The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is pleased to announce the acquisition of two paintings by artists who exhibited in the 2026 Fine Art Show. The newly acquired works: Moon Light by Michael Situ and Time of Reflection by Jason Li, will join the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection. Both paintings capture the beauty of Laguna Beach at distinctly different moments, from moonlight illuminating Heisler Park to the warm glow of a coastal sunset. Together, the works offer two unique interpretations of the landscape that has inspired generations of artists and helped shape Laguna Beach’s artistic identity.
“These acquisitions are a wonderful reflection of the artistic excellence we see each year at the Festival of Arts,” said Christine Georgantas, Exhibits Director for the Festival of Arts. “Michael and Jason each bring their own perspective and style to the Laguna Beach landscape, and we are thrilled to preserve these works as part of the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection for future generations.”
Michael Situ’s Moon Light, a 16-by-20-inch oil on canvas panel, captures Heisler Park under the glow of the moon. Working in a style he describes as Contemporary American Impressionism, Situ uses the familiar coastal landscape to explore the light and mood of Laguna Beach after dark. For Situ, having the work selected for the Permanent Art Collection carries special significance. “I am deeply honored that the Festival of Arts has acquired my painting for its Permanent Art Collection,” he said.
While Situ looks at Laguna Beach beneath the moonlight, Jason Li captures the coast during another fleeting moment of the day in Time of Reflection. The painting depicts a Laguna Beach sunset, a setting Li describes as one of the most iconic in the world. His work combines elements of Realism and Impressionism, balancing recognizable scenery with the atmosphere and emotion of the moment.
The acquisition holds particular meaning for Li, who sees the Festival’s recognition as both an honor and an encouragement in his artistic journey. “It means a lot to me. The Festival of Arts has a long history of excellence,” Li said. “To be part of its Permanent Art Collection is a huge honor and encouragement to continue creating.”
Li added that the recognition carries an especially personal significance. “The journey of pursuing art is a lonely one. The recognition from an institution like the Festival of Arts gives me confidence.”
The Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection features more than 1,000 two- and three-dimensional works, representing a century of creativity and artistic innovation. As a living archive, the Collection preserves the region’s cultural and artistic history while chronicling the artists and works that have shaped the Festival of Arts throughout its history. With the addition of Moon Light and Time of Reflection, Situ and Li become part of that continuing legacy, preserving two contemporary interpretations of the Laguna Beach landscape for generations to come.
To learn more about the Festival of Arts and the Permanent Art Collection visit foapom.com/collection or download the free Bloomberg Connects app at foapom.com/bloomberg-connects. The Festival’s Collection are presented in themed exhibits at foaSOUTH and loaned out to museums and institutions for specific exhibitions.
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.