take a theme like ‘Togetherness’ and see how it morphs through diverse genres and cultures.”

Admission is $20 and attendees can park for free in the venue’s garage.

Students are invited to register during the first class or call Irvine Valley College at (949) 451-5555 and mention English 435, ticket No. 7286 to the community education staff.

For more information, call (949) 497-2441.

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Art Star Award nominees announced

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts has announced the nominees for the eighth annual Art Star Awards.

The event will be hosted at [seven-degrees] at 891 Laguna Canyon Road at 6 p.m. April 6.

“Members of the Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts nominated over 40 exciting and deserving contributors to the arts in our community,” event chairman Wayne Baglin said in a release. “It was very challenging to select the 2014 award recipients.”

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts also plans to honor longtime Laguna Beach High School faculty member and Performing Arts Director Mark Dressler with a lifetime achievement in the arts award. Winners will receive sculptures made by Louis Longi.

The evening will include entertainment by Trio Dinicu and the Laguna Concert Band’s 18-piece ensemble, Swing Set.

The categories and nominees are:

Best New Arts Program

Intergenerational Literacy Project (Laguna Outreach for Community Arts)

Live! Music & Kids (Laguna Beach Live!)

Plein Air Project (Laguna Plein Air Painters Assn.)

Individual Arts Patron of the Year

Ruben Flores

Joe Hanauer

Julie Padach-Mathewson

Corporate Arts Patron of the Year

Aliso Creek Inn

First Foundation Bank

The PIMCO Foundation

Outstanding Arts Collaboration

Art & Nature (Laguna Art Museum and a wide variety of community art organizations)

Artist Open Studios (City of Laguna Beach and local artists)

Laguna Concert Band & Laguna Playhouse

Arts Leadership

Susan Linder

Rosemary Swimm

Malcolm Warner

Artist of the Year

Mark Chamberlain

Cheryl Ekstrom

Jodie Gates

To purchase tickets to attend the Art Star Awards, contact information@lagunabeacharts.com.

— Rhea Mahbubani