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landscapes that once drew artists to its shoreline .
The following year , the festival saw another performance-based installation , with Elizabeth Turk rounding up 1,000 volunteers to hold LED-adorned umbrellas for “ Shoreline Project .” The stunning display was inspired by the movement of nature . Then , in 2019 , the museum showcased “ 360 ° Azimuth ,” a video projection by Yorgo Alexopoulos , marking the first time Art & Nature ’ s main installation had ventured inside the museum doors .
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in
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“ The Sea Around Us ” by Rebeca Méndez |
2020 , the museum came up with a commissioned piece that could be viewed outdoors while social distancing — and “ Sunset Trace ” by Patrick Shearn was just the vibrant piece the public needed during a dark time . The kinetic installation , meant to mimic flocks of birds or schools of fish , moved in the wind amongst the palm trees . In 2021 , the festival moved back indoors for the multimedia presentation of “ Any-Instant-Whatever ” by Rebeca Méndez , an experience meant to inspire viewers to stay present in their lives .
While keynote speakers and events have filled in the schedule over the years , it ’ s the engagement with locals that makes the festival stand out . From the beginning , art galleries and organizations in town were invited to participate , hosting their own exhibits inspired by the intersection of art and science . From the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach , celebrations occurred in unexpected places , uniting the community and showcasing the power of that connection . Though outside involvement has waned , Lee says the museum aims to bring that back this year , too .
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A FESTIVE FETE Any way you look at it , the 2022 iteration of Art & Nature is exciting . For years , the festival was centered around one commissioned piece , but Lee and her team have expanded this year to incorporate different artworks , a world-renowned keynote speaker and multiple events to round out the weekend .
Coinciding with November ’ s First Thursdays Art Walk , festivities kick off Nov . 3 , when this year ’ s outdoor installation launches . “ Pyramidion ” by Los Angelesbased artist Kelly Berg ( pending approval by the city Arts Commission ) parallels the planet ’ s changing climates , with pyramid sculptures in various colors and sizes placed throughout Heisler Park to reflect the shifting nature of the land .
“ We are providing an experience that leads up to the museum — or , if you start at the museum , that leads out into nature ,” Lee says .
Another piece , “ The Sea Around Us ” by Méndez , the 2021 artist , will be located in the museum ’ s Steele Gallery . An immersive , 360-degree film experience , it takes viewers into the Pacific Ocean , contrasting the interconnectedness of the sea with harmful barrels of DDT on the ocean bottom .
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COURTESY OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM |
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