IN THE ARTS

Canyon artists hold Spring Fling sale

Laguna Beach artists will open their studios to the public May 16 and 17 for their annual “Spring Fling Party and Sale” at the Laguna Canyon Artists Complex, 3251 Laguna Canyon Road. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.

The Saturday event will feature a party atmosphere as visitors stroll door-to-door viewing the art under the night sky. On Sunday, buyers can learn how art is made directly from each artist and see the inspirational sketches, tools, and art in a studio environment.

Everything from affordable crafts to collectible fine art will be available. Prices range from $20 to $20,000. Some artists accept credit cards.

For information call (949) 677-9800.

Festival ‘Previews’ at Wells Fargo

The Festival of Arts will preview an exhibit of artists’ works that will be in the summer show during “Preview ‘09,” exhibiting through June 9 at the Wells Fargo Bank, 260 Ocean Ave. The third floor gallery of the bank features new artwork by 17 artists who will have their artwork at the 2009 Festival of Arts in July and August.

“The works presented gives the viewer an opportunity to experience new perspectives in painting, ceramics, woodwork and fiber,” said exhibit curator Pat Sparkuhl.

Among the artists in attendance at a recent reception were the mixed media “Duet” artists Stephanie Cunningham and Betty Haight. They work independently and join their finished canvases together to form one united piece, thus calling their collaborative paintings “Duets.”

The artists in the Wells Fargo show include Lindsay Buchman (printmaking), Cunningham and Haight (mixed media), W. Bradley Elsberry (acrylics), Beverly Factor (photography), Rose Hamner (fiber arts), Frank Irving (furniture), Lance Jost (mixed media), Stacy Kamin (oils), Will Koffman (mixed media), Gary K. Monji (ceramics), Howard O’Donnell (watercolor), Patti Ohslund (mixed media), Patricia Whiteside Phillips (mixed media), Zhan Xian Rong (mixed media), Ellen Rose (acrylics) and Lillian Winkler (mixed media).

The free exhibit is open to the public 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

College offers summer workshops

Laguna College of Art & Design will offer summer workshops to the public in June and July.

Workshops include:

?Applied Color Theory, with Jason Dowd, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1.

Cost is $325 and the deadline to register is June 8. Students will learn the mixing of oil colors, how to create a unified harmony of colors and general principles associated with color theory. Open to all levels of skill.

?Two-Day Portrait Painting Workshop, with Ray Roberts, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 and 31. Cost is $275 and the deadline to register is May 25. Getting beyond preconceptions and seeing the portrait as a group of abstract shapes is the objective.

To register for workshops, e-mail lpatrick@lagunacollege.edu.

Todorovitch receives Draper prize

Laguna College of Art & Design faculty member Joseph Todorovitch recently received the Draper Grand Prize for his oil on linen painting “Antiques” from the Portrait Society of America in the 11th annual International Portrait Competition.

Todorovitch began teaching figure painting in the undergraduate program at Laguna College this spring and prior to that served as a student mentor for the master’s program. He is also an instructor at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art and is newly represented by the Arcadia Gallery in New York, known internationally for showcasing acclaimed and distinguished painters.

Todorovitch also won first place at the 2009 Chaffey Community Art Assn., and he is currently a semifinalist for the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The International Portrait Competition is hosted by the Portrait Society of America at its annual conference.

Iranian film ‘Border Cafe’ screening

“Border Cafe,” a film set near Iran’s border with Turkey about a young widow and mother taking over her late husband’s café, defying local society, will be screened by the Laguna Beach Film Society at 7 p.m. May 21 at the South Coast Cinema.

Tickets are $15 at the door or, for $5 more ($20 total), enjoy a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Bank Community Room (upstairs), 260 Ocean Ave. To attend, contact JoAnne Story at (949) 494-8971 ext. 201 or jstory@laguna artmuseum.org

Deesing trees at Endangered Planet

Award-winning artist Norman Deesing is presenting his latest work, “Trees of Life,” at Endangered Planet Gallery. Deesing works in stoneware clay. Much of his ceramic work reflects upon the human state, natural disasters, and current world affairs.

The current exhibit encompasses a number of native California trees “” Joshua Tree, California Oak, California Pine, Coastal Bonsai and Lolly Pop. An example of one of his pieces is titled “Against All Odds,” which represents an old, mature California live oak. Now in serious decline, these trees once had a range from Central California (west of the Sierra Mountain range) to Baja California. The small figure at the base of the tree is attempting to hold the tree from falling.

“I am making sculptures for a variety of tastes “” sculptures that will appeal to a large audience; sculptures that make a connection to a variety of intellects,” Deesing said. “Sculpture is my way of making people aware of important planetary issues.”

The artist is a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in fine art methods, including ceramics. He studied under famous artists such as Robert Arneson for ceramics and Wayne Thiebaud for painting. Deesing workes as an art instructor in Idyllwild.

Also on display will be earth-themed drawings and sketches by local Anneliese’s School pupils. The exhibit is in conjunction with Tish Lampert’s acclaimed photographic images “” “Congo Warrior Gorillas” “” held over by popular demand. Endangered Planet is at 384 Forest Ave., Gallery 13. For more information, visit www.endangeredplanet.org or call (949) 497-5690.

World music and wine set for Thursday

Laguna Beach Live’s new Inside World Music & Wine series is set to debut at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club.

Cuban Sonero sensation Adonis Puentes and his Afro Cuban Band will kick off the series, with wines from South America presented by California Taste owner Ken Spears, who will select reds and whites from Argentina and Chile.

Puentes’ music bridges generations and cultures, from solo performances with piano or guitar accompaniment to fronting orchestras. This first Music and Wine Tasting is sponsored by Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach, the Festival of Arts Foundation and the lodging establishments and city of Laguna Beach.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. to begin wine tasting and the concert is 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and may be purchased at www.lagunabeachlive.org or by phone at (800) 595-4849. Seating is limited. Students younger than 21 may buy tickets for $20 in advance and $25 at the door with ID.