Beyond the Festivals: Must-see Laguna Beach Art Galleries
I like to believe that Laguna Beach breathes creativity, survives off it.
There are murals on any spare wall, the annual Pageant of the Masters, summer’s Sawdust Festival, and dozens of unique art galleries. Whether you are in the mood for a polished gallery collection, or just walk straight into a local artist’s studio, Laguna is the place to be.
We wanted to showcase some of our favorite galleries, so here’s our top eight (but beyond this list, each and every gallery in Laguna is worth the visit).
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
We know this is an obvious one, but the museum is one of those places you can keep coming back to and always see something new. Laguna Art Museum is dedicated to California art, meaning there is always an all-encompassing feeling of home, history, and character. As autumn approaches and the holiday season commences, this is also the perfect place to take your visiting family and friends when they give you that “what’s next?” look.
JoAnne Artman Gallery
346 N Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
JoAnne Artman Gallery feels alive: you walk in and get an energy from the art displayed there. There is a mix between contemporary and eclectic art collections, making it a top gallery in North Laguna. This Spring/Summer season was home to a solo exhibition by America Martin, done through canvas, paper, and linen mediums.
The Redfern Gallery
1540 S Coast Hwy #103, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Redfern Gallery is a local gem for California history enthusiasts. Although only open on Saturdays, this gallery specializes in the California Impressionist School, dated between the 1890s and 1940s. Once you step over the threshold, you are transported back to that time period and immersed in that era of art. It’s not a flashy gallery, but rather one shaped by identity and the roots of Laguna.
Las Laguna Art Gallery
550 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Las Laguna embodies the individuality of the Laguna art scene. Hosting open calls since 2013, this gallery showcases every type of art and artist. You don’t have to be someone great to be at Las Laguna, you just have to do something great. The art is interesting, engaging, and some of the best in the area. This is the place you can discover someone before they hit it big.
Hugo Rivera Gallery
550 S Coast Hwy #1, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hugo Rivera Gallery isn’t just a gallery, it’s a studio too. Hugo Rivera’s space is equal parts process and product, making it the perfect spot to go back to over and over again. The bold, color-blocking style is instantly recognizable around town, and the gallery is alive with the bold energy of the art. If you are lucky, you might even see him working when you visit next!
Sue Greenwood Fine Art
330 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Confident, clean, and contemporary. This gallery embodies all three, and is one of the most respected contemporary art galleries in Laguna. The gallery is known for contemporary realism and figurative work, so you will find art that is skillful, personal, and all about storytelling. From now to September 15th, Sue Greenwood has a “Land & Sea Group Exhibition,” that is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Dawson Cole Fine Art
326 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Sculptures are the center of the Dawson Cole universe, with showcases of Contemporary and Modern sculpture. The gallery is not only set apart by the sculpture focus, but also the outdoor section; which is the perfect location to feel the Laguna harmony between art and nature. Dawson Cole also highlights drawings, prints, and other works, all done by American and European Masters.
Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA)
414 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This place is made for locals and run by locals. The non-profit organization’s main goal is to preserve the artistic legacy of Laguna. The association was founded to honor and continue the plein air painting style that originally set Laguna in the art world. LPAPA offers exhibitions, events, workshops, and an endless amount of connections to Laguna’s creative lineage.
Michelle Monier is an Orange County local, who just graduated from San Clemente High School after serving as Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook publication and school newspaper. She is enrolled as a first-year Business Admin and Graphic Communications student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and will be a part of the Mustang Media Group Marketing Team. She is beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to intern for Laguna Beach Living this summer. If you would like to reach out to Michelle, her email is michelle.monier@hotmail.com.
