Family Hike

Last Sunday when the morning fog was still resting on the hills, my family and I headed out on a hike to Barbara's Lake in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park . We started at the trail head at the James Dilley Preserve entrance where we were greeted by a friendly Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the wilderness park by maintaining trails, offering guided hikes, educational programs, and much more.

At the welcome center we found information about the park and the plant and animal life that live there. The kids decided the most interesting part was the handout on animal droppings. Although they got a real kick out of the title, "Dropping Clues!" they ended up learning a lot. By the end of the hike, they were able to identify coyote, racoon and rabbit droppings that were found along the trail. They discovered that it meant those were the animals that lived in that particular area of the park.  Along the trail we also came across quite a few stink bugs, nearly 20 in total. The kids were like little naturalists in training as they observed the bugs’ behavior.

What else did they observe on our hike?

Snakes and what we think were gopher holes.

Black Sage - I showed the kids how to rub the sage between their fingers to bring out the scent. (I learned this on a previous guided hike that I took in Laguna Canyon with a naturalist. You can read about it HERE. )

My daughter loved seeing and smelling the fragrances of several varieties of wild flowers.

Once we reached the lake the sun had come through and we started to feel the heat. Thank goodness for the cool shade from the oaks and other trees surrounding the waters edge. We took refuge in the shade and rested after our hike and before heading back. Of course the kids didn't want to rest and continued exploring. They found a lizard sunbathing on a tree branch, dragonflies, and even a small turtle.

This mostly flat and approximately two-mile hike was a refreshing way to start our Sunday and a great way to spend quality time with my family. As Orange County’s only naturally occurring fresh water lake, Barbara’s Lake is another MUST SEE Laguna Beach location.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Open Daily 7am to Sunset

$3 parking

Barbara’s Lake is accessible from the James Dilley entrance and the Nix Nature Center

As Laguna Coast Wilderness Park's new headquarters, Nix Nature Center is the gateway for outdoor enthusiasts to explore a vast network of linked trails throughout the 20,000-acre South Coast Regional Wilderness. The Nature Center's windows frame four main views into the surrounding parklands, challenging visitors of all ages to consider the wilderness from various perspectives. An easy loop trail just outside the Center encourages visitors to appreciate the park's natural beauty. Restrooms with changing tables, drinking fountains, picnic tables, free maps and nature-oriented merchandise are available on-site.

For a map of trails click HERE.

 By Anne-Marie S.

Laguna Beach Certified Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday Morning, from 8am-12noon, the Lumberyard Parking Lot (at the intersection of Forest and Ocean Avenue) is transformed into a Certified Farmers’ Market. I took my daughter and headed down to the market this past Saturday to see what the Laguna Beach locals  have been raving about.

We arrived about 9:30am and easily found parking in the public lot adjacent to the Farmers’ Market (for additional parking, you can park in metered spaces  off of Laguna Canyon Road or on Forest Ave.) My daughter started squealing with excitement as she saw baskets and tables full of fruits and veggies. I have to admit, I got excited when I was welcomed by the unmistakable fresh aromas of cut basil, sweet onions and perfectly ripened berries.

The market carried a diverse group of vendors, including organic produce, small farm produce, nuts, honey and even fresh baked bread. Many of the vendors were offering free samples of their goods… so yummy!

I particularly loved how friendly both the vendors and shoppers were. It felt like a community of old friends. We came across some unique vendors like Afghan organic vegan food, a tamale truck, artisan cheese made in Lancaster, and our very own Laguna Beach Coffee Company selling their locally roasted beans.

As the morning clouds started to part to let the sun out, the market continued to fill with shoppers. Everyone was smiling and carrying their bags anxious to see what fresh delights they might find. My daughter and I had our own bags filled with Pluots, cherries, the most delicious peaches, a hearty helping of edamame sprouts and even some of the vegan Afghan food to take home and share with the rest of the family.

The Laguna Beach Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday Morning, 8am to 12noon (rain or shine)

View Larger Map

By: Anne-Marie S.

An Art & Sea Adventure

Recently the family and I went to the Art & Sea Adventure in Laguna Beach. This program is put on by Laguna Outreach for Community Arts (LOCA) and is one of the more unique programs in Laguna Beach. It is a day spent learning about tidepool ecology and then taking that knowledge as inspiration to paint what you see while under the tutelage of a professional artist. LOCA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to art education for people of all ages. They provide programs year- round in Laguna Beach in the areas of acrylics, ceramics, watercolor, printmaking and more. All of their programs are taught by professional Laguna Beach artists and are a great way to learn about the artistic process.

On a bright and beautiful Sunday morning, my family and I headed to Treasure Island Beach in South Laguna. It was low tide and the perfect time to observe all of the sea life that was living in, and amongst the rocks and pools. My 5-year-old twins were ecstatic to be visiting the tidepools again (we went last summer ). They love the ocean and enjoy learning about all of the “animals” that live in the water.  We joined a diverse group of about 20 adults, families, and children from 5 to 12 years of age. Some were locals, like my family, that were making the Art & Sea program a yearly outing, and others who were visiting Laguna from out of town and taking the class for the first time. We were all excited and eager to dive into the program to get our creative juices flowing.

We began by meeting with a docent from the Laguna Ocean Foundation  who taught us how to properly observe and respect the tidepools. She also handed us easy-to-follow guides to find all the species and organisms that make the tidepools their home. My twins loved it! They giggled with excitement each time they saw a shell move and discovered it was a hermit crab. They squealed with excitement at the first sea urchin they saw. They couldn’t believe it when they saw a sea star and the docent shared with them that it was feasting on muscles for its morning snack.

After exploring the tidepools we settled on the beach where we learned about water color techniques. Using techniques like ‘wet to wet,’ where you first wet the paper and then apply color… the kids painted starfish. By mixing colors they created a background for their starfish. The finishing touch was sprinkling salt on the painting for texture.

The artists were helpful and patient with the kids and coming around and encouraging them with their paintings. Teaching them how to clean their brushes and helping them shape their paintings. I could see the confidence building in them and the smiles on their faces showed how proud they were of their finished masterpieces. Still a week later they are talking about their adventures at the tidepools. I on the other hand, am busy finding frames to showcase our newest acquired pieces of professional artwork, ‘STARFISH.’

  

LOCA’s Art & Sea Adventures are taking place every Spring and Fall. Remaining dates for 2011 are below. To register call (949) 363-4700

Watercolors on the Beach at Treasure Island Beach

May 22, 2011

September 4, 2011

Adults $35/$20 ages 5-18, accompanied by an adult

Art & Sea Lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center

May 7, 2011

September 10, 2011

October 1, 2011

November 5, 2011

Adults $20/$15 ages 6-18, accompanied by an adult

By: Anne-Marie S.

The Top Ten Places to Visit in Laguna Beach!

Destination: Paradise

1)    Heisler Park

      Along this half-mile walk on the bluffs of Laguna Beach you will see spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

California Art at Laguna Art Museum

The Laguna Art Museum has deep ties to the history and culture of Laguna Beach. It was in 1918, when a group of artists formed the Laguna Beach Art Association as a way to highlight some of the great artwork that was being produced in Laguna Beach. By 1929, they opened a gallery and in 1951 they expanded that gallery. In 1971 they had obtained non-profit status as a museum and had a healthy collection of artwork. It was in 1986 when the association formally changed their name to Laguna Art Museum. The focus of the Museum is American art with an emphasis on the art of California. In their mission statement they say, “Working within the tradition of the oldest cultural institution in Orange County, Laguna Art Museum documents regional art and places it in a national context. The Museum maintains its historic ties to the community and is responsive, accessible, and relevant to the area’s diverse population.” The Museum now, after 90 plus years, holds one of the most comprehensive collections of California art.

Currently at the Laguna Art Museum, are three exhibits that capture the historical, contemporary and pop culture of Californian and American art.

Extract: Developing Exhibitions from the Collection

OSKAR FISCHINGER ‘Criss-Cross’ 1939, Oil on canvasboard

“Over the years, Laguna Art Museum has been fortunate to take into its collection significant holdings by underrepresented individual artists who, though they have had little art historical attention thus far, have made significant contributions to regional and national art. These holdings have inspired a curatorial interest in the artists' work, enough of an interest to explore the possibility of future exhibitions.

Extract will consist of several small, one-person shows from the Collection by Florence Arnold, George Brandriff, Elanor Colburn, Laddie John Dill, Jules Engel, Oscar Fischinger, Tom Holland, Peter Krasnow, Ruth Peabody, David Simpson, Vic Joachim Smith, Jean St. Pierre, and Chris Wilder. The exhibition will include brief curatorial statements on the importance of each artist's work, and will aim to assess the potential for fully-formed monographic exhibitions.” (excerpt from Laguna Art Museum)

While walking through this exhibition, I was struck by the diversity of the works in front of me. Some used non-traditional multi-media mediums, others, modern and geometric in their expression, and even some, like Chris Wilder’s work, ‘White Monochrome Fur Painting,’ were humorous and thought provoking. In fact, On Sunday April 10^th at 1pm visit the Museum for a chance to hear Laddie John Dill and Chris Wilder speak about their work. Click HERE for more information. 

Landscape and Figuration from the Collection: Early to Mid-Twentieth Century 

ELSIE PALMER PAYNE, ‘A Decent Burial’ c. 1942, Watercolor on paper

“Feature exemplar twentieth century works from the Collection ranging from impressionism to modernism. Works from the early part of the century will include several of the Museum's popular impressionist paintings, among them The Old Post Office (c. 1922-23) by Joseph Kleitsch. The exhibition will also feature works by artists who aligned themselves with a more modernist approach in both landscape and figurative works. There will also be several paintings on view that have not been exhibited in many years, including signature works by McClelland Barclay, Conrad Buff, Leland Curtis, Phil Dike, Elsie Palmer Payne, Lee Randolph, Anna Katharine Skeele, and Elmer Wachtel.” (excerpt from Laguna Art Museum)

I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibition! Seeing some of the landscapes such as McClelland Barclay’s ‘Beach in Moonlight,’ drew me in and made me feel connected to the beauty of the ocean and the spectacular area in which we live.

When you visit the Laguna Art Museum, be sure to take note of the floors in the Museum’s lower level gallery, where the exhibition is located. You’ll notice that the large cement tiles have names stamped into them. The Museum discovered these by accident when they were stripping the floors of carpet to replace with wood. After a bit of research, they found out they were donor tiles from the 30s. No one had any idea that they were there! Some of the families and their stories were identified after the list of names were published in the local paper requesting information on their identity.

Brad Coleman: Reproductions

‘Sheep 1’ 1998, Charcoal on paper

“An attentive look at one series of drawings, Coleman's Sheep series. Upon first glance, the Museum's upper gallery will appear to be occupied by twelve identical drawings of one sheep image. However, with careful observation viewers will begin to see differences in each drawing and will eventually see a noticeable difference between the first and last drawing. The works are inspired by the sheep Dolly, the world's first cloned animal (1996). Coleman begins with a photograph of Dolly. He then makes a drawing based on that photograph. In the next drawing, he attempts to make a meticulous copy of the previous drawing. He continues the cycle with each drawing being a copy of the preceding drawing. Through this rigorous endeavor, slight unintentional variances occur, producing a series that begins with a drawing of a sheep and becomes a drawing of a drawing.” (excerpt from Laguna Art Museum)

This was a fascinating exhibition! It was so interesting to watch Coleman take one image and then replicate it once a year for 12 years and base it solely on the previous work. It was amazing to see the metamorphous. You can see subtle differences when looking at each image side by side. Then comparing the first one to the last, you see stark contrasts. Don’t miss this exhibition, you too will be fascinated!

All these wonderful and diverse exhibits are on display until May 15^th.

Visit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday at 2pm and get a chance to have a guided tour of the exhibits by a docent (FREE with paid admission.)

Have a smart phone? Use it to check-in at the museum and tag a friend and one of you will get in FREE!

The museum is open LATE on FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK until 9pm. Be sure to drop in for a visit!

By Anne-Marie S.

 

Stepping Back in Time: The Murphy-Smith Bungalow

On a sunny Saturday afternoon I headed to The Murphy-Smith Bungalow  to learn some of the history and stories of our art colony. The unassuming Murphy-Smith Bungalow is situated at 278 Ocean Avenue, between Wells Fargo Bank and Whole Foods. Although it may not appear to be much, once you hear its history and see some of the historical paraphernalia on the inside of the home, your appreciation grows. The Bungalow happens to also be the home of the Laguna Beach Historical Society which has volunteer docents available on weekends to speak with visitors.

It is estimated that the Murphy-Smith Bungalow was built around 1923, and the architecture was very typical of the time. Up until the 50s much of the downtown area on and around Ocean Avenue (now shopping and restaurants) was residential. The Murphy-Smith Bungalow was built for the Murphy family and at the time it was constructed, it didn’t have running water. In fact, they used a cistern for water. It was Blanch Clapp Smith who added running water to the home.

Much of the kitchen is still working.

Inside, the Bungalow is decorated in a 20s and 30s style, has hardwood flooring, and several cases of historical artifacts from Laguna Beach.

The docent on the day of my visit, Kathy Smith (no relation to the Smith family associated with the Bungalow), was a delight to talk with about the history of the Bungalow. She has a passion and love for history, art and Laguna Beach. She pointed out a photo taken in 1938, showing Franklin Roosevelt on PCH during a parade through town. I had no idea that he had ever visited Laguna Beach. Another photo was from 1928, showing the school house and all of the children gathered in front. Many of the children were barefoot, probably from running on the beach. A display case in the living room held other interesting pieces of history. There were bathing suites from the early 20s, thickly woven, nearly full body suites.

Several copper pieces from the 1930s up until the 1960s. Many were made from the copper factory that was in the canyon.

Kathy also told me the story of the Bungalow’s cellar.It is said that during the time of prohibition that the cellar was used by Mr. Murphy to store and sell bootlegged liquor. Kathy lifted up a corner of the area rug and showed me the ‘trap door’ for going below, into the cellar.  Mr. Murphy was also quite the ladies man. Below is a picture of him in the front yard of the house with two Flapper girls.

Mr. Murphy and Flapper Girls

Eventually, the Bungalow was sold to Claudia Clapp who then sold it to her daughter, Blanch Clapp Smith. During World War II, Mrs. Clapp Smith rented out one of the bedrooms of the house to service personnel and their wives who could not find housing. She was a very traditional lady and rumor has it that she requested that the husbands sleep in the living room on the couch, while the wives were to stay in the bedroom.

Guest room used for boarders during WWII.

Mrs. Smith remained living in the Bungalow until her death in 1990. She was a fixture in the community and some residents still remember her sweeping her front porch, gardening in her backyard and chatting with neighborhood folks.

The Historical Society is constantly adding new items to the Bungalow and are always happy to answer your questions. The Bungalow is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

On your next visit to Laguna Beach be sure to schedule in a visit to The Murphy-Smith Bungalow and take a step back in time.

By: Anne-Marie S.

It's All About The Music

Playing at the Artists’ Theater and hosted by Laguna Beach Live, The John Jorgenson Quintet  played a night of energetic and toe-tapping music. There was no fuss when the Quintet took the stage to play, for these musicians made it clear that music was at the center. Each song could not easily fit into a box of a specific genre, rather they were influenced by many…blending into strong Jazz rhythms where the guitar ruled. The music took over the audience as each note floated into the air where nothing existed but melody, rhythm, chord and note.

The non-profit, Laguna Beach Live brought the John Jorgenson Quintet to our town. They offer a variety of musical experiences for residents and visitors of Laguna Beach.

Free concerts on First Sundays Enjoy these free afternoon concerts at the Laguna College of Art + Design. On February 6, enjoy the Colburn School, Conservatory of Music Quartet.

Jazz Wednesdays Winter Series  hosted at Hotel Laguna for a $10 cover charge.  Jazz Wednesdays are happening now through April 20^th.

Laguna Beach Music Festival 

The 9^th annual week-long festival is taking place February 7-13 and promises to be superb. Featured musicians include Brooklyn Rider, Kayhan Kalhor, and Kojiro Umezaki. You can purchase your tickets now HERE.

By Anne-Marie S.

Swenson Fine Art, Laguna Beach

Located: 460 So. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Conveniently located in downtown Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Swenson Fine Art focuses on modern art. At Swenson you will find a contemporary art space filled with work that is diverse and interesting. From 3-dimensional pieces that include studio glass, bronze and ceramics to 2-dimensional art.

Looking in

Malott & Rae

Kazandjian, 'Spiral in Five Movements'

Owner and curator Laurie Swenson has lived and breathed the art business for over 22 years. From her travels around the globe, she found inspiration, harnessed it and has brought together modern works that both the novice collector and the avid art lover can enjoy.

The gallery is also one you want to be sure to visit on the monthly First Thursday’s Art Walk . There is always something happening on these nights as art patrons hit the streets of Laguna from 6:00-9:00pm. It may be a featured artist, a special exhibit of classic works, live music or just browsing with some champagne. This month, Swenson Fine Art is displaying one of the “Artful Violins” as part of an online action in support of Laguna Beach Live and their music education programs. You can view the violin by artists Malotee & Rae, now through Feb 6, 2011.

By Anne-Marie S.

Village Gallery, Laguna Beach

Location: 502 S. Coast Highway

The Village Gallery is a relaxed and inviting gallery to visit. Every square inch of the space from floor to ceiling is covered in art. Landscapes, stills, portraits, and more, can be found here. For over 30 years the gallery has specialized in introducing the beginning collector to the world of art.

Thomas Kinkade

Fabian Perez

Jim Keifer

The gallery boasts many classic Thomas Kinkade pieces, collectibles, and frames. As one of the first galleries to feature Kinkade, Village Gallery was a contributing factor in launching Kinkade’s career and subsequent success.

If you decide to purchase a piece of art from the gallery, they also offer unique custom framing. And if you can’t find the art or frame you are looking for, the staff is extremely helpful in locating exactly what you desire. Also, be sure to subscribe to their mailing list as you will be reminded to attend future events, as well as keeping apprised to what artist is featured at the gallery.

If you are new to the world of art and visiting galleries, start at Village Gallery for a warm atmosphere that allows you to peruse freely and easily.

By Anne-Marie S.

In the Right Light

“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.” -Aaron Rose

I realized how true this quote was when I met Judy Kelly. After the tragic loss of her son, Judy went on a journey that ended in the creation of a sacred place where one can find light and peace. That place is Pure Light Laguna.

Walking into the store, you are immediately overcome with a calming feeling. Small wind chimes quietly sing in the doorway, soft hues of gold and blue greet you inside, dark old wooden tables and shelves hold treasures from around the world, and a mixture of spicy and floral scents envelop you. This is a place of rest, and one for creation.

Judy’s vision is to provide a way in which we can all find the talents and gifts that lie within each of us and it is found through the making of candles. The process is simple: choose your form, your colors, your scent, and finally your embellishments. The end result leaves you with a truly unique and beautiful creation.

While I made my candle, I thought of who I was going to give this light to…it is going to be given to a dear friend of mine who means so much to me. She has always been a pillar of strength, beauty and a confidant. She loves the pureness of the ocean and gentle colors it gives us. So I chose a theme that would capture all that she means to me.

Pure Light has over 30 forms that you can shape your candle into. The form I chose is called ‘toaster.’ You can even custom make your form if you can’t seem to find just the right shape.

With more than 40 colors to choose from, I had a bit more of a challenge. I wanted to stay with an ocean-inspired color scheme, so I went with four colors: a sandy rust color, a dark green, a light blue-green and yellow.

Wax Colors

The scent wall was a delight for my nose. But I had to stay focused and I knew exactly what I was looking for. In fact, there was a scent aptly named ‘ocean mist’… perfect!

Scent Wall

The next step is picking your embellishments. Pure Light has an array of items you can add to your candle. There are charms, rocks, shells, beads, miniature wick candles, prayer tiles, quotes, and much, much more. Honestly, you will be able to find any embellishment for the theme you have chosen for your candle. You may also bring in a special token of yours to include in the candle.

Embellishments

Pre-shaped wax

Since I had chosen an ocean theme and the colors I found were exactly what I wanted. I decided on several shells, a starfish, sea glass, and a small pewter shell trinket.

Once you have all of your supplies gathered, the creating process begins. First, the wax needs to be cut and stacked into the mold. Then the embellishments are added, followed by hot paraffin wax, and finally, your embellishments.

Cut wax

Layering wax in mold

Adding final wax pieces and embellishments

Pouring hot paraffin wax into mold

Placing the final embellishments

Then the candle needs to set and cool before the mold can be lifted and your final creation revealed. When Judy lifted my mold and presented my candle, I gasped with joy! I LOVED it and I knew my friend was going to love it even more. I knew that this candle would light her home and bring her joy like she had given to me so many times before. Making this candle was such a special way for me to say ‘thank you,’ to a truly extraordinary person in my life.

Find your light and inspiration at Pure Light in Laguna Beach. Walk-ins are welcome, or if you don’t have the time to stay and make your candle, you can choose your embellishments and have a candle artist make it for you. You can also book a candle making party for children or adults.

More Pure Light Deals:

Mondays are Pure Color Days, when you select your candle, the pour is the same color for a solid finish.

Thursdays are Ladies Day with 20% off their entire creation.

Fridays are for Couples with 20% off each of their candle creations.

Sundays are Kid’s Days (age 4-17) with 20% off their creations.

By Anne-Marie S.