Chasing Down the Muse: I’ve got spring fever

“It’s spring fever….You don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

—Mark Twain

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Spring Break. The words conjure many things for me and even spark a bit of mischief with a play on words — I brake for spring.

I’ve got the fever and it makes me want more. More creative time. More play. More energy. More spring.

Sunshine days. Cool spring breezes. Laughter. Spring seems to be a harbinger of renewed creative energy — here in Laguna Beach at least.

The month started with the Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts annual Art Star Awards. The Sawdust Studio Art Classes (SSAC), which I have the good fortune to direct, received the 2012 Art Star for Best New Arts Program. We were honored to even have been nominated.

This program, in collaboration with the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau, had been a challenge to get off the ground. The Sawdust Festival has performed small miracles to bring SSAC to fruition and is duly proud of its efforts.

The classes initially are two-hours long every Friday and Saturday. During that time, students are able to create a uniquely personal piece of art in a variety of media — glass, jewelry, ceramics, painting, and more. And we are growing and expanding!

Thank you, LBaa! This award adds a spark to our own creative energy.

Next, spring break brought eldest grandson Christian to spend a few days alone before the onslaught of the whole family at the end of the week.

Seven-year-old Christian is easy and always a pleasure to have visit. In spite of the first night’s sleepless “barf-o-rama” event (how quickly we forget these unpleasant things once our own children are grown), we spent many delightful moments creatively.

We painted and drew together. We built with Legos and explored the neighborhood. Creative time a-plenty.

I was reminded of the many wonderful creative programs we have in Laguna for young people. Theater arts, the Laguna Outreach for Community ARTS’ programs in the schools, dance and more are abundant. Check them out.

Here in Laguna, we have many opportunities to explore art, whether we are a participant or viewer. Three summer festivals provide entries into many of the visual arts. Live theater programs are available year-round. Dance. Music in the Park. Sunset Serenade events. It only takes a little exploration to find something of interest.

While you are exploring, don’t forget that Art Star winner — Sawdust Studio Art Classes — and its sister program, Spring into Art. Brake for spring and spring right into some creativity of your own. You will be glad that you did.

To see a schedule of Sawdust Studio Art Classes, go to https://www.sawdustartfestival.org/studio-classes and also check out the Spring Into Art April weekend programs.

CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer and director of the Sawdust Studio Art Classes in Laguna Beach. Always fascinated, inspired, and titillated by the beauty and the ever-changing mysteries of life, she can be reached at cherril@cherrildoty.com, or by phone at (714) 745-9973.