It’s all good on the winter art scene

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

It’s all good. The first time I heard that phrase was about eight

years ago. It was in reference to a Thanksgiving dinner being served

and the expression of a guy seated at the table with a huge smile on

his face and him saying “It’s all good,” with a drawn out emphasis on

the all and good.

Since then it has been in my repertoire of everyday speak. Though,

in the past year or so, it’s become so common that it has lost its

original zest. But in my mind, to this day, it remains a symbol of a

chipper grin synonymous with happy contentment.

I think it pretty much sums up the scene in Laguna. Walking around

Downtown in November and December, especially with all the trees

decked in their holiday best with the store fronts decorated too --

it gives that “It’s all good” feeling.

SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY

The opening day of the Sawdust Winter Fantasy was a huge success.

There was a contest for the best decorated booth by an artist and the

best community tree by a community organization. For the best

decorated booth, Ket Youngstead won first, Karen Joy won second

place, James Koch won third and honorary mention went to Madeline

Smith.

In tree decorating, Girl Scout Troop 57a won second, the Laguna

Beach PTA Council won third and honorable mention went to the

Festival of Arts.

“It was really humming along and is expected to surpass last

year,” said Rebecca Meekma, festival media relations. “We really

thank the Laguna Beach community for coming out in full force on

Saturday evening.”

Mayor Wayne Baglin lighted the Community Tree after the crowd did

a countdown. The Top of the World Honors Choir sang some holiday

favorites during the ceremony and invited everyone to join in a

sing-along.

The artists commented how the festival has grown over the years

with this year being impressive -- about as big as the summer show.

“I was thrilled with Laguna Beach residents for their attendance

at community night,” said Lynne Powell, events coordinator.

The Winter Fantasy continues Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14

and 15 at the Sawdust grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road. For more

information, call 494-3030 or visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

HOSPITALITY NIGHT IS DEC. 6

Don’t miss out on one of Laguna Beach’s best community events --

Hospitality Night from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 6. It’s a huge holiday

celebration where Forest Avenue is closed for everyone to enjoy the

downtown festivities and shopping. Bands and choirs will perform

holiday music, and at 6 p.m., Mayor Baglin will light the historic

Pepper Tree in front of City Hall. Joining everyone at the lighting

will be Santa Claus, who will arrive on a fire truck and encourage

children to follow him and his reindeer to Santa’s House.

Hospitality Night is hosted by Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the chamber at 494-1018, ext. 1.

FIRST THURSDAY’S ART WALK

Don’t forget that next Thursday in the First Thursday’s Art Walk

from 6 to 9 p.m. and free post-party from 9 to 11 p.m. at Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, complete with live

music by Steve Copeland and Raging Sun. There will also be some

special artist openings and events for the holidays including a

holiday exhibition at Richard MacDonald Fine Art and a Dr. Seuss Show

with a guest lecturer at Fingerhut Gallery. For more information

about this and other events, visit www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com.

COMMUNITY CULTURAL PLAN ON TARGET

The city of Laguna Beach’s Community Cultural was implemented by

the Arts Commission as a tool to promote arts in Laguna Beach through

the utilization of different vehicles.

Some of the highlights thus far include: The establishment of

First Thursday’s Art Walk, the installation of nine public

sculptures, the creation of the Cultural Arts Celebration Evening

celebrating the achievements of the arts organizations in Laguna

Beach, increasing the number of concerts in the park, producing a

quarterly four color Cultural Arts calendar distributed to every home

in Laguna Beach and through the Visitor’s Bureau, the creation of an

annual artist-designed bench competition, with six installed so far,

the establishment of the Laguna Beach Alliance of Arts -- an

organization of 22 local arts organizations -- receiving the Arts

Orange County Award for Excellence as an Outstanding Arts Patron

among other achievements.

WOODY’S HELPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Woody’s at the Beach has a lot going on for the holidays. On

Monday, Dec. 2, Woody’s will host its fifth annual wreath auction

benefiting Laguna Shanti. The event will include a three course

dinner -- served from 6 to 8 p.m. with the silent wreath auction at 9

p.m. $10 of the $30 dinner will go to Laguna Shanti, and 100% of the

proceeds from both auctions will be donated.

Last year, they raised $17,000, and they hope to raise $20,000

this year. For reservations or information, call 376-8809 or go

online to www.woodysatthebeach.com. Woody’s is at 1305 S. Coast

Highway.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or suzie.harrison@latimes.com.