This year the Pageant of the Masters celebrates its 80th year by paying homage to the art of film. The Big Picture is a look at the masterpieces that have informed and inspired the films of the past and present. Everyone from Vermeer and Michelangelo to Rockwell and Hooper make an appearance, or two.
With an army of 150 volunteers, the Pageant is truly a unique representation of world-class art in action. With a year of planning and preparations headed by Artistic Director Diane Challis Davy, this majestic ship has set sail to take its passengers on a voyage that is like no other. From the moment the orchestra hits the first note (playing original scores) and the lights dim, we are treated to a visual spectacle that can only be seen in Laguna Beach. This year we see how great filmmakers like Kubric found inspiration in Gainsborough paintings for many of his films. Classic slap stick actors like Chaplin, Buster Keaton and HaroldLloyd were represented both in 'tableaux vivants' (living pictures) and guest appearances (you'll have to watch the show to see how they pull that off!) Of course movie poster art gets the tableaux treatment from Alfred Hitchcock's classics Psycho, VertigoandNorth by Northwestto Disney's first full-length animated film, Snow White.
One of the gifts of the Pageant is how Davy and her team manage to bring to light interesting historical facts that the audience may not have known. This year I learned how Bette Davis, a former Laguna Beach resident, volunteered at the Pageant in 1957 and how she was going to perform in one of the tableauxs, The Tragic Museby Sir Joshua Reynolds, before scheduling conflicts prevented it. Davy included The Tragic Musein this year's show as a tribute to the support that Bette Davis lent. As the lights shone down on the final tableaux, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, I smiled to myself thankful to have had the chance to be a passenger on another one of the Pageant's artful and inspiring voyages.
Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do while in Laguna Beach. The second story in the series will explore "Five Ways to See Art in Laguna Beach."
FIRST THURSDAY’S ART WALK
Laguna Beach has been an artists’ community for more than 100 years and continues to attract top caliber artist and collectors from around the world. In the spirit of sharing and experiencing art, First Thursday’s Art Walk was established in 1998 as a collaboration between art galleries, the city of Laguna Beach and the lodging establishments who wanted to give art lovers of all ages access to art. Many galleries offer special events such as live music, live art demonstrations, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Art Walk is FREE and is a year-round event happening on the first Thursday of every month (except Thursday, July 4, 2013.)
Need to know:
6pm to 9pm
Metered parking is available in the downtown area and is an easy walk to downtown galleries. To access North, South and Canyon galleries you can take the free city trolley.
LAGUNA BEACH ART MUSEUM
As one of California’s first art museums, the Laguna Art Museum is the destination for a historical and present day look at California art. It is the only museum that exclusively collects California art from all periods and styles. They have amassed a permanent collection of over 3,500 pieces dating from the early 19thcentury to present day works. The Museum also has special exhibits, educational events including artist talks, live music and family days.
Need to know:
307 Cliff Dr.
(949) 494-8971
Open 11am to 5pm daily
Admission: General: $7; Students, seniors and active military $5; Children under 12: FREE; FREE on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Metered parking on Cliff Dr.
LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL – Save the Date: February 3-9, 2014
Every February, the City of Laguna Beach becomes a music mecca for the annual Laguna Beach MusicFestival. Presented by Laguna Beach Live!and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the seven-day festival brings musicians and audiences together for a musical experience against the backdrop of stunning Laguna Beach. Past musical offerings have ranged from chamber music, quartets, jazz, pianists, the sounds of South America, violinist Joshua Bell and bassist Edgar Meyer.
Need to Know:
Purchase your tickets in advance as shows sell out quickly.
Don’t miss local musicians playing free shows around town during the festival.
VISIT THE ART FESTIVALS
Since the early 19thcentury artists have flocked to Laguna Beach to find inspiration in the beauty of the landscape from the rolling hills of the canyon to the picturesque coves of the beaches. Two centuries later, Laguna Beach is still a thriving artists’ community that showcases the talent within the city borders and beyond. Each summer, three arts festivals throw open their doors and let art lovers explore to find beloved artists and new emerging artists. Art-a-Fair, Festival of Arts, and Sawdust Art Festival each have their own flavor.
Art-A-Fair is also a juried show that features works of art from local, national and international artists. Ranging from paintings and photography to ceramics, textiles and jewelry this festival has something for everyone. Festival of Arts is a juried show; showcasing 140 of the area’s most-accomplished artists (and also home to Pageant of the Masters) and includes photography, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture, paintings and more. Sawdust Art Festival features over 200 Laguna Beach artists with a variety of arts and crafts raging from pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry and more.
Don’t miss a moment of the festivals! Return again and again for the special events that also occur at each festival, with the purchase of a Passport to the Arts. The Passport to the Arts gets you unlimited admission all summer long to all three arts festivals, plus a one-time parking pass at ACT V, 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and a list of discounts from select merchants…all for just $21.50. Purchase the Passports now online or at any of the festival box offices once the summer season begins.
Catch a show at the oldest continuously operating theater on the West Coast. The Laguna Playhouse, founded in 1920, offers five productions each year, as well as special performances from the local youth theater group, short run performances and special engagements. Stars like Bette Davis, Marlo Thomas, Roddy McDowell and others performed in this theater during the 1950s and ‘60’s. Harrison Ford got his start at The Playhouse in the play “John Brown’s Body.”
Need to Know:
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
(949) 497-2787
Parking across the street in the paid city lot
What's your favorite way to discover art? Let us know.
