From city business to Hunks in Trunks

EYE ON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Last month I had the chance to experience controversy at the Art

Commission meeting with the discussion of the former City Hall

fountain. It’s not a common occurrence at the meetings, but it still

didn’t draw many residents.

On one busy day in May I enjoyed Thursday Art Walk, the kick-off

party of Heritage month at Madison Square Garden and Cafe, and the

Community Art Project unveiling at Bank of America of artist Cybele

Rowe’s “Sunfish.” The work is vibrant and colorful and will be

enjoyed by people of all ages.

ARTS COMMISSION MEETING

For the April 28 meeting of the Arts Commission meeting the

members had asked the public to attend months in advance in order to

talk about what they were going to do with the “Synthetic Falls”

fountain. This is the fountain that was in front of City Hall but had

to be removed because of reported safety concerns.

It was a case of things gone awry from the get go. The dimensions

were different than the artist had specified, there was over-spray,

water dissipation, rusting -- only one Laguna resident came. It’s too

bad that there weren’t more interested people.

This battle has been going on for more than a decade, since artist

Tom Askman, of Washington, won an art competition and his piece was

installed. City officials said they tried to get cooperation from the

artist and corresponded with him to try and find solutions for the

fountain’s malfunctions. Eventually they had to temporarily remove

the fountain while they could get estimates on repair costs. The

estimates were between $31,000 to $44,000 to have it work as it

should, which really doesn’t seem fair since the competition awarded

Askman over $27,200 in the first place.

The city has documentation about an inch thick regarding the fall

of “Synthetic Falls,” including Askman’s lack of response and

inappropriate demands. The Arts commission decided based on this

extensive report that they are going to recommend to the City Council

that it be permanently removed.

“It’s really unfortunate that it never started out correctly,”

chairman Les Thomas said.

Each of the commissioners spoke about their thoughts on the matter

and all agreed that it was an unfortunate circumstance.

On a lighter note, arts coordinator Sian Poeschl said that it’s

come to light that there is a potential third public installation at

Treasure Island Park, where a bench would be appropriate. This would

bring another opportunity for local artists with another art

competition.

HUNKS IN TRUNKS COMING SOON

I can’t wait for the second time around for the May 24 event,

Hunks in Trunks, a male model fashion show with an evening of

fashion, food, art, entertainment and so much fun.

A wonderful thing about the event is that 100% of the proceeds

raised benefits Laguna Shanti AIDS Resource Center.

Last year the event was at [seven-degrees] one of my favorite

places.

This year it’s at the museum, which always knows how to put on

wonderful events, making every aspect of an event perfect, exceeding

expectations.

Film star, singer and comedian Judy Tenuta will be the mistress of

ceremonies, performing her one women wildly popular show. DJ Steven

Oliveri will also be spinning.

I would have to say that last year’s event was in my top three

happenings of the year, and I am sure with the museum on board --

this year will be one to remember too.

Tickets are $100 per person and include the dinner buffet and

entertainment. With a major donation of $500, it includes a private

hosted reception, socializing with the models and celebrity guests,

the dinner buffet and reserved seating in front of the stage. Either

way, it’s an evening of amazing entertainment that goes toward a

wonderful cause. For more information, call the museum at 494-8971 or

Laguna Shanti at 494-1446. Tickets are limited.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or [email protected].