In The Arts

Brandt Papers donated to LCAD library

The Laguna College of Art & Design’s library has received a donation of materials related to Southern California watercolor artists Rex Brandt and Joan Irving Brandt.

The collection, The Brandt Papers, was donated by the Brandts’ daughters: Joan Scarboro and Shelley Walker.

Rex Brandt taught one of the first summer classes in 1962 at the college, then known as the Laguna Beach School of Art.

Joan Irving Brandt was a founding director of the Newport Harbor Art Museum.

The materials in the collection include letters, diaries, photos, business records and sketches from the Brandts.

The Brandt Papers will be available to students and staff for research purposes.

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Closing reception will be held for ‘100 Angels’ exhibit

The opening reception for “The Night of 100 Angels” at The Cottage Gallery and Whelan Galleries on Aug. 20 was a success, with more than 300 people in attendance.

Due to the high turnout, both galleries have decided to hold a closing gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 17 for the monthlong art exhibit. The winning artists in each art category will be honored.

Also, for $5, guests can enter a drawing to win an autographed, 8”x10” color photo of Jered Weaver, pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Proceeds from the drawing will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Cottage Gallery is at 1524 S. Coast Hwy. Whelan Galleries is at 353 N. Coast Hwy.

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SoulCollage workshops are available

The Laguna Beach Recreation Department presents two four-session workshops featuring SoulCollage, an art project that has participants create cards that will help them on a journey to personal growth.

Ellie Freedman will teach the classes on Saturday mornings. Part one runs from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 through Oct. 15, with no class Oct. 1. Part two begins Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 19. Participants may take one or both sessions.

The cost is $80 for all four classes or $25 for drop-ins. There is also a $10 materials fee.

To register, visit https://www.lagunabeachcity.net or call (949) 497-0716 ext. 6. For more information about SoulCollage, visit https://www.soulcollage.com.

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LCAD to launch 50th anniversary with gala

Laguna College of Art & Design will kick off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration on Sept. 15 with a gala at [seven degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road.

Attendees will view the debut of a film that chronicles the history of the college over the last 50 years. President Jonathan Burke will also talk about his goals and vision for LCAD’s future.

Guests will also get the first look at an art exhibition that showcases the work of the LCAD faculty. The exhibit will remain at [seven degrees] throughout September.

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Jazz, classical music to mesh at concert

Grammy Award-winner jazz musician Billy Childs and his sextet will perform with the Calder String Quartet at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Ave.

The concert will be filmed and broadcast later on PBS SoCal, formerly known as KOCE.

Childs is known for combining jazz and classical string ensembles. He received two Grammy nominations for his album, “Autumn: In Moving Pictures — Jazz-Chamber Music, Volume 2.”

Childs’ ensemble includes him on piano, Bob Sheppard on saxophone, Larry Koonse on guitar, Carol Robbins on the harp, Carlos del Puerto on bass and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. The Calder String Quartet includes Benjamin Jacobson, violin; Andrew Bulbrook, violin; Jonathan Moerschel, viola; and Eric Byers, cello.

Tickets are $25 and $35 for adults; students 21 and younger can get tickets for $15. To buy tickets, visit https://www.lagunabeachlive.org or at (800) 595-4849.

—Kelly Parker