In The Arts

Jazz Wednesday features clarinetist

Laguna Beach Live! will feature the Ken Peplowski Quartet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the outdoor Rose Garden of the Hotel Laguna, as part of its Jazz Wednesday series.

Often compared to the late jazz musician, clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman, Peplowski has entertained audiences with his clarinet and saxophone for more than 30 years.

Cover charge is $10. A wide selection of drinks and food will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.; for reservations for groups of four or more, call (949) 715-9713. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.

MY HERO Project a finalist for Cox grant

Laguna’s MY HERO Project, host of the Laguna Hero Fest, is in the running for a $10,000 grant from a Cox Communications organization, Cox Cares, which honors 10 outstanding nonprofit organizations that benefit the community each year.

MY HERO Project and nine other semi-finalists are being put to a public vote. The organization with the most votes wins a $10,000 grant. The remaining groups receive $5,000.

Community members are encouraged to click on the Cox Cares site ( www.cox-cares.org) and cast their vote before Sept. 4.

Jeanne Meyers, director and co-founder of the MY HERO Project, said the organization is honored to be a finalist in the competition.

“We know that there are many worthy projects and greatly appreciate the support of Cox for our program,” she said. “The support of corporations, foundations and individuals that has helped MY HERO become an award-winning resource for online global learning and sharing stories, art and short films about those making a positive difference in the world.”

MY HERO’s mission is to promote the appreciation of cultural diversity by celebrating the world’s heroes. Thousands of teachers around the globe use MY HERO programs for media arts education in classrooms, after-school workshops, libraries and community centers. With help from the City of Laguna Beach, MY HERO hosts the annual Laguna Hero Fest to honor local residents who make the world a better place.

Over the past nine years, the Cox Cares organization has granted nearly $400,000 to local nonprofit groups. For more information about MY HERO Project, visit www.myhero.com.

Larson returns to Laguna Playhouse

Amy Larson has returned to Laguna Playhouse as director of development.

Larson served as director of individual giving from 2002 to 2007, and most recently served as the development director for Saint Joseph Ballet in Santa Ana.

Among her accomplishments at Saint Joseph Ballet was “Now. Then. Anew.” a sold-out gala dinner, to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary.

Also under Larson’s leadership, Saint Joseph Ballet saw significant increases in major gifts and Foundation giving, including several capacity building grants, according to Playhouse officials.

“I’m very pleased to be back at Laguna Playhouse in my new role as director of development,” Larson said. “Our board, trustees, supporters and staff are all so passionate about the importance of theater, and about our wonderful educational programs.”

Managing Director Karen Wood said she is thrilled to have Larson back in a new leadership role.

“Her record of achievement and strong connection with the community will be a real asset as we approach our 90th anniversary seasons,” she said. “Artistic Director Andy Barnicle and I look forward to joining Amy as we deepen our relationship with the community and create new partnerships.”

Chauvel unveils ‘Middle Earth’

Suzi Chauvel will feature “Middle Earth,” her new collection of photographs, from 6 to 9 p.m Thursday at the Studio Arts Gallery, 1200 S. Coast Hwy. as part of First Thursday’s Art Walk.

The exhibition is a journey to the landscapes of the artist’s childhood from the central coast of California, and showcases land visions layered with scientific illustration, antique botanicals, poetry and painting.

“This new series, presented on brushed steel, explores our intimate relationship with Environment,” Chauvel said. “Wherever we go, we carry a Middle Earth within us, our five senses and that extra sense of Spirit. My goal in the collection was to give that spirit a vision.”

Chauvel is an award-winning photographic artist and filmmaker who has lived in India, Japan, Europe and China. Her photography has an international following.

For more information, call (949) 376-1619 or visit www.studioartslaguna.com.

Art Walk collage workshop for kids

The Esther Wells Collection will feature LOCA artist Carol Swanson and a collage workshop for children from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday during First Thursday’s Art Walk. This event is free.

Under Swanson’s guidance, participants will have the opportunity to create their own small collage using a selection of papers, providing children with a hands-on chance to experience art.

The Esther Wells Collection in Laguna Beach, Laguna’s oldest commercial fine arts gallery, represents a number of leading artists who create original works of oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, drawings, bronze, stone, and terra cotta. The gallery is at 1390 S. Coast Hwy.

Stone carving workshop at College

Master stone carvers Marvin Johnson and Joseph Sovella will teach a 10-week Stone Carving Workshop beginning tomorrow at the Laguna College of Art and Design.

Classes will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31, and are open to all skill levels ranging from novice to advanced.

Cost is $350 and includes basic tools and practice stone.

For additional information or to register, visit www.lagunacollege.edu.