The New Festival of Arts Laguna Beach Exhibit at The John Wayne Airport

Showcased throughout John Wayne Airport terminals A, B, and C, The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is displaying the most extensive public exhibit of its Permanent Art Collection. It’s on exhibit from now through November 1, 2023, featuring nearly 90 artworks by over 60 artists from the past century.

Virginia Woolley 1932 painting, Flower Stalls – courtesy of Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters

Discover artwork by renowned early Laguna artists such as Joseph Kleitsch and Edgar Payne, as well as contemporary artists like Stillman Sawyer and Thomas Waddelow.  Among the pieces on display is a Laguna Beach art treasure, Virginia Woolley’s 1932 painting, Flower Stalls – the first artwork ever sold at the Festival of Arts.

“This exhibit is a fantastic representation of the Festival’s Permanent Collection,” shared Christine Georgantas, Director of Exhibits and Events. “From the early days of Laguna to the present, the artwork on display reflects the rich history and pivotal role played by the Festival of Arts in nurturing both the historic and contemporary artist community in Laguna Beach.”

Photo courtesy of the John Wayne Airport

Located across Gates 1 through 4, Terminal A (serving American, Delta and Westjet) features the captivating artwork by early 20th century artists Clarence Hinkle, William Griffin and Joane Cromwell. Contemporary works in this terminal include several photographs by Robert Hansen and Rob Gage, as well as paintings by Pegah Samie added to the collection in 2019 and Jacobus Baas acquired in 1998.

Terminal B (serving United and Alaska) features several fascinating sculptures and three-dimensional works including sculptures, ceramics, furniture, glass and even a full chess set created by artist Steven Dahlberg in 2001. Other highlights from this terminal are a painted metal bench from Michael Graham, a bronze statue from Lewis Cohen and a glass piece by Sherry Salito-Forsen.

Guests making their way through Terminal C (serving Southwest and Spirit) will discover an eclectic mix of artworks from plein air painters Anna Hills, Joseph Kleitsch, and Edgar Payne, key artists in Laguna Beach’s renowned artistic history. And speaking of Laguna Beach’s history, Elier Larsen, widely recognized as the Laguna Beach Greeter, has a special tribute in this exhibit with photographs by Ronald Green and an oil painting by Leslie DeMille. Additional works by Julie Watson, Thomas Waddelow and Chris Bliss also hang in this terminal. Plus, don’t miss John Taylor’s incredible mixed media piece of a maritime vessel.

“We are thrilled to partner with John Wayne Airport to bring the Festival of Arts Permanent Collection to a wider audience as part of the continuation of the Festival’s two-year 90th anniversary celebration,” shared exhibit curator, Pat Sparkuhl. “Art has the power to captivate, inspire, and transform, and we believe that this exhibition will enrich the travel experience for airport visitors while promoting the vibrant arts community in our region.”

Guests without a boarding pass can access the secure areas of the John Wayne Airport Terminal daily with an OC AirPASS (post-security access pass) to shop, dine, and enjoy the exhibit.