“Jim” Andrew Nussbaum

We lost one of Laguna Beach’s creative lights last March Seventh with the passing of James “Jim” Andrew Nussbaum. Jim was a long time Festival of Arts Exhibitor. First with his Op Art acrylic paintings. But later it was his fabulous Hand Painted silks blowing in the evening breeze that are an integral memory of the exhibit for many. Both allowed him to indulge his passion for color at it’s most powerful. He was 67 years young when he passed away peacefully at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach from respiratory failure. The last week in the hospital, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends. His courage and attitude were remarkable throughout his brief illness. In his life he was remarkable not just for his talent but his kind, sweet and gentle nature.

Jim was born in Remington, Indiana August 3, 1941 and graduated from Remington High School followed by the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before moving to Laguna Beach in 1967 Jim had worked in Yellowstone National Park, the Smoke Tree Ranch, Disneyland, Balboa Bay Club and studied Art at the Art center in Los Angeles.

The summer of 1968 was Jim’s first year in the Festival of Arts. He also had his work in the Sawdust Festival. He was proud of his Woods Cove Gallery. There he curated many group and solo Art shows in the early Seventies, including the photography of Ken Duncan. Many of today’s leading Laguna Beach Artists attended his life drawing workshops held in his gallery. He also designed the original iconic Boom Boom Room logo which later was screened on to Thousands of tee-shirts that tourists from around the world took back home.

His little ocean view studio behind the Gallery became his residence for forty years. He first studied silk painting with Detliv Rothe whose store “Tops” replaced the gallery. The studio was located on the property of Lila Zalli the founder of Ballet Pacifica and sat above the dance studio. The class music drifting up was a perfect match for Jim’s love of classical music and dance. His studio became known to friends as the Vortex for it’s non-stop ebb and flow of bohemian creative people drawn to Jim’s hospitality and congenial surroundings. Jim’s influence in others Artwork and creativity was profound.

Jim’s silk was well known in New York and L.A. thanks to local designers and fashionistas including D.N. Evans, Kevin Bennett, Jennifer Blue, Janet Eggers, Pam O’neill and Barbara Lazeroff. Organizations that benefited from his giving nature included Ballet Pacifica, Opera Pacific, the O.C. Philharmonic Society, and above all the Festival of Arts where in addition to his donations he very often demonstrated his technique.

Always out to enjoy life at it’s fullest Jim traveled extensively. Perhaps the high-point was his trip to Venice were he and his dear friend Tim Dey did Carnivale in style wearing Tim’s over the top bubble wrap costume extravaganzas to a prize winning finale on stage in St. Marks square.

No one around Jim ever remained a stranger long. Even his closest friends are too numerous to list here. In his family Jim is survived by his sister, Diane and her husband Ron Neveu of Moraga, Ca., his brother, Rich and his wife Jo Nussbaum of Chico, Ca.; three nieces, Katie, and her husband Eric Moll of Granite Bay, Ca., Brooke and her husband Jesse Hansen of Toronto, Canada and Annie

Nussbaum of Chico, Ca.; two great-nieces and a great-nephew, Avery, Emmerson and Hunter Moll. Also a favorite cousin (like a sister) Nancy Gebauer of Sunnyvale, Ca. and many special relatives in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Merriam Nussbaum.

Jim often said he had a blessed life. For being able to live in a gorgeous place he loved, surrounded by many wonderful friends, and having a loving family while pursuing the career he enjoyed so much. We all were blessed by his gracious loving creative presence in our lives.

A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 10 am at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 3233 Pacific View Dr. Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

A reception will follow in Laguna. For information call Brad Elsberry @ 949-285-2695

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Festival of Arts Artist Fund { attn. Anne England} 650 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, CA 92651