Editor ’ s Letter /
Expressive Endeavors
Laguna Beach is a special place when it comes to nurturing artists and creativity . And summer is the time when this becomes most apparent , as the art festivals open for the season and Pageant of the Masters takes to the stage once again . Of course , the town ’ s art is on display year-round in the galleries and public murals , sculptures and other installations , but summer is when it really shines .
In tribute to the town ’ s many talents , this issue ’ s arts special section highlights the vivid murals and mosaics that have popped up around the city in recent years , adding splashes of color to walls in parking lots , on the sides of businesses and restaurants , and even the surface of a pedestrian bridge . From flowers to sea life and a memorial to the late basketball player Kobe Bryant , read more in “ Wonder Walls ” ( page 42 ).
We also feature a new gallery opened by The Honarkar Foundation for Arts & Culture in a Broadway Street building that has served many purposes through the years , from a post office to a Jewish community center and then a vault for a private art collection . For more about the structure ’ s history and the new gallery within , turn to “ Opening the Vault ” ( page 50 ). And , finally , we explore the inspiration behind artist Jim Olarte ’ s large-scale macrame installations , which can be found gracing local storefronts as well as photo shoot sets for surf brands ( page 54 ).
Elsewhere in this edition , we talk with resident Natalya Sheddan , who started the Brooks Bricks Art Gallery in front of her home , encouraging community members to paint a brick and add to the homegrown display of creativity ( page 34 ). And we talk with Laguna businesses from a coffee shop to a yoga studio that are bringing locals together in unique ways , such as hosting artisan markets , children ’ s story times , beach cleanups , community circles and more ( page 36 ).
We hope these stories inspire you to get involved in the community and appreciate some local art or create some of your own , whether it ’ s on a brick , canvas or anything else you can dream up .
An exhibit of works by Joe Goode at The Honarkar Foundation for Arts & Culture ’ s gallery . Read more about the new venue on page 50 .
Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon @ firebrandmediainc . com
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