Art Walk in Laguna Beach is a celebration of creativity that transforms the town into an open-air gallery on the first Thursday of each month. This event invites art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to explore a collection of works by local and regional artists showcased in the galleries and boutiques scattered throughout the downtown area. As visitors wander the streets, they can enjoy live music, engage with artists, and experience the blend of visual and performing arts that define Laguna Beach's historic artistic community. Art Walk highlights the town's creative spirit and fosters a deep appreciation for the diverse talents that Laguna is known for.
This month, I chose to explore Gallery Row, in North Laguna on Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of the highway includes numerous wonderful galleries. During Art Walk, many artists are available to speak with and the galleries offer snacks and refreshments while visitors browse and admire with live music in the background.
What I really like about the monthly Art Walk tradition in Laguna is how there is no pressure to buy. I always get the sense that the artists are genuinely happy people have come to see their work and so much enjoy talking about it.
My husband, brother and I stopped in several galleries along our walk but found ourselves spending a good amount of time in Studio 7 Gallery, a space known for its wonderful collection of contemporary artwork.
Located in the heart of Gallery Row, it showcases a diverse array of pieces from emerging and established artists, reflecting a wide spectrum of styles and mediums. Studio 7 Gallery provides a platform for creativity and fosters an engaging dialogue between artists and art lovers. Its commitment to highlighting innovative talent and nurturing artistic conversations makes it a cherished destination in Laguna Beach’s thriving arts community.
When we walked in, my eyes immediately went toward an amazing painting of two surfers holding their boards. The artist, Val Carson, saw my interest and we began a conversation about her work, passion for plein air painting, and love of the scenery of Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove. Val is a Contemporary California Impressionist who has traveled the world painting and sharing her love of art by teaching workshops both near and far. She is an amazing artist with numerous awards and exhibitions. Along with her work as a guest artist at Studio 7 Gallery, she has continuing exhibitions at the Crystal Cove Store/Gallery, at Ciao Baci on Catalina Island, and at the Valley Bronze Gallery in Joseph, Oregon. Val is delightful and talented. Check out her website at www.valcarson.com.
We also popped into Quorum Gallery, one of my favorite cooperative galleries in North Laguna. When I started buying art many years ago, this was where my first piece came from. On the monthly Art Walk evenings, Quorum always has multiple artists available to discuss their work. The gallery is intimate and bright, colorful and fun. The art is varied - and that is what I love about it. Every wall shows diverse ideas, techniques and talent.
Our little group made our way through several more galleries as we walked south on Pacific Coast Highway. We crossed the street at Laguna’s Main Beach, then walked back up the hill to the Laguna Art Museum. As part of Laguna Beach's monthly art festivities, the museum opens its doors for visitors without charging admission, to showcase its impressive collection of California art. The museum’s Art Walk programs often feature artist talks, interactive displays, and exclusive previews, offering a unique opportunity to explore its rich collections in a social setting, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of Laguna Beach’s cultural landscape. This month, I really enjoyed the display of talent from the students at LCAD (Laguna College of Art and Design).
Laguna Beach's Art Walk evenings embody the town's commitment to fostering a rich cultural community, blending art with social engagement. These monthly events transform Laguna into a canvas where visitors can explore galleries, interact with artists, and jump into the local arts scene. The combination of visual art, live music, and dialogue creates an unforgettable experience, highlighting the creative spirit of Laguna Beach. As the sun sets and the town comes alive with artistic energy, Art Walk evenings reaffirm Laguna Beach's status as a beacon of artistic inspiration.
It was a fun night!