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Art Specialist reports high interest in Art Venture; utility-box program and poet laureate initiatives underway
Summary
Art Specialist Laurette Garner told the Arts Commission on Aug. 7 that Art Venture received 133 adult and 27 youth applications, listed performers and dates for Community Arts Day and the award ceremony, and reported completion of 12 utility-box art wraps this year.
Laurette Garner, the city’s art specialist, presented the monthly arts report to the Costa Mesa Arts Commission on Aug. 7 and outlined upcoming events, program metrics and recent completions.
Art Venture: Garner said the jury selected work from 133 adult and 27 youth applicants. Community Arts Day is scheduled for Sept. 13, 2025 at Lions Park Event Lawn; the awards ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Orange County Museum of Art. Garner listed performers and platforms planned for Community Arts Day, including indoor poetry programming with the city’s poet laureate and outdoor performances by local ensembles and dance groups.
Park programming and outreach: Commissioners praised the summer concerts in the park, including the July 3 celebration and a Pacific Symphony performance. Garner said staff will send commission members outreach materials and printed flyers for Art Venture and encouraged commissioners to assist with promotion.
Poetry and other programs: Garner said a poetry workshop with Poet Laureate Danielle Hanson is scheduled for Aug. 16 at Mesa Verde Library, and a Poetry in the Parks program is planned to launch Aug. 25 with QR-code participation and a raffle. She also said the city will include programming for Hispanic Heritage Month and surprise performances at Scarecrow Fest.
Utility box program: Garner reported 12 new utility-box wraps were completed this year and six older vinyl wraps were removed. A map of box locations is available online.
What commissioners asked for: Commissioners asked for more school outreach, bilingual materials and promotion through city channels. Several commissioners volunteered to assist with outreach and suggested using university marketing programs to help design commission branding and social media assets.
Next steps: Staff will publish Art Venture event details on artventurecm.com, finalize award-ceremony registration and circulate materials for commission-assisted outreach.
