ARTWALKING

About Howard...Howard Hills is an international law scholar, author, and former U.S. presidential advisor whose work spans four decades of public service and diplomacy. A Laguna Beach native, he served as Senior Advisor to the National Security Council and the U.S. Department of the Interior, and was Vice President & General Counsel for the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. His writings — including Citizens Without a State and Legacy of Empire — explore the evolving meaning of citizenship and self-determination in U.S. territories and Pacific Island nations. Today, Hills continues his advocacy and scholarship from Laguna Beach, blending law, history, and public policy with a passion for global understanding and community dialogue.

About the Authors of September SomewhereSeptember Somewhere is the heartfelt collaboration of sibling co-authors who bring a unique blend of perspectives, life experiences, and creativity to their storytelling. Their bond as family translates beautifully onto the page, weaving together voices that balance tenderness with truth, and personal insight with universal themes. Together, they’ve crafted a moving narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds—exploring love, resilience, and the ties that hold us together. Their shared passion for storytelling makes their work not only engaging but also deeply relatable. As siblings, they draw on a lifetime of connection to shape authentic characters and vivid moments, giving September Somewhere its remarkable depth and heart.

THE LONG VIEW is a self-taught family of musicians from Solana Beach - Layse (18), Enzo (16), Coco (13), and Delmar (10) - that play classic rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, folk, and country reimagined through a young lens. They have over 2 years of experience playing together throughout coastal North County San Diego and Orange County, including Laguna Beach’s Fete De La Musique and Encinitas’ Cruise Nights and Moonlight Beach Concerts. Local surf rock musician royalty dating back to the 1960s, including members of The Surfaris and Chantays, have passed the torch onto to them, and they are keeping the surf and ocean sports coastal culture alive for future generations!

Tom OsborneTom is a retired community college and university history professor and author. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Claremont Graduate University and is currently writing his fifth book, a history of environmentalism and green leadership in California. He has delivered invited lectures at UC Berkeley, Stanford, UC Irvine, and Claremont Graduate University. In 2009, Tom received the City of Laguna Beach’s Environmental Award for chairing the team that developed the City’s Climate Protection Action Plan. He has since written an environmental column for the Laguna Beach Independent and, with his wife, Ginger, co-leads the Laguna chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Together, they have lobbied for climate legislation on Capitol Hill and are deeply committed to preserving a livable planet for future generations. An avid traveler, Tom has explored the Pacific Basin with the National Geographic Society, lecturing aboard one of its vessels. His passion for Polynesian and Pacific Island cultures has brought him into contact with indigenous communities across the region. (No Polynesian tattoos — yet.)Gary StewartDr.. Stewart, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, earned his B.A. in English and Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and his M.D. from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1977. He has lived in Southern California since then, completing his internal medicine residency at Long Beach Veterans' Medical Center and becoming Board-Certified in 1980. Over his 20-year tenure at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Dr. Stewart served as Chief of Medicine and was active in medical leadership, expert disability evaluation, wound care, and skilled nursing liaison work. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and has advocated for healthcare policy at both the state and national levels. Today, Dr. Stewart is a committed climate-change activist, contributing to Citizens' Climate Lobby and Climate Health Now. He has published over 150 Letters to the Editor nationwide and writes occasional columns for the Laguna Beach Independent under the moniker Random Guy Noticing Stuff.Dr. Stewart lives in Laguna Beach with his wife, enjoys playing and arranging music for piano, and is a passionate art collector.Maia PellegriniBorn and raised in the 1960s when Laguna's Beaches, Farmer's Markets, and arts were a way of life, Maia's cultural surroundings indelibly fused nature, health, creativity, and community into her soul. The front door was always flying open to connect with neighbors, friends, and animals. While her mother actively engaged in Laguna 'tacs at City Hall, Maia quietly engaged in political responsibility as a plant-based vegan, educating on scientific findings about the link between eating and disease and taking a stand against animal cruelty, with the purpose of bringing awareness to the connection between the planet's health and our. Maia Pellegrini's paper background includes a Master of Social Work that emphasized systems theory and working as a Life Coach, with a future prospect on YouTube discussing the relationships we have with ourselves, others, and matters of health.

INTRODUCTION BY LEAH VASQUEZ:Clay, It's More Than Mud... It's combining the "Best of All Worlds." It's understood and appreciated that cultures around the world have their own unique characteristics; there are universal needs for beauty, sustainability, efficiency, and safety, as well as important design components, including identity and local criteria and requirements. For this month's program we spotlight two Laguna Beach luminaries who have worked together with Catalina Tile, and individually on numerous other local projects. All of which enhance "A Sense of Place, Here and Elsewhere." Leah VasquezMarlo Bartels Marlo has been producing and installing permanent ceramic and stone sculpture, mosaics, pictorial murals and functional art for cities, institutions and personal clients since 1977. He works with ceramic tile, terrazzo & stone; shaping, forming, and glazing the clay elements by hand. With the support of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., he has developed new techniques for fabricating furniture and sculptures, using tile facings on ferro-cement with polystyrene substrates. His work includes sculpture, indoor and outdoor walls, fountains, floors, and functional art.More about Marlo BartelsBob Borthwick A landscape architect, Bob Borthwick has had a lifelong love for the environment which began with childhood vacations to Yosemite. He has received professional awards for notable projects such as the Avalon Waterfront on Catalina Island, and the San Clemente Beach Trail. Bob completed a B.S. in Environmental Design at Cal Poly Pomona, where he now chairs the Landscape Architectural Advisory Board. He is a Guest Critic for scholarship competitions there, at USC, and at UCLA. Bob has served on several advisory committees for the City of Laguna Beach, including Trails and Open Space.

Message from Leah Vasquez...Hello, Artwalking friends! We welcome you to another inspiring episode of Artwalking Radio here in beautiful Laguna Beach, where creativity and community thrive together. This week, we’re delighted to bring you not one but two extraordinary guests who are shaping the cultural landscape of our town! First, we have Daniel Gary Busby, a remarkable artist whose dynamic works captivate and inspire. Daniel’s art explores the intersections of form, texture, and emotion, creating visual narratives that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. We’ll dive into his creative process, hear about his journey, and get an exclusive peek at what’s next for him. Joining us as well is Tom Horvath, Director of Marketing and Communications from the iconic Laguna Playhouse, a cornerstone of our arts community. Tom will share insights into the exciting programs and productions that continue to make the Playhouse a cultural gem, along with behind-the-scenes stories that bring the magic of live theater to life. It’s a lineup you won’t want to miss! Tune in this [day/time], and celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Laguna Beach with us. Keep walking in art, Leah VasquezDaniel Gary BusbyDaniel, M.M., D.M.A./UCLA has made a varied career as a pianist, singer, conductor, teacher, administrator, philanthropreneur, and music critic. In his retirement, he takes joy in walking and caring for dogs under his DaddyDogDaycare auspices.A versatile conductor. Dr. Busby’s theatrical credits span both the musical theater and operatic genres—from Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell to Igor Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.With a career that spans 40 years and has had global reach, he is equally fluent in genres of cabaret, traditional musical theatre, new musical work, opera, drama, and comedy. He has been a regular musical fixture at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, and universities like USC, UCLA, and UC Irvine. He will be serving as the music director for International City Theatre’s upcoming production of DESPERATE MEASURES in Long Beach, CA. The show runs from 20 February to 9 March 2025 at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.BRIEF HISTORY:Born of mixed parentage, a German Jewish father and a Mexican Catholic mother, Gary grew up in Anaheim, California. His father, though an engineer was the nephew of the great film choreographer Busby Berkeley… the Busby family owned what has become the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus and performing is in the genetics. Gary’s mother, Carmen, was a big band singer in her youth and instilled in him a sense of how a singer can shape a lyric, bend a musical line, and interpret a song. It is from her that Gary draws on his deep connection to his mexican/indigenous roots.Tom HorvathTom is Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations, is a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the theatre industry. He began his career as a performer, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from Wagner College, followed by a Master of Arts in Arts and Culture Management with a marketing concentration from the University of Denver.With a background that combines both on-stage and off-stage expertise, Tom has focused on adapting to post-COVID operations in his work. Most recently, he served as Director of Brand Development for a senior living community, where he enhanced brand identity and secured major partnerships with organizations such as Hoag and California State University Long Beach, strengthening the overall well-being of residents and providing an appropriate environment for them to age-in-place. Now, Tom is thrilled to apply his skills at the Laguna Playhouse, where his passion for the arts and marketing will help create impactful, community-driven initiatives.In addition to his work at the Laguna Playhouse, Tom serves as a Board Member for the non-profit agency Professional Arts Education Center (PAEC) in Torrance, where he assists with marketing, fundraising campaigns, and creating opportunities for South Bay youth to achieve their dreams of becoming theatrical performers.

Message from Leah Vasquez...For November, we are looking at the art form of ceramics, often admired but least understood. Bill Darnall and Kyle Caris will be our guests discussing and exploring this untque forms of artistic expression.Bill Darnall - Bill is a seasoned ceramics artist and educator with over 50 years of experience. He has been a member of the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, California, since 1973, where he showcases and sells his ceramics and photography, creates display booths, and offers live demonstrations. Darnall has served on the Festival’s Board of Directors, including two years as its President. As an educator, he taught ceramics at Laguna Beach High School for 30 years, served as the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ golf teams, and chaired the scholarship committee. He also worked as the school district's photographer and contributed to art curriculum development. Beyond Laguna Beach, Darnall has taught ceramics at the Palos Verdes Art Center and the Laguna Beach Recreation Department. He holds an Associate Arts degree from Chaffey College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine, along with a California State Teaching Credential in Studio Art. His commitment to the arts and education is reflected in his lifelong dedication to teaching, creating, and mentoring.Kyle Caris - Kyle was born and raised in Southern California where he grew up surrounded by an active artist community. He began ceramics in High School at the age of sixteen, finding the need to poke every bag of clay he passed. He continued his ceramics education at Orange Coast College, Orange County, CA, and began to work as a lab technician and teacher at Muddy’s Studio in Santa Ana, CA. In 2018 Kyle began showing and selling his work at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, CA, and in the Spring of 2019, he moved to Kansas City, MO to study ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute. After 3 successful years, he graduated with his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Ceramics in 2021. While in College Kyle formulated his own clays and glazes and explored multiple firing ranges, and techniques and exhibited his work regularly. After College Kyle worked as the Education Liaison and assisting technician for Laguna Clay Company which exposed him to a wealth of information and experience. Currently, Kyle teaches Introduction to Ceramics at Orange Coast College and exhibits his work at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, CA.

Bill AtkinsA graduate of Hussian College of Art in Philadelphia, relocating to Laguna Beach, after refining his artistic skills in traditional media. Soon Bill evolved into the world of digital media. Since then, he’s successfully worked on a wide variety of projects. Currently, he is manager and Art Director for Gallery Q.Carole BollerArt Critics and clients alike say Laguna artist Carole Boller’s paintings pack a punch from across the room! Her design, color, and value bring an experience of natural beauty. Boller achieves a transformation in space, to form a fascinating voice in paint.Mitch RidderDiscover the stunning photography of Mitch Ridder, a master in capturing the essence of light and life through his lens. Every photograph tells a vivid story, taking the viewer on an unforgettable journey. View his YouTube Interview!

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DARLENE CAMPBELL: Darlene earned her B.A. in Art from the University of Redlands (1979) and her M.F.A. in Painting from The Claremont Graduate University (1986). Her work has been featured at the Nevada Museum of Art, San Jose Museum of Art, Loyola Marymount University, University of Redlands, the Laguna Art Museum, the Riverside Art Museum, Barnsdall Art Park, and the Frye Art Museum (Seattle). Darlene Campbell has also illustrated two published books. In 2004, one of her paintings was used as the cover artwork for D.J. Waldie’s book, "Where We Are Now: Notes From Los Angeles". Darlene currently teaches painting and drawing at the Laguna College of Art and Design. She has also taught on the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea program. Darlene Campbell lives in Laguna Beach, California.In what has become a hallmark of her work, Campbell employs beauty to disarm the viewer. To suggest history and age, she paints on either wood blocks or wood panels. Making use of golden-hued light and dramatic clouds, Campbell coaxes beauty out of the banal and, in so doing, mimics romantic 17th century landscape paintings.MAIA PELLEGRINI: Maia has been drawn to and fascinated with the interplay between art and psychology throughout her life and career. Growing up in Laguna Beach, she is the daughter of Leah Vasquez, an artist, advocate, and talk show host. Maia's formal education in architecture became a means to manipulate form and structure to create spaces to relax busy minds. It led her to develop and explore possibilities and expand their mental capacities in the arts and psychology. She completed her BA in Visual Art at UCSD and MSW at San Diego State University. She developed a confident mindset with a vision of working with people directly, fusing different mediums and psychology. She acquired certification as a life coach and career, providing much success with clients, including those met with blocks, stagnation, and struggling to find balance, honoring truth within themselves and others. Maia continues to make art part of life, gravitating to three-dimensional forms, finding calm, and balancing the dominant left brain overload.

HOPE RAILEY Hope is a passionate and driven fine artist and teacher who has dedicated the last 20 years to painting in the studio and teaching future generations of artists. She is an Associate Professor and has served as chair of the Fine Arts department at Laguna College of Art and Design since 2011. She is a regional juror for the AXA Art Prize and has served on artist panels at the 2021 LPAPA Invitational. NOEL LASHLEY Noel is a multi-faceted artist who shares his passion in part by teaching others. The proprietor of the Laguna Art Supply since 1986, he’s been the informative, helpful, friendly face artists go to for help. Take a minute, and meet this talented local artist. Laguna Art Supply is the source for all kinds of artist materials, helpful instruction, and valuable resources.