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Visit Laguna Art Museum ( left ) to see an exhibit of jewelry by Adam Neeley ( top right ), then cross the street for tea and sweets at Urth Caffé ( above ).
FINE ART AND TEA With its history as an artists colony , there ’ s no shortage of art-related activities to do in Laguna — from visiting the many galleries to taking an art class . Consider a date starting at Laguna Art Museum to peruse the exhibitions and spark meaningful conversation . With beginnings tracing back to 1918 , the museum highlights California art . Throughout the month of February , get a preview of pieces that will be displayed and sold as part of the 42nd annual California Cool Art Auction during this museum fundraising event March 2 ( and online through March 4 ).
“ Viewing the California Cool Art Auction artworks together will help you learn about your date ’ s personality type ,” says Laguna Art Museum Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee . “ Featuring a stunning breadth of genres from notable California artists , this auction exhibition is the perfect opportunity to get to know your date . Do they like abstract art or impressionist ? Landscapes or portraits ? You can even place bids on your favorite artworks beginning Feb . 19 .”
For a post-Valentine ’ s Day visit — including belated celebrations the weekend after the holiday — Laguna Art Museum ’ s
first decorative arts exhibition , “ Modern Alchemy ,” opens Feb . 17 and continues through July 29 with a display of unique pieces by award-winning local jeweler Adam Neeley , who uses artistry to create stunning wearable masterpieces .
End your date with a sweet treat across the street at Urth Caffé , housed in a historic building that dates back to 1917 . With nearly 30 decadent desserts to choose from , such as flourless chocolate cake , Oreo cheesecake , matcha tiramisu or Granny Smith apple pie , it will be hard to choose . Urth Caffé is also known for its large inventory of hand-selected
LEFT AND TOP : COURTESY OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM ; BOTTOM : VICTOR BOGHOSSIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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