By Anthony Small
Utility Boxes Hold Beautiful Gifts; Gracias, City Council
First things first; I must express my gratitude to our Dana Point City Council for allowing me to serve them and our beautiful community on the Arts and Culture Commission since being appointed in November 2016. The first time I applied, I did not get appointed, but continued to interface with the Commission in my role as an organizer at the district level for the Capistrano Unified School District Reflections Art Program. Our city council gave me the opportunity to embark on the most fulfilling time of my life in my role as an arts advocate in our community. While a member of the Arts and Culture Commission, I’ve also been named to California Arts Council Grant Review Panel, earned my Certificate in Arts Management from UC Irvine and co-founded music history nonprofit Music Preserves Foundation.
Applications for two four-year positions on the Arts and Culture Commission are currently being accepted with a May 28 deadline and can be obtained at city offices or online at danapoint.org
I’ve learned so much from my fellow commissioners and city staff, including City Manager Mike Killebrew and his predecessor, Mark Denny; Assistant City Manager Kelly Reenders and Recreation Manager extraordinaire Sherry Murphy. I’ll be forever grateful to Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, Councilmember Richard Viczorek and current Mayor Jamey Federico for their direction, encouragement, and support. My favorite experiences on the Commission include Student Art Displays in the Community Center and quarterly city recreation guide LOOKOUT, Art in Public Places and, most recently, the fantastic Utility Box Art Program.
We currently have nine artfully decorated utility boxes located throughout our community thanks to the work of local artists and are now accepting submissions for the second phase of the Utility Box Public Art Program, scheduled for 14 more locations. The Arts and Culture Commission will choose artists based on artistic excellence, innovation, and originality, among other qualifications. A $250 stipend will be paid by the city for each selected piece. Deadline for submission is May 25. More info: danapoint.org/department/arts-culture-commission/utility-box-art-program.
Artist Steve Adam’s work “Abstract Palm Series” was chosen for Phase 1 and is located at PCH and Crown Valley. His gallery is located at 760 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, and he also shows his work at Timeless Teak in Dana Point and participates in the Dana Point Art Walk. His website steveadamgallery.com currently offers a 30% discount on print purchases. Steve Adam has recently collaborated with SoFi Stadium to bring a unique and carefully curated retail assortment to life that celebrates the essence of Southern California and honors the West Coast lifestyle. This one-of-a-kind collaboration can be found exclusively at The Equipment Room at SoFi Stadium, which is the official team store for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.
The City of Dana Point’s legendary Summer Concerts in the Park are back and scheduled to run each Sunday from July 18 through August 15, 3-6 p.m., at Sea Terrace Park and include tributes to Journey, The Eagles, Elton John, and Trish Freeman’s Tribute to Female Rock Stars, among others. More info: danapoint.org
OHANA Festival is on for September 24-26! All VIP and Sunday general admission tickets are sold out, but you can still grab Friday and Saturday GA tickets. Headliners include Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket and Black Pumas on Friday; host Eddie Vedder, Maggie Rogers and The Frames (founded by Glen Hansard) on Saturday; and Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile and Yola in Sunday’s sold-out show. Ticket info: ohanafest.com
Lastly, big congrats to Dana Hills freshman Ava August on her Top 12 finish on American Idol. Ava, you made us all proud!
Anthony Small was part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mentor program and is the Executive Director of Music Preserves Foundation, a City of Dana Point Arts and Culture Commissioner and a singer-songwriter. Small and his family have lived in Dana Point for 23 years.
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