Art college donations set a new benchmark

Laguna College of Art & Design raised $110,000 to benefit student programs and scholarships at the 19th annual Collector’s Choice Fine Art Event and Exhibition on Saturday at the college’s campus. More than 450 people attended the sold-out event.

This was the college’s largest and most successful fundraiser to date, college officials said. The evening included a silent auction, raffle and a live auction by Arts Commissioner Mike Tauber, who acted as the conductor wearing train gear and blowing a whistle.

Local artists donated a total of 108 pieces valued at more than $130,000, including John Barber, Ken Auster, Allayn Stevens, Louis Longi and Gerard Basil Stripling.

“I know of no other community where the resident artists are so supportive of their local art college,” said college President Dennis Power. “We are most grateful, as we are to the many donors who came out for the event.”

Gourmet food at the event was provided by co-chairs Mark Jacobi of Sundried Tomato and Nancy Milby of Laguna Culinary Arts.

— Cindy Frazier