BRIEFLY IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Stone carving workshop scheduled

Master stone carvers Marvin Johnson and Joseph Sovella will hold an eight-week workshop in stone carving at Laguna College of Art & Design beginning June 10.

The class will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is available to all skill levels. Students will work outdoors. Cost is $240 and includes all tools and a sample stone; additional stone is available for purchase. Free make-up classes will be offered to late starters. To register, call Jennifer Daniels at (949) 376-6000, ext. 233.

Argentinean artists featured

“Idyllic Dreamscapes and Nostalgic Visions,” a dual exhibition featuring the works of Argentinean painters Luis Marzoratti and Mariel Polinotto, opens Saturday, May 20, with a lecture and artist reception starting at 6 p.m. at William Merrill Gallery.

The gallery is located at 611 South Coast Highway. Information: gallery director Marlo Ann Gilbert, (949) 464-0067.

Mixed-media exhibit debuts

Works by Los Angeles artist June Phelps are on exhibit through July 26 at Endangered Planet Gallery, 384 Forest Ave., Suite 13.

The series, “Spirit Path,” features 11 mixed-media works on rice paper and two mixed-media canvases.

“For me, this body of work has come to represent the inner journey, a woman’s journey of faith toward self-understanding,” Phelps said.

It will be the first solo exhibition in Orange County for Phelps, who is the current president of Women Painters West, an artist group first established in Laguna Beach in 1921. A graduate of Pomona College, Phelps received her master’s degree from Harvard University and taught literature before beginning painting full-time in 1989.

Information: (949) 497-5690 or visit endangeredplanet.org.

Belly Dancing extravaganza Sunday

Belly dancers and their admirers will be on hand for a belly-dancing party from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 384 Legion Street. A free belly-dancing class, taught by Jheri St. James, will be held from noon to 1 p.m.

The party is a fundraiser, and the $5 donation at the door can be lowered to $2 if the attendee brings a potluck dish to share. Dancers may sign up at the door and perform a five- to seven-minute piece, first-come, first-served.

The event will feature nonstop performances by students, teachers and professional belly dancers, vendors offering belly dance and other accoutrements, henna painting, raffle prizes and food. In addition, good used clothing will be collected for donation to a battered women’s shelter.

Information: Jheri St. James, (949) 494-5031 or [email protected].

OsCene to survey artists in county

Laguna Art Museum is accepting submissions from Orange County artists and designers working in all media for an exhibition in November.

“The OsCene: Contemporary Art and Culture in Orange County” is seeking submissions for an exhibition drawn from artists working in all media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multimedia installations, video, architecture and design.

The survey will focus on artists based only in Orange County. Work produced within the last two years will be considered. The OsCene 2004 was the first survey of Orange County artists and designers in more than 20 years. The OsCene 2006 will be guest curated by Jacqueline Bunge. The OsCene will be on exhibit from Nov. 5 through Jan. 21.

Artists must submit a resume; an artist statement and materials in any format, including slides, prints, CDs, DVDs, VHS, cassettes; plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials. Do not send original work as the museum cannot be responsible for its safe return.

The deadline for submissions is May 31. Materials should be sent to: Curatorial Department, The OsCene, Attn: Jacqueline Bunge, Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651