Archives for June 1, 2024

Crystal Cove Conservancy is kicking off the 2024 summer season with extensive programming for all ages that span from the beach to the trails. Visitors will be delighted to see a combination of new and returning programs at Crystal Cove State Park, as well as extended dates for one of The Conservancy’s most popular programs “The Great Plein Air Art Experience” which will now run through October.

“Summertime at Crystal Cove is magical – and our programs team has been working all year to create new opportunities for folks to explore the park and to reimagine old favorites,” said Crystal Cove Conservancy President & CEO Kate Wheeler. “Our team has been testing new ideas like science hikes and rethinking and expanding classics like the Historic District Walking Tours and movies on the beach to create a menu of programs to help parkgoers deepen their connection with the park and become part of protecting it.”

From hands-on explorations of history and nature to art classes and conservation stewardship, there is something for everyone to explore during the summer at Crystal Cove. The Conservancy’s summer programs will also take place during the third annual California State Parks Week happening June 12-16, 2024.

2024 Summer Programs

The Great Plein Air Art Experience

Every Monday & Wednesday, June 3 – October 30; except June 19, July 1, July 3 & Sept. 2

9:00AM – 2:00PM

Registration is required for these events.

Celebrate over 100 years of plein air art at Crystal Cove State Park and spend a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines! During these four-hour classes, you’ll take part in living history while learning the step-by-step process of creating your very own plein air painting from beginning to end. Each class will have a break for lunch, but lunch is not provided. Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Tuesdays in the Commons

Every Tuesday; June 4 through September 10

10:00AM – 1:00PM

Stop by the Education Commons in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District each week on Tuesday for new hands-on educational activities that will help participants learn about ongoing conservation work at the park, the critical habitats at Crystal Cove, and how it all connects with landscape scale efforts to protect and preserve the natural world.

Native Plants: The Key to Climate Resilience

Friday, June 14

9:00AM – 12:00PM

Registration is required for this event.

Part of California State Parks Week

Join a fun, family-friendly nature hike through Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Canyon as we learn about the coastal sage scrub plant community and how native plants are resilient in our changing climate. This three-mile trek, which includes a short incline, will wind through the canyon to visit a current habitat restoration project. Participants will meet restoration team members and participate in stewardship activities.

Celebrate Crystal Cove State Park’s Natural & Cultural History

Saturday, June 15

4:00 – 8:00PM

Registration is required for this event.

Part of California State Parks Week

Join Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Conservancy for an afternoon filled with fun and learning, as we celebrate the cultural history of the park. Participants will take part in a variety of activities exploring the Indigenous history of the area, learning about the Acjachemen and Tongva People who have been here from time immemorial and continue to call Crystal Cove and surrounding areas their home.

Historic Beach Cottages & Coastline Restoration Tour

Sunday, June 16

5:00 – 6:30PM

Registration is required for this event.

Part of California State Parks Week

Step back in time for a guided walking tour of the restored Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District, as Crystal Cove Conservancy expert staff share stories of how each cottage was lovingly and painstakingly restored to preserve the architectural charms and details of the original structures. Participants will also learn about the extraordinary coastal engineering measures taken to ensure the cottages remain resilient to sea level rise.

Explore the Cove Science Hikes

Fourth Saturday of each month; June 22, July 27, August 24 & September 28

10:30 AM – 12:00PM

Registration is required for these events.

Take a hike with a Conservancy educator to explore Crystal Cove State Park’s geological and ecological systems. Explore the impacts and challenges of climate change including fire ecology, ecological restoration, coastal engineering, and marine conservation, as well as native versus non-native species and their impact on natural communities and ecosystem functions.

Historic District Walking Tours

Fourth Saturday of each month; June 22, July 27, August 24 & September 28

2:00 – 3:00PM

Historic District Walking Tours return to Crystal Cove State Park! During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators and former cottage residents, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration.

Movies on the Beach

Monthly from July – September; check CrystalCove.org/Events for upcoming dates.

Grab your friends and family, blankets and beach chairs, and join us for a movie night under the stars! Check The Conservancy’s website for details including dates and movie titles.

Cove Talks

Ongoing; check CrystalCove.org/Events for upcoming dates.

Registration is required for these events.

The Conservancy’s “Cove Talks” aim to bring influential individuals working to change the world to Crystal Cove State Park, as they share a diverse collection of experiences and viewpoints. These talks are another step towards connecting the community to the natural world, while deepening their understanding of issues facing local parks, the coast and the planet.

Grunion Run

One night only; check CrystalCove.org/Events for details

Registration is required for this event.

This one night only event will open your eyes to the world of the grunion. Join Conservancy and Park educators to learn about the grunion run phenomenon and the importance of coastal and ocean conservation, followed by a guided observation of the silvery fish as they emerge from the water to spawn.

For more information about summer programming at Crystal Cove and to register for upcoming programs, visit CrystalCove.org/Events.

Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy.

Summer is fast approaching and the world-famous Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is offering the must-have accessory of the season for families, art-enthusiasts, and entertainment-lovers alike: a Festival of Arts membership. In addition to securing free admission to the Fine Art Show for the 2024 summer season, members can look forward to exclusive programs, discounts, special gift packages and much more.

“Receiving my Festival of Arts membership as a birthday gift from my son and daughter-in-law is a highlight each year. It’s not just a membership; it’s a tradition that holds a special place in our family’s heart,” shared Colleen Walker of Newport Beach. “What I love most is the unlimited access to the Fine Art Show. I often bring my sister and the grandkids along, creating cherished memories walking around, meeting the artist, and making our own art – these are the memories we treasure.”

This summer, strut your stuff as a VIP (Very Important Patron) at the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters as a member! Memberships start at just $50 per person and offer a wealth of benefits including:

• Priority ticket access to the 2025 Pageant performance in early October before general the general public
• Free admission to the Festival Fine Art Show for you and one guest all summer long (excludes August 24, 2024)
• Catch up on what’s happening with the Festival’s digital newsletter
• Invitation to the Festival of Arts Annual Meeting, November 13, 2024 (voting members only who reside in Orange County, California)
• Invitation for you and a guest to attend Member Appreciation Day, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Includes backstage open house, membership gift package, and special entertainment!
• 20% off Festival Gift Shop merchandise
• 20% off Laguna Playhouse Main Stage Productions. January-December 2024

For those seeking an even more elevated Festival of Arts experience, higher-level membership packages offer exclusive perks such as two tickets to the highly anticipated annual Gala event, private parking space on select dates, a private table for four at a Concert on the Green with wine and commemorative glasses, VIP Night invitations, and more. 

“The artistic passion at the Festival and Pageant in Laguna Beach never ceases to amaze me,” shared Longtime Festival of Arts Member Becky Cool. “Nowhere else can you experience such overwhelming dedication from loyal volunteers. I have proudly collected many pieces from the exhibiting artists, from jewelry to glasswork, all very beautifully crafted.”

A Festival of Arts membership enables patrons to experience all that the Festival of Arts offers while helping to support the art exhibit, Pageant of the Masters, scholarship and art education programs, special events, and more. A portion of each membership is tax-deductible and helps fulfill the mission to promote and produce events that encourage the appreciation of the arts. 

Memberships start as low as $50 per person and offer a Laguna Beach arts experience like no other. Gift memberships are also available. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.

Credit: The Festival of Arts.

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) has announced its highly anticipated summer camps and programs, taking place in the recently renovated STUDIO/Lab. From June through August, children ages 6 to 12 are invited to explore their creativity and imagination through a series of engaging and educational programs.

The LAM Kids Summer Day Camp Series is set to take place on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., providing an exclusive opportunity for children to engage, create and play in the museum’s inspiring environment while it is closed to the public. With each camp centered around a unique theme, camp attendees are encouraged to embrace the joys of messy, imaginative and dynamic summer adventures.

For those looking to extend their children’s camp experiences, Laguna Art Museum introduces the LAM Kids Summer Mini Camp Series, a new program designed to complement the day camp experiences. Held from 3 – 5 p.m. on Mondays immediately following the LAM Kids Summer Day Camp Series, these two-hour sessions offer children the perfect chance to further their artistic journey in an enriching setting.

“We are committed to growing a love for art in children of all backgrounds and abilities and look forward to welcoming them to our museum this summer.” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum. 

The summer camps will take place in the newly unveiled STUDIO/Lab, a vibrant two-room art installation designed by visionary artists Michael Davis and Elyse Pignolet. This dynamic space offers opportunities for creative exploration, featuring immersive experiences, interactive gadgets and hands-on activities that inspire visitors of all ages to unleash their imagination.

“STUDIO/Lab serves as a boundless playground for encouraging exploration and letting the imagination run free. Importantly, it also offers fresh and accessible perspectives on art. This is a space where people of all ages can tap into their creativity, learn new skills and explore the art of fun,” added Lee.

Every summer Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., LAM Kids Summer Fridays will offer a chance to drop in and create masterpieces. The STUDIO/Lab will be open to all kids who want to explore their creativity and participate in hands-on art projects. Members of the education staff will be on-site to offer assistance and guidance. 

WHEN:

LAM Kids Summer Day Camp Series:

• Art Adventure: Monday, June 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Awesome Animals: Monday, July 8, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Creation Station: Monday, July 15, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Cartoons: Monday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Under the Sea: Monday, July 29, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Art Play Day Camp: Monday, August 5, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LAM Kids Summer Mini Camp Series:

Each mini camp will follow the respective day camp from 3 – 5 p.m.

LAM Kids Summer Fridays:

Every summer Friday, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

REGISTRATION:

LAM Kids Summer Day Camp Series:

• Museum members
  • $75 per child
  • Discounted price of $60 per child for two or more children
• Non-members
  • $95 per child 
  • Discounted price of $80 per child for two or more children

LAM Kids Summer Mini Camp Series: 

• Museum members
  • $30 per child
  • Discounted price of $25 per child for two or more children 
• Non-members
  • $55 per child for non-members 
  • Discounted price of $50 per child for registering two or more children

LAM Kids Summer Fridays:

Drop ins are free with museum admission.

Parents or guardians do not need to be present for these events and pre-registration is required for kids. To learn more about the upcoming summer programs and to register, visit lagunaartmuseum.org/events. 

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.