The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is thrilled to announce its most extensive public showing of its Permanent Art Collection, now on display across three terminals at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. On exhibit from now through November 1, 2023, this spectacular exhibition features nearly 90 artworks by over 60 artists from the past century.
Through an array of artistic expressions, this exhibition offers a unique lens to explore the vibrant culture of the Laguna Beach art colony through selections from the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection. Discover artwork by renowned early Laguna artists such as Joseph Kleitsch and Edgar Payne, as well as contemporary artists like Stillman Sawyer and Thomas Waddelow. Among the pieces on display is a Laguna Beach art treasure, Virginia Woolley’s 1932 painting, Flower Stalls – the first artwork ever sold at the Festival of Arts.
“This exhibit is a fantastic representation of the Festival’s Permanent Collection,” shared Christine Georgantas, Director of Exhibits and Events. “From the early days of Laguna to the present, the artwork on display reflects the rich history and pivotal role played by the Festival of Arts in nurturing both the historic and contemporary artist community in Laguna Beach.”
Showcased throughout terminals A, B, and C at John Wayne Airport, this exhibit celebrates the significant collection that the Festival of Arts has developed over the years. Located across Gates 1 through 4, Terminal A (serving American, Delta and Westjet) features the captivating artwork by early 20th century artists Clarence Hinkle, William Griffin and Joane Cromwell. Contemporary works in this terminal include several photographs by Robert Hansen and Rob Gage, as well as paintings by Pegah Samie added to the collection in 2019 and Jacobus Baas acquired in 1998.
Terminal B (serving United and Alaska) features several fascinating sculptures and three-dimensional works including sculptures, ceramics, furniture, glass and even a full chess set created by artist Steven Dahlberg in 2001. Other highlights from this terminal are a painted metal bench from Michael Graham, a bronze statue from Lewis Cohen and a glass piece by Sherry Salito-Forsen.
Guests making their way through Terminal C (serving Southwest and Spirit) will discover an eclectic mix of artworks from plein air painters Anna Hills, Joseph Kleitsch, and Edgar Payne, key artists in Laguna Beach’s renowned artistic history. And speaking of Laguna Beach’s history, Elier Larsen, widely recognized as the Laguna Beach Greeter, has a special tribute in this exhibit with photographs by Ronald Green and an oil painting by Leslie DeMille. Additional works by Julie Watson, Thomas Waddelow and Chris Bliss also hang in this terminal. Plus, don’t miss John Taylor’s incredible mixed media piece of a maritime vessel.
“We are thrilled to partner with John Wayne Airport to bring the Festival of Arts Permanent Collection to a wider audience as part of the continuation of the Festival’s two-year 90th anniversary celebration,” shared exhibit curator, Pat Sparkuhl. “Art has the power to captivate, inspire, and transform, and we believe that this exhibition will enrich the travel experience for airport visitors while promoting the vibrant arts community in our region.”
Selections from the Permanent Art Collection Exhibit at John Wayne Airport is free of cost to the public and will run through November 1, 2023. Guests without a boarding pass can access the secure areas of the John Wayne Airport Terminal daily with an OC AirPASS (post-security access pass) to shop, dine, and enjoy the exhibit.
Housing over one thousand diverse and eclectic pieces, the Permanent Art Collection is valued by the Festival of Arts for its cultural and historical significance in relation to the art, culture, and ability to tell the story of the birth of the Festival and local art scene. The Permanent Art Collection showcases how the Festival became a major influence in the art world of Southern California, and many deem the collection a time capsule of art from the last century. To learn more about the Festival of Arts, and the Permanent Art Collection visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.