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As shown in the film , that was the same aim of Francis in teaching his children .
From the audience came a last probing question asked of Judson and Wood . Here is my paraphrase : Since the making of “ The Living Sea ” have you become more optimistic or pessimistic about the state of the oceans ( and seemingly the planet )? After a brief pause , Judson responded : “ There is a lot coming at us . You don ’ t get things done if you ’ re a pessimist . Optimism is the most essential tool we have .” Wood seemed to nod in agreement — as did I .
Thanks to Greg and Barbara MacGillivray for your partnership in making “ The Living Sea ” and generously reprising it for our hometown audience on a memorable summer night .
Tom Osborne writes the environmental column , Green Light , for the Indy . With his wife , Ginger , he co-leads the Laguna chapter of Citizens ’ Climate Lobby . tomosborne @ cox . net .
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lineup for this year ’ s Festival of Arts ,” said Christine Georgantas , director of exhibits and events .
Spotlight on the Music of Hope Blue Piano , in partnership with City of Hope Orange County . After its debut at South Coast Plaza , the City of Hope ’ s blue “ Hope ” piano will take center stage at the Festival , honoring those affected by cancer . This series will feature pianists Josh Nelson , John Proulx , Scott Wilkie , Bill Cantos and Althea Waites , and performances will take place on Saturdays from July 13 to Aug . 10 .
Another new event is a one-nightonly performance of Pacific Opera Project ’ s “ The Mikado ,” on Saturday , Aug . 17 . Known for its innovative and whimsical productions , Pacific Opera Project will bring Gilbert and Sullivan ’ s most popular operetta to life
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with Harajuku-inspired costumes and a reworked libretto .
During its two-month summer season , audiences can enjoy daily live concerts and weekly music series on select days .
On Mondays from July 8 to Aug . 26 , sway to the sounds of live music with the Americana Music Series . This series showcases Southern California ’ s most talented Americana musicians , blending folk , country , blues , and bluegrass , with highlights including performances by Shawn Jones , Buzz Campbell and the Heartaches and The Joni Mitchell Project with Kiki Ebsen .
On Thursday nights from July 11 to Aug . 29 , the Festival will host the Art , Jazz , Wine & Chocolate series ( sponsored by Charles Schwab and Cambria Estate Winery ). Indulge in specially selected wines paired with gourmet chocolates ( additional fee applies ) while enjoying soulful jazz performances by artists like Téka , The New Jet Set , Spencer Day , and the Scott Wilkie Band .
Kick off the weekend at the Festival of Arts on Fridays from July 12 to Aug . 30 to celebrate legendary music icons with the Tremendous Tributes Music Series , featuring Southern California ’ s best tribute bands , including The Cream of Clapton Band , The Eagles Allstars , and Mad Dogs and the Englishman . On Saturday afternoons at 1 p . m . from July 6 to Aug . 17 enjoy Concerts on the Green with award-winning musicians like Greg Adams and East Bay Soul , Grace Kelly , and Poncho Sanchez . Sunday nights from July 7 to Aug . 25 are dedicated to extraordinary singers in the Wow ... That Girl Can Sing ! Music Series featuring Melanie Taylor , Paris Chansons , Lia Booth , and Josie James .
Performances are nightly from 5:30 p . m . to 7 p . m ., Saturdays from 1 to 2:30 p . m . ( excluding Aug . 24 for a private ticketed event ), and on select Sundays at 12 p . m . Concerts are free with Festival admission , with limited “ nightclub ” seating in a reserved section available for an additional fee .
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Village Matters PAGE 7
but they don ’ t have time to do it right . This year , the park is better , but there are still grassy weeds throughout that have been allowed to go to seed . The pruners haven ’ t been there yet , and I hope they will respect the natural forms of the shrubbery and we won ’ t have sheared balls . The play equipment has needed repair for years , but the answer is to replace it —$ 400,000 has been budgeted ! Replacement parts from the manufacturer should be pursued at a much lower cost .
Glenneyre Street Parking Garage is much more in the public view , another example of hedge pruners gone awry . The original planting featured Boston ivy and lavender trumpet vines on the brick walls and shrubs of various heights in informal espaliers in front . The city removed all the vines when structural issues were addressed , but despite promises to replant them , it was never done . All the shrubs along Glenneyre have been uniformly buzz-cut , losing the opportunity to show their gracefulness and uniqueness . These relatively minor fixes can make a big difference in the impression conveyed by the landscape — we should give the impression of caring both for the plants themselves and for those who experience the landscaping daily or maybe only once in a lifetime .
We need to do better . If more staff , a larger landscape maintenance budget , and detailed training are needed , we need to provide them . Laguna Beach is known for its beauty , and it should be a high priority throughout our city .
Ann Christoph is a landscape architect who , often with partners , designed Village Green , Alta Laguna Park , Bluebird Park , the Glenneyre St . Parking Structure , South Laguna medians and South Laguna Community Garden Park . She is also a former councilmember , mayor , and board member of Village Laguna and South Laguna Civic Association .
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Mural PAGE 16
new addition . “ Debbie Avoux ’ s mural is a spectacular addition to this year ’ s exhibition ,” he said . “ It perfectly embodies the spirit of Laguna Art-A- Fair and our dedication to presenting art that inspires and moves people . We are thrilled to have her work featured prominently at our event .”
Avoux has established herself as a significant figure in the contemporary art world . Her work is characterized by a deep connection to nature , vibrant color palettes , and an ability to evoke profound emotional responses from viewers . Avoux ’ s murals are celebrated for their dynamic compositions and the way they transform spaces , infusing them with life and energy .
Avoux ’ s artistic journey is marked by versatility and a passion for creativity . She uses high-quality acrylic paints for her murals , ensuring durability and vibrancy . Her technique involves layering colors to create depth and texture , bringing her subjects to life in a way that resonates deeply with viewers . Avoux ’ s commitment to excellence is evident in every brushstroke , making her murals not just artworks but experiences .
This year ’ s fair promises to be an extraordinary showcase of talent , featuring over 115 artists from various disciplines and geographies . From traditional paintings to cutting-edge contemporary pieces , the event is a celebration of artistic diversity and excellence . Visitors can expect to see a wide array of artworks , including oil , acrylic , watercolor , mixed media , and more . Additionally , three-dimensional art forms such as jewelry , ceramics , and sculptures will also be on display , providing a comprehensive art experience .
The Laguna Art-A-Fair 2024 will be open to the public June 28 through Sept . 1 with early bird tickets on sale now at art-a-fair . com for a reduced price .
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