January 6 – April 9, 2015

The Festival of Arts is pleased to announce it’s newest exhibit, Now & Then at the historic Wells Fargo Building in downtown Laguna Beach now through April 9. Now & Then features the work of photographers Ron Azevedo and Mike Heintz and painter Susan Jarecky. The public is welcome to join the artists for a free reception on Saturday, January 24 from 11 – 1pm at the Wells Fargo Bank.

“This exhibit presents artwork that examines images, scenes, and environments that have deteriorated with time,” said Exhibit Curator Pat Sparkuhl. “They are a look back through history, encouraging viewers to fill in the stories behind these unique subjects.”

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Ron Azevedo

WellsFargo_AzevedoCBS-LA recently named Ron Azevedo as one of the ‘Most Artistic Photographers in Orange County’ for his worldwide approach to photography.  From the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine to the abandoned sanitorium Beelitz-Heilstätten in Germany, Ron strives to waken viewers to the diversity of the world and to cultures so different from our own. Born in Southern California, Ron spent his youth in the mountains of Big Bear Lake before moving to the San Clemente beach community where he and his family have resided for the past 30 years. Ron has exhibited at the Festival of Arts for three years.

Mike Heintz

Ol'Paint_HeintzMike Heintz’s photography represents a more innocent time in the history of America. After college in the mid 70s, he travelled back and forth between California and South Dakota where he was born and raised. During these trips, Mike began photographing abandoned vehicles in open environments. He later refined his focus to vintage vehicles produced before 1950. In addition to being a photographer, he is also an accomplished jeweler. Mike exhibited at the Festival of Arts for 13 years beginning in 1982.

Susan Jarecky

Old Truck with Coat_JareckyMixing the immediate impressions of the plein air style of oil painting with the social commentary addressing the changing dynamics of the Western ranching, Susan Jarecky involves the viewer with more than just the landscape. Native to Southern California, Susan was raised in rural Irvine in the 1960-70s.  Throughout her childhood, Susan was drawn to the western genre, rode horses, listened to Roy Rogers, and dreamt of being a cowgirl. Although she chose to become a professional artist, her inner voice is expressed as she weaves the western theme throughout her work. Susan travels all over the United States to research her subjects and connect with her natural surroundings.

About the Festival of Arts 3rd Floor Gallery

The exhibit is at the Festival of Arts 3rd Floor Gallery at Wells Fargo Bank located at 260 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach. It is part of an ongoing series of shows that the Festival of Arts will be holding at Wells Fargo. The building is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 9 am – 4 pm. Admission is free. Click here for current exhibit information.