Laguna College of Art & Design raised over $125,000 to benefit student programs and scholarships at the 22nd a nnual Collector’s Choice Fine Art Event and Auction on June 4 at the college’s campus. The sold-out event was attended by more than 420 people.
Special guests in attendance included City Manager John Pietig and wife Peggy, City Council member Kelly Boyd and wife Michele, Arts Commissioner Gerard Basil Stripling, and LCAD supporters Suzanne and David Chonette, James and Suzanne Mellor, Terry Smith and Wayne Peterson.
The evening featured a talk by LCAD alumna Susan Strauch, silent auction, raffle, and live auction led by college trustee Nelson Coates and auctioneer Jim Nye. Over $20,000 dollars was raised for scholarships during the “fund a student” segment of the live auction.
Artists collectively donated 137 pieces valued at more than $250,000. Ken Auster, John Barber and Tom DePaolo were among those in attendance as well as contributing artwork to the auction.
Event sponsors included: Firebrand Media, John Brown’s Showpro’s, Laguna Culinary Arts, Christopher Tower and Bob Celio, Mark Porterfield and Steve Chadima, Terry Smith and Wayne Peterson, Ilona Martin, Suzanne and James Mellor, Wells Fargo-Laguna Beach, Sunset Cove Villas, Flour Cares Volunteer team.
