Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) recently kicked off its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration. The celebration was marked by a gala, on September 15th, at Seven-Degrees in Laguna Beach where guests were treated to a video chronicling the progression of the institution and heard from the newly appointed school president, Johnathan Burke. Burke discussed the history of Laguna College of Art and Design, "In 1961 the Laguna Beach School of Art was founded with the mission to provide community art education of the highest quality in the region. Fifty years latter our mission is still relevant. What's changed is that the definition of 'community' has expanded, and we now enroll students from 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries. At LCAD art education continues to meet the intrinsic need to observe, study and describe visual truth. Our students create and revel a new reality through the integration of classical traditions and 21st century technology."

The gala guests were among the first to view the invitational faculty art exhibit. The exhibit showcases work ranging from representational drawings and paintings to graphic and digital pieces.The exhibit will remain open at Seven-Degrees till the end of September.

There will also be a multi media juried alumni show on display at Seven-Degrees from November 3 till the 10th. 25% of the proceeds go to supporting current Laguna College of Art and Design students. This is a great way to support local artists, LCAD and own an amazing work of art.

We will keep you posted on more 50th Anniversary events that are coming up, but for right now come on down to Laguna, stop by the college and enjoy the artistic community!

"We know," said Burke, "that great art has always flourished in small unique locations… Florence in the 16th century, Holland in the 17th, Paris in the 19th, and now Laguna in the 21st."

Laguna ART Group is proud to have LCAD graduate, Slyvia Tupper, as a member. Sylvia completed her graduated studies in 2009, focusing on pastel painting. For her thesis, Tupper composed still lifes using dead butterflies, beetles, and bugs that she and her friends collected. (Tupper made it very clear that no bug was harmed for her paintings. They all had died naturally) Tupper is fascinated with the delicacy of life and the care that needs to be taken to protect nature. She wants her paintings to serve as a reminder that we need to preserve the natural world that surrounds us. While studying at LCAD Tupper truly appreciated the mentor and visiting artist program. LCAD students are paired up with a mentor who is there not only as a support system but also to push the students and show them their true potential. Tupper greatly enjoyed the many hours that she spent at the Laguna Canyon campus. She is currently focusing on oil paintings of California's landscape and considering entering the LCAD alumni show. Click here to view Sylvia's available work.