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Around Town /

UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Local artists offer unique experiences through Loca Arts Education ’ s art escapes .

Artful Adventures

With summer festivals and art galleries galore , there ’ s no denying that the artist colony of Laguna Beach has creative adventures all around . But Loca Arts Education , a nonprofit that works to bring innovative instruction and artistic projects to local venues in town , has created a series of custom “ art escapes ” for adults , children and families , led by local experts and artists . Some of the offerings include walking tours of public art in Heisler Park or downtown with Mike Tauber , travel journal painting or photography with Mary Gulino , acrylic floral painting with Lisa Rainey , mint tin painting with Lisa Mansour , block printing with Reem Khalil , pastels with September McGee , monotype etching with Cynthia Fletcher and more . The website lists the location of the activity , how long the session will take and the price . Fill out an online form to request a date and time that fits your schedule , whether you live in town or are visiting on summer vacation . ( 949-363-4700 ; locaarts . org ) — Ashley Ryan

REWARDING RACES

Cyclist Luke Fetzer recently got his first national title — and then , he got another . The Laguna resident won top honors in the Junior Male 17-18 category for the criterium , or closed circuit race , at the 2023 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships , held in Virginia in June . He went on to take first in the men ’ s 17-18 omnium — a mix of races and time trials — at the 2023 USA Cycling Junior , Elite & Para-cycling Track National Championships in nearby Carson , California , in July . “ I was the favorite for both so I knew I was ready to go out to win , but that doesn ’ t mean it was a cake walk ,” Fetzer says . “ Both championships took all my strength to win , but I knew I gave it my all and I was glad to come out with a good result .” He adds that the atmosphere at the races is electric and that he loves the camaraderie and supportiveness that the participants exude . Fetzer says he ’ s looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles , for which he hopes to qualify . ( instagram . com / sendy _ mcgee ) — A . R .
Lagunan Luke Fetzer ( pictured with hands up ) came in first in the Junior Male 17-18 criterium at the 2023 USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships in June .
TOP SECTION : COURTESY OF LOCA ARTS EDUCATION ; BOTTOM : STEVE THOMPSON
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