College raises funds artfully

Laguna Beach art lovers invested $96,000 to help support Laguna College of Art & Design students at the annual Collector’s Choice fundraiser, held Saturday on the campus.

More than 340 people attended the sold-out fundraiser, now in its 17th year, to make it the most successful to date and most welcome, college officials said.

“Some 88% of our students need financial assistance,” college President Dennis Power said at the event. “Your participation here directly benefits them. You are all helping to grow the next generation of artists and designers.”

College alumna Katy Betz credited the school for fulfilling her dream of becoming an artist.

“My experience here has been unforgettable,” Betz said. “The school gave me tons of opportunities.”

The opportunities included working on the mural for the Nix Nature Center in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. She was stunned at the college President’s Party when a man thanked her for creating art.

“No one ever said that to me before, so I’d like to say thank you for what you do,” Betz told the charmed audience.

Art donors were thanked with gift baskets, created by college volunteer parent Connie Papple and presented at a reception hosted by Arts Commissioner Mike Tauber. A total of 108 pieces were donated, not including 13 non-art donations.

Tickets to the fundraiser cost $100, which entitled the holder to one choice from the 50 pieces of art in the raffle. Additional raffle tickets cost $100. Tickets were drawn at random.

Judge Ron Kreber’s name was the first drawn. With 49 pieces left, Nancy Frank chose Lydia Ringwald’s photograph “Ajanta Buddha.”

Ken Jillson picked Patti Oshlund’s oil painting, “Afternoon Glow.” Artist Hedy Buzan, herself a donating artist, and husband Bob Willamson chose Kate Reigler’s mixed-media piece, “Little Bird.”

Roya Cole-Thomlinson, who was sitting at Bill Deland and artist Mark Fleming’s table, had her name called twice. Fleming, who donated pieces to the event, opted to give tablemate Jan Koelle his pick when his name was drawn. Also at the table: Mike England, Klaus Melander, SanDee Frei, Kelly Cole and Charles Strout.

High bid in the live auction was $5,500 for Andrew Myers’ bronze sculpture, “Life’s Deconstruction Phase #3.” David Whittington’s “Wishbone-Laguna Beach Goat,” a whimsical bronze sculpture, brought in $5,000.

“I am overwhelmed by the support from community artists and patrons alike,” said Tracy Otto, event coordinator and college associate director of advancement. “The fact that we exceeded our goal of $90,000 makes me even more proud to be part of the LCAD family and this community.”

In the audience: Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider and husband Ernie Schneider; Chamber of Commerce President Dave Sanford and partner Steve Doroatos; Harry Bithell; Kathleen and Bill Blackburn; former Arts Commissioner Suzi Chavel; college board of trustees President Mary Ferguson; event co-chair Terry Smith and partner Wayne Peterson; and donor artists Julita Jones, September McGee, Jon Barber, Olivia Bachelder, Marv Johnson, Nadine Nordstrom and Joan Corman.