There are many admirable art shows, exhibits, installations and whatnot going on in Laguna Beach at any given time, but our favorite is the annual Art and Nature exhibit put on by the Laguna Art Museum.
In 2020, it was “Sunset Trace,” the simmering, multicolored strands that weaved through the trees. In 2014, it was “An Elongated Now,” which was practically indescribable.
But our all-time favorite was the one that never took place.
It was 2017, and the museum hired artist Pablo Vargas Lugo to create a brilliant and completely unexpected piece called “Seascape” just outside the surf off Main Beach. Lugo wanted to anchor a fiberglass streetlight 200 yards offshore.
It was supposed to be a metaphor for honoring the ocean, illuminating Laguna’s creativity. Showing how unsullied the ocean really is, away from electricity and industry.
Unfortunately, at the last minute, the California Coastal Commission inexplicably proclaimed that the art would damage the environment.
Without a doubt, it was the most idiotic ruling ever. Well, actually, the commission has made a lot of boneheaded decisions, so there could be some debate to the “winner.”
Alas, Seascape never happened but it was a winner in our book. Art and Nature continues every year, thankfully, and it surprises us every time.
Every year brings something unexpected and creative at the Art and Nature installations hosted by the Laguna Art Museum. This year was 2018, the umbrella year.
