Showcasing everything from historic masterpieces, to work by emerging artists. Here are the best art galleries in Laguna Beach.
In the 1870s, a group of artists discovered Laguna Beach and were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean vistas, rocky coves, and mountainous terrain. These early settlers put down roots and, in 1918, founded the Laguna Beach Art Association, now named the Laguna Art Museum. This gave rise to a flourishing art colony and, ultimately, the tourist industry Laguna Beach enjoys today.
With 100 art galleries available to explore amongst the Laguna Beach real estate, where do you start?
First Thursdays Art Walk
Get a good overview of the Laguna Beach art scene all in one evening during First Thursdays Art Walk, happening the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mix and mingle with art enthusiasts and collectors as you gaze along the coast to galleries that represent diverse works by local and international artists. To make parking easier, take the trolley.
Here’s a taste of the art you’ll discover:
North Galleries
“Miao Village Girl” embroidery by Phoenix Art
Laguna Art Museum: The historic museum is the main focal point of the city’s art scene, promoting artists and art events since its inception. Admission is free on art-walk evenings. Examples: Emerging Masters of 2019 featuring works by Laguna College of Art and Design graduates; animal Sculptures by Gwyn Murrill in wood, marble, and bronze.
Phoenix Art: Lovers of fine textiles and ancient needlework techniques will marvel at the museum-quality, silk-embroidery products hand-sewn by artisans at Phoenix Art in China. Examples: Paintings, objects d’ art, and runway fashion and accessories.
Quorum: One of the oldest in town, the gallery features 11 local artists working in a variety of media. Examples: Beach scenes, landscapes, and architectural paintings by artists such as Ellen Gladis and Mike Kinney.
Central Galleries
“Cloud of Tadpoles” photography by Eiko Jones for National Geographic
Avran Fine Art: Avran showcases an extensive collection of works by local and international artists. Examples: Evocative glass sculptures by László Lukácsi (Budapest, Hungary) and contemporary paintings by James C. Leonard (San Francisco).
National Geographic Fine Art Galleries, Laguna Beach: At nine national galleries, Nat Geo features fine photography by top international photographers (and operates lodges like The Ranch at Laguna Beach). Examples: Wildlife, nature, and space.
The Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach: The three Signature galleries—Laguna Beach, Scottsdale, and Santa Fe—showcase regional and international artists’ collections. Examples: Vibrant pottery by Randy O’Brien and paintings by self-taught artist Chuck Joseph.
South Galleries
“La Casita” painting by Giorgio Dimichina, Artist Eye Gallery
The Redfern Gallery: Redfern specializes in American Impressionism with an emphasis on paintings by the early California Plein Air Artists (1890–1940). Examples: Plein air paintings by early California and current artists.
Artist Eye Gallery: See a diverse range of paintings, photography, and sculpture by 16 local award-winning artists represented at this gallery. Examples: Paintings by Susan Leonhard (contemporary) and Al and Stella Gerk (realism).
Cove Gallery: Purchase original artwork directly from the artists represented at Cove Gallery collective--without high gallery markups. Examples: Stylized botanicals and watercolor abstracts by Nancy Roux and Peter McDonald, respectively.