By Allison Hata
The 16th annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, held this year Oct. 12-19, drew more than 1,000 attendees for eight days of artistic splendor. A highlight from the event was the Afternoon Collectors’ Soiree at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, where 35 artists submitted three of their best works to compete for more than $20,000 in awards. The coveted 2014 Best of Show award—a prize of $10,000—was presented to Jim McVicker for the stunning “Heisler Park Sunlight” landscape. The eight days of festivities also featured original works by children, Laguna College of Art & Design students and invitational artists; sales from the art exceeded $250,000. Net proceeds will support the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, a local nonprofit that provides professional development and business management education to its members, as well as mentoring and scholarships to emerging artists. (lagunapleinair.org)
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