In The Arts

Playhouse gets a new artistic director

The Laguna Playhouse has named Ann E. Wareham as its new artistic director.

Wareham previously spent 27 years as a producing partner with the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles where she produced plays like “Sweeney Todd,” “Spring Awakening” and “Pippin.”

She has also produced plays at the Victory Theatre and the Met Theatre in Los Angeles.

“I am thrilled to join [Executive Director] Karen Wood in the leadership of this great theater and look forward to being a part of the rich and vibrant arts community that is Laguna Beach,” Wareham said in a statement.

Wareham has a daughter, Tessa, who is a student in Los Angeles.

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LCAD announces new faculty additions

Laguna College of Art & Design students returned to school Aug. 29, and they might have seen some new faces with the addition of two new faculty members.

Luc Desmarchelier has joined the illustration department. He has been working as an illustrator, art director and production designer since 1984. His film credits include “Shrek,” “Open Season,” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

We are very excited to have Luc join the illustration program,” Michael Savas, illustration chairman, said in a statement. “Many of our students are interested in working in areas of entertainment illustration. Luc’s extensive range of professional knowledge and artistic expertise will be a valuable asset to the college.”

Mark van Langeveld joins the Game Art department with experience that includes designing and directing interactive music videos, working on video games and teaching computer graphics for more than 20 years.

“Great faculty make for great students, and we are proud to have so many esteemed instructors, who are leaders in their fields and choose to teach at LCAD,” President Jonathan Burke said in a statement.

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Art workshop at marine mammal center

Laguna Outreach for Community Arts is hosting Marine Mammal Studios from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

The art workshop includes a tour of the facility, where participants can view seals and sea lions up close.

Artist Mike Tauber will teach a painting and collage class. All the supplies are provided.

The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 6-18 who are accompanied by an adult.

To register, call (949) 363-4700 or email LOCAarts@yahoo.com. For more information, visit https://www.locaarts.org.

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Wendt Gallery to close Laguna location

Wendt Gallery announced it will close its Coast Highway location this month.

The gallery has been in Laguna Beach for 10 years.

Its international locations in New York, Vienna and Singapore will stay open, according to a news release.

The gallery’s lease is expiring, and the owners opted not to renew, Wendt Vice President Serina Manqueros said in a statement.

“We have enjoyed our 10 years in Laguna, and have been fortunate to have had a very a successful run during our time here,” Manqueros said. “…we would like to focus our energy on our current further expansion into the Asian marketplace.”

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Artist reception for Caroline Zimmermann

Gallery McCollum will be host to Caroline Zimmermann’s “Terroir: A Sense of Place” exhibit.

An artist reception will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the gallery, 206 N. Coast Hwy.

Appetizers, drinks and music will be provided.

To RSVP, call (949) 497-4027. For more information, visit https://www.gallerymccollum.com.

— Kelly Parker