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Laguna Beach |
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Laguna Beach’s natural beauty has attracted artists since the early 1900s. Throw in a mild climate and casual lifestyle, and you can see why it has grown such a vibrant arts community. Laguna Beach Art Galleries & AttractionsArt Galleries / Art Walk. No visit to Laguna Beach is complete without a tour of its art galleries, which number more than 90 and feature contemporary works, sculpture, pottery, and photography! If you visit on the first Thursday of the month, check out the First Thursdays Art Walk. A free shuttle links gallery locations. Artist demonstrations and live music add to the fun. The walk runs from 6 to 9 pm. Collectors and fans of early California Impressionists can find works by Rose, Payne, and Wendt at galleries like DeRu’s and the Redfern. For fine Native American art, visit Len Wood’s Indian Territory. If its fine art you are looking for, take a short trip up the beautiful Laguna Canyon to Steven Lucas Fine Arts (1945 Laguna Canyon Road) for a great collection of nationally recognized artists. Laguna Beach Art Museum. The Laguna Art Museum is located just steps from Main Beach and downtown Laguna Beach. Promoting American art with a focus on California the Museum presents an array of fine exhibits. The museum’s web site lists current updates, special events, and summer activities such as the Quick Draw Paint Out in Heisler Park. Pageant of the Masters. This attraction, “where art comes to life,” has captivated audiences for over 70 years. The nightly performances in July and August present stage re-creations featuring actors in exact replicas of some of the world’s greatest paintings. As the lights dim, prepare yourself for a thrilling experience. The Pageant of the Masters is part of a summer-long art extravaganza that also includes the prestigious Festival of Art, where you can view and buy fine art in all media. Laguna Beach Playhouse. The Laguna Playhouse, a professional theater company, has been described as award-winning, world-renowned, and star-studded. It offers year-round performances in the Moulton Theater (a short drive from downtown Laguna Beach on Laguna Canyon Road). Productions range from comedies to dramas and include a full program of youth-oriented fare. Laguna Beach Insider TipsFor a complete listing of galleries and shops, pick up a Laguna Beach Visitors Guide at 252 Broadway (near the Village and Main Beach). If you are having a mall-withdrawal experience, head north about 5 miles to Newport Beach for fabulous shopping at Fashion Island, which has 200 stores. |
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