Allow me to preface the following press release with some personal thoughts. Rick Conkey, Founder and Visionary for the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center has been resolute in connecting Arts and Activism in Laguna since 2003. I enjoy recollecting the many benefits he organized to help those in our community in need and the planet. A few include: "Here Comes The Sun" Benefit Concert for Laguna Relief and Resource Center; Annual Earth Day Beach Cleanups and Concerts; Club M Concert Series to Save Trestles; Blue Water Music Festival - an epic, unprecedented, two day festival in 2014 and 2015 on the Sawdust Festival grounds. If you were there, you know how thrilling these festivals were, and if you weren't, there is a mini-movie of "lost footage" coming out soon. 

Rick has done more for bringing original and inspiring musicians to Laguna, and it stems from his pure love for music and appreciation for unique, unearthed talent. His infallible mission to "Harness the Power of the Arts for the Benefit of the Community" has received a higher purpose with the non-profit status designated to the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. The Center's organic evolution began when his friend and mentor, Mark Chamberlain, passed away and left the legacy of his BC Space Gallery on Forest Ave. in Rick's hands. Mark and his late partner Jerry Burchfield deemed "Artivists" (Artists/Activists), were instrumental in stopping the development of Laguna Canyon with their infamous giant protest wall "The Tell." Their leadership and words of wisdom still echo in the halls of this sacred, multi-room space. 

The transition over the last few years has been a grassroots effort. Much needed renovations are complete, and just as the momentum was on the upswing, the pandemic hit. So instead, Rick pivoted and started an online TV Station with technical support by AlertTheGlobe.com. As the show's host of the "Anything Goes Happy Hour," Rick began by interviewing guests virtually and playing the top COVID-19 videos. Now in its 22nd Episode, you can tune in on Sundays from 5:00-6:30 pm streaming online where you can watch all the past episodes. The show features local artists, musicians, actors, architects, activists, etc... and is a great way to get to know the people in our town who create the cultural arts. New shows are in the station's works; the "Opera Re-imagined Show" with Laguna Tenor Rick Weber, and "The Kalama Brothers Show," the immensely talented and comical duo. The LBCAC is an epicenter for the arts to present art-house and documentary movie screenings, dance performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, small plays, music recitals, art shows, and more.

Volunteerism is crucial to making all this work, so if you or someone you know wants to get involved, contact Rick at [email protected]. Another aspect of his mission is to connect with other non-profits in Laguna to create a network of volunteers. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter via their website to get all the updates you won't want to miss.

Lisa Farber

Publisher, Laguna Beach Vibe

Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center Secures Non-Profit Status

Orange County’s premier cultural arts center is seeking volunteers and donations to harness the power of the arts.

LAGUNA BEACH, CA, September 8, 2020 - The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center today announced that it is officially classified as a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, having been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization. Now, the center is urging lovers of the arts to support its growth by volunteering time and donating to the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. 

“We look to be an accessible and affordable epicenter for art by offering exhibition and event space to showcase leading-edge, experiential and thought-provoking art, in the heart of Southern California’s premier art colony,” said Rick Conkey, Founder of the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center. “Now, we are seeking volunteers and donations to extend this vision.”

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is a beacon and catalyst for advancing art appreciation, enhancing quality of life, and promoting civic and cultural development. By hosting fledgling and seasoned artists who are making a difference in music, video, film, dance, poetry, prose, the visual arts and arts education, the center looks to promote emotional connections and artistic progress. Through a dedicated space in the heart of Laguna Beach, along the Forest Avenue Promenade, Laguna’s first cultural arts center preserves one of America’s longest-running galleries and contributes to local communities through live, online and streaming exhibitions and events. 

Sponsored by local merchants and organizations, the Center’s flagship online program, “The Anything Goes Happy Hour” features interesting and timely local, regional and international talent, including insightful interviews. The Anything Goes Happy Hour has hosted international artists, like grammy-nominated reggae legend Pato Banton and Australian X-factor sensation, Emmanuel Kenny, along with local favorites, like Nick “I” Hernandez of “Common Sense” and "Mad Dogs & The Englishman" frontman, Jason Feddy.

“It’s fantastic to welcome a new venue and new grass-roots organization to town that will represent the arts, fit and work perfectly with Laguna’s established arts institutions,” said Jason Feddy, Laguna Beach’s 2019 Artist of the Year. “The LBCAC will provide a marvelous shared resource for more powerful collaboration.”  

“Art is not constrained to simply represent our current reality, but to wholly reinvent the way we work and live. The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center is a great way for those of us who love art and want to see change, to become true ‘artivists’,” said Toni Iseman, City Council member and former Mayor of Laguna Beach. “Artivism inspires social change and is open to everyone, so there is no better time than now to volunteer, donate, or create art, in any form, that drives action.”

Take Action! Use these Links to Support the Arts and Drive Change

Donate to the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC): https://lbculturalartscenter.org/donations/

Reserve the LBCAC for your private event, volunteer your time and/or skills: https://lbculturalartscenter.org/contact-us/

View “Anything Goes Happy Hour” episodes:
https://lbculturalartscenter.org/tv/

About the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center

Throughout the ages, civilizations have been judged by their artistic and creative expressions. The LBCAC is harnessing the power of the arts for the benefit of the community, creating artivists and growing the hearts and minds of our youth. This epicenter of art is located along the Forest Avenue Promenade in Laguna Beach, the heart of Southern California’s premier art colony. 

Follow the LBCAC on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbculturalartscenter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbcac235