Laguna Beach Festival Of Arts Adds To Permanent Collection

Laguna Beach CA

24 December, 2021

9:04 AM

Description

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Two new pieces from two longtime Festival exhibiting artists have been acquired for the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection. "Gen Time," a clock by woodworker Randy Bader, and "Sunlight in Rockport," an oil painting by Tom Swimm, will join the over 1,000 two-dimensional and three-dimensional works featured within the Festival's Permanent Art Collection, some dating back to the early 1900s. Festival of Arts Exhibits Director Christine Georgantas discussed expanding the collection and the artists involved. "We are honored to add their unique perspectives and exceptional talents to the Festival's collection," she said. Festival artist Randy Bader spoke on the impact of the expanding collection. "Artists throughout the ages have consciously or unconsciously thought of the impact their work would have after they are gone," Bader said. "We still look at paintings of DaVinci music from Mozart. Having my work in the permanent collection means that, to some extent, it will live on beyond my time at the Festival. Having a record that I was there is pretty cool!" Gen Time by artist Randy Bader. Photo credit: Tom LambRandy Bader began exhibiting his artwork at the Festival of Arts in 1981 and has been a part of the show for over 40 years. His signature curves and smooth lines are recognizable in all the furniture he creates, including rocking chairs, tables, mirrors, shelves and more. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and original work created in his woodworking studio in Laguna Canyon. "Gen Time" features a swirled base, clock face and pendulum made of walnut and pecan wood. It is currently on display in the Festival of Arts boardroom. Also acquired into the Festival of Art's Permanent Art collection is Tom Swimm's "Sunlight in Rockport" - a colorful oil painting depicting wooden rowboats floating on rippling water. Swimm is well known for capturing water and light in his paintings of boats and fishing villages inspired by his extensive travels to Italy, Greece, the Caribbean and other picturesque locations. "It's a great honor to have my work selected for the prestigious Festival of Arts Permanent Collection," said Swimm. "As a 35-year exhibitor, the Festival has been a strong connection with my art career. Their selection of my painting of a coastal scene is a perfect example of the subjects that inspire me the most. I'm grateful to be a part of their legacy." Each winter, the Festival of Arts displays pieces from the Permanent Art Collection at the Laguna Beach City Hall for staff and the public to enjoy. The art exhibit "Selections from the Collection" is on display now through January 13, 2022, and features the new acquisition of "Sunlight in Rockport" by Tom Swimm. Other works on display include: "Moss Street Beach" by Eugene Kaspin, "Homework" by Kathy Jones, "Restless Sea" by Stillman Sawyer, "Yellow and White Mums" by Dixie Hall, and "Ambala Cash & Carry" by Michael Ward. "For your visual enjoyment, we have assembled a variety of artworks that illustrate the diversity of artists and styles that make up the Permanent Art Collection," says Georgantas. "Presented in this exhibit is a limited selection from the over one thousand artworks that make up the Collection, some dating back to the early 1900s and some from the present day." "Selections from the Collection" is held at Laguna Beach City Hall at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California 92651. The exhibit is open to the public Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every other Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed every other Friday and holiday. The Festival of Arts Permanent Art Collection is a tangible window to Laguna Beach and the region's rich art and cultural history. The organization values the collection for its cultural and historical significance in relation to the art, culture and its ability to tell the story of the birth of the Festival art scene and how the Festival became a major influence in the art world of Southern California. To learn more about the Festival of Arts, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org.