UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Expanding the Arts
In the early 1990s , as arts funding was being cut at public campuses , Laguna Beach residents established Loca Arts Education as a way to both keep creative instruction in schools and provide jobs for professional artists . The group ’ s programs are held around town at venues like the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center and Laguna Beach Library , but , as of January , Loca has expanded its offerings to include extended learning classes held at the new Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center across South Coast Highway from Victoria Beach . Taking place in series that range from three to eight weeks , these workshops are open to the public and all skill levels are welcome . Choose from options like nature-inspired oil painting , which covers techniques such as composition , color mixing and brushstrokes , in addition to classes in watercolor painting , clay building or Art on the Wild Side ( focused on animals , plants and tide pool creatures ), though others may be added . ( 949-363-4700 ; locaarts . org ) — A . R .
A PAGE-TURNING PREMISE
Some of Loca Arts Education ’ s workshops at the new Laguna Beach Community and Recreation Center include oil painting ( top ) and Art on the Wild Side ( above ).
Local writer Suzanne Redfearn will be releasing her sixth novel , “ Where Butterflies Wander ,” in February . The Amazon No . 1 bestselling author ’ s recent books include “ In an Instant ,” “ Hadley & Grace ” and “ Moment in Time .” Her latest book is a moving tale of a family dealing with grief . The story follows Marie Egide after the tragic death of one of her children . Marie seeks a fresh start for her family , moving with her husband and their three surviving kids to New Hampshire . There , she plans to sell a family estate , but finds a war veteran , Davina , known locally as “ the river witch ,” residing in a cabin on the property and claims it was a gift from Marie ’ s grandfather . Tensions rise as each side fights for what they believe is right , and then fate takes control . Redfearn , an architect by trade , also co-owns the Lumberyard and Slice Pizza & Beer restaurants in Laguna Beach with her husband , Cary . “ Where Butterflies Wander ” will be available Feb . 6 online and at Laguna Beach Books . A book launch party will take place Feb . 5 from 5-7 p . m . at Lumberyard . ( suzanneredfearnauthor . com ) — Sharon Stello
Suzanne Redfearn with her novels
TOP SECTION : COURTESY OF LOCA ARTS EDUCATION
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