BRIEFLY IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Watercolorist invited to prestigious show

In the world of watercolor painting, no honor is more coveted than an invitation to the annual American Watercolor Society Exhibition. Festival of Arts exhibitor Yachiyo Beck has earned an invitation to the 141st society exhibition.

“I started painting in 1997, after losing my five-year-old son to cancer,” Beck said. “At that time, I felt lost and needed something to do. Watercolor painting was healing, because while painting I felt peace. If my son had not died, I don’t know if I would be an artist, today. Now, I have another son, who likes to go painting with me. And, I want to share my feelings of peacefulness with others through my art.”

Each year 1,300 or more applicants submit artwork to the watercolor society jurists from around the world, yet only a handful receive invitations to show. Beck credits her Japanese upbringing with fostering her uniquely peaceful style.

“The Japanese culture teaches children early on about art as well as play,” Beck said. “How to hold a brush for calligraphy and how to appreciate colors. My paintings are different because of this training, and because years in the fashion business developed a love for patterns and shapes.”

Beck feels the Festival of Arts has helped her achieve the honor of displaying her works at the exhibition. “I see many great artists at the festival, and that motivates me to become a better painter, to paint more, to spend more time so I can create better art. My advice to young painters is to keep on painting, and to paint what brings them happiness and peace.”

Beck’s artwork will be on exhibit at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach from July 6 to Aug. 30. For more information, call (949) 494-1145.

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Playhouse presents youth improv shows

The Laguna Playhouse will present “Evenings of Improvisation” featuring the 2008 Youth Theatre Improv Troupe, directed by Kelly Herman and Donna Inglima, from Feb. 21 to 23.

The group is comprised of 18 kids ages 11-17 whose goal is to make their audience laugh with hysterical skits and silly songs; the show is suitable for the whole family.

Performances will be Feb. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at the playhouse’s Production Center in Laguna Hills, 23402 S. Pointe Drive.

For tickets, call (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com, or purchase them at the door.

For recorded directions, call (949) 497-2787, ext. 305.

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Music festival artists win Grammy

Turtle Island Quartet won a 2008 Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Album for their latest recording, “A Love Supreme “” The Legacy of John Coltrane.”

The quartet’s previous release, 4 + Four with the Ying Quartet, was awarded the Grammy in 2006.

The 2008 Laguna Beach Music Festival, a collaboration of Laguna Beach Live! and the Philharmonic Society, featured the Turtle Island Quartet in last month’s weeklong blend of performances and educational programs. The quartet performed excerpts from both Grammy award-winning albums in their three weekend concerts, held Jan. 18 to 20.

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Reynolds art at Make-A-Wish auction

Laguna Beach artist Carolyn Reynolds will donate a piece of art to an art auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Laing Luxury Homes and Coast Magazine partnered with Randy Higbee Gallery to host the silent art auction from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21, where two-thirds of the proceeds of each painting sold will benefit the foundation.

Reynolds has been living and painting in Laguna Beach for 27 years.

Currently, her practice is creating large paintings on gold and silver leaf.

The auction will feature paintings and sculptures donated by local artists. More than 30 pieces are expected to be on display.

Attendees will enjoy an ocean-view sunset, refreshments and tours of model homes at the newest community by Laing Luxury, SeaPoint at Crystal Cove, 37 South Sur, Newport Beach.

To RSVP for the event by Feb. 13, contact Katie De Boer at (949) 265-2411 or [email protected].

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CAP hosts classic poster art show

Community Art Project (CAP) will present an exhibit of classic poster art on loan from The Vintage Poster from Feb. 16 to March 31.

The collection includes “America’s Resources” and “The Pearl of The French Riviera ““ Menton, France,” Laguna Beach’s newly appointed Sister City.

The exhibit is at the second floor gallery, “Banking On Art,” at Wells Fargo, 260 Ocean Ave.

An opening reception will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16; the public is invited.