Workshop #6 – The Arts in our Community

Arts day was a huge success. Covering the performing arts, visual arts, and public art; the day kept the class engaged in the arts world – not a world familiar to everyone. The overriding theme of the day was that art is important to each of us and our community collectively. A significant portion of the class had not ever lingered in Noguchi Gardens in the performing arts area of Costa Mesa. Isamu Noguchi was the rock star of public arts displays and sculpture gardens with his works installed around the world. The tour continued to the outdoor sculpture park in NewportBeach; walking discussions included how public art is funded, chosen, installed, and in some instances returned. The class was put through a mini-improv class at South Coast Repertory with Great Atkins, world renowned instructor. Huge fun and a discovery of how fast and focused you have to be on a stage. Unbelievable lunch at The Capital Grille included a discussion with marquee panel including Dan Duling, Scriptwriter for Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters , Jason Holland, VP of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Dawn Reese, Executive Director and Co-CEO of The Wooden Floor , and Paula Tomei, Managing Director of South Coast Repertory. Topics of discussion included; why are arts important, biggest challenges, arts community reach out programs, and more. One big take-a-way, the arts in any form early on inspires creativity which may be more highly valued in the future. The class was treated to an award winning short by Dennis Baker, Director of Short Film Programming with the The Newport Beach Film Festival (Official).