Festival of Arts Exhibition at Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Summer 2026 Exhibition
By Jennifer Keil, M.A. Founder of 70degrees.org

The Festival of Arts exhibition will be on view June 12 through September 6, 2026 at Casa Romantica. The Festival of Arts was founded in 1932 during the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. Artists gathered in Laguna Canyon. Artists started exhibiting their work on easels that were made to sell each summer. Some gave their paintings to the Festival of Arts to develop a permanent collection. Today, a committee purchases paintings from living artists to maintain over 1,150 pieces. The iconic “Living Pictures” tradition started in 1933 is now called the Pageant of the Masters. This production draws on this permanent collection for the stage design. The heritage works of art held at the FoA archive are from the founders and artists who shaped the Laguna Beach art colony. You will witness a gallery filled with early California art heritage at the distinct Casa Romantica house. The non-profit partnership is an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity to see a collection that highlights a century of change. Attend the opening reception and visit during regular operating hours to see this exclusive exhibition. This exhibition takes place at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in The Gallery. Explore the rich legacy of Laguna Beach’s renowned Festival of Arts in this dynamic exhibition featuring works from its Permanent Art Collection. Spanning the Festival’s near-century long history, the exhibition highlights influential artists who helped shape the region’s vibrant arts community, from early California Impressionists to contemporary creators. Through paintings, ceramics, and sculpture, this exhibition celebrates the enduring creativity, innovation, and cultural impact of the Festival of Arts.

David Lang will be on exhibition in the Studio from June 12 to September 6. Don’t miss an opportunity to attend his Opening Reception on Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 PM. It is free to attend and open to the public, with an RSVP requested.

His collection spans the globe and is drawn from his personal life experiences in Asia during his childhood. In particular, he lived in Hong Kong and China. He has a multigenerational perspective as he draws inspiration from his grandfather and father’s fur trade profession from 1923-1937.

David shared, “I feel that it is a basic human need to create, to express oneself. To me, art is storytelling. It is my conversation with the world. It is a way of processing what I encounter, of making sense of this life. As well as an artist, I am also an architect and an author. I do pen and ink drawings, watercolors, and oil paintings.”

Events:
Members Only Preview Night, Thursday, June 11, from 6 -8 PM | Exclusive only to Casa Romantica Members
Public Opening Reception, Friday, June 12, from 6 to 8 PM | Free and open to the public