Kush Over Koffee

We found out about this event this weekend, and just had to let you know about it!! We realize it is last minute, but if your Saturday morning is free, you will love this opportunity to get to sip your coffee with one of the greats!

AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE EXPLORING THE WORLD OF
“The Metaphorical Realist”
VLADIMIR KUSH

Vladimir Kush, an artist who explores allegory, cultural history, philosophy,

theology, ritual, myth and metaphor as subjects of his artwork.
His work is sought after, not only for its artistic value,
but for its intellectual representation.

COME JOIN US AT
KUSH FINE ART
357 S COAST HWY
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651

April 25, 2009
10:00 AM

Pastries, Expresso & Tea will be Served

Polina Hryn, Gallery Director 949-376-8017

(Here is one example of Vladimir's Work)

"Experiences Make Us Happier than Possesions"

Often times we get caught up in the possessions and the things that fill our lives. When birthdays and holidays roll around we are clamouring to find the item that our loved one would like the most, or are hoping to receive that perfect gift we have been looking for. While these possessions are wonderful for a while, over time they loose their lustre, and we are left where we began.

In a recent article put out by CNN, it seems that it is the Experiences that make us happier and add meaning to our lives rather than our possessions. Reflecting upon this article, I wanted to stop and ask the question, what is the return on life that we gain from experiences and vacations?

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect upon a particularly special family vacation or holiday memory? These moments seem to fly past us as we go about our busy lives. At Le Rêve, we believe that these moments are part of what bring joy to our lives and provide a priceless "return on life." Rather than simply planning a vacation, Le Rêve seeks to craft a personalized experience that brings that "return" to your life. Your vacation will not simply be a time to relax, but an experience that will create a family legacy everyone will remember for years to come.

Segway Coastal Tours - Fun for the whole family

If you are a Southern California resident, you have more than likely seen people motoring past you on stand-up mobiles along the beach. However, many people don't know what these actually are. So, we thought we would go explore them for ourselves so that we could let everyone else know about these interesting and fun site-seeing tours.

The Segway PT is billed as "unique high-tech fun" and that is certainly what it is. The Segway is a motorized people mover which allows you to quickly and conveniently enjoy site-seeing and ocean views. It is safe and can be used by all ages from 10-70. You can tour the whole Balboa Peninsula or the Newport Pier without ever having to catch your breath. It is such a wonderful tour for multigenerational families who have their kids and grandparents along.

One of the Le Reve team recently enjoyed a day out with her daughter on a Segway Tour (picture above), and returned with rave reviews. You can also turn the Segway tour into a weekend Southern California experience for the whole family. Combined with a gourmet beach picnic lunch and a night stay at one of the local hotels, you have a wonderful weekend excursion for your whole family.

Balboa Peninsula (right)

Newport Pier (left)

A "Classically Newport" Weekend

If you are looking for a quiet weekend away for Spring Break this year, look no further then Newport Beach, and save yourself travel time and money. Spend a weekend away at The Balboa Bay Club and Resort, or even rent your own private villa on the coast. Then pair these delicious accommodations, with an equally gourmet picnic lunch along the beach. Just enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Newport has to offer.

On Saturday, take the afternoon explore on of Newport's unique local galleries. One of the local galleries that we especially enjoy is the Rainey Fine Art Gallery. Now through the 14th of April, they are displaying several different artists, entitled "Maps, Botanicals, and Shells." This display will feature etchings and watercolors from the 1600’s to the 1800’s. Notable artists include Bellin, Visscher, Blackwell, Martini, Bessa and Curtis. You can also check out custom jewelry made by Tigris Designs, or elegant ceramics created by Mary Ann Nethercutt and Stephanie Whitaker.

To complete the weekend, take a cruise out on the water, or a gondola ride through the harbor, with dinner at the Alley Restaurant right in the heart of town. Spark the relationship blues with a charming and enchanting weekend in Newport!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding - straight from Hawaii

You don't have to travel across the world to enjoy some of the most beautiful coast views in the world, right in Huntington Beach. Take a weekend away with your family or loved one, and rediscover the beauty in your own backyard! Stay at one of the local resorts and enjoy the gorgeous ocean view. Walk the famed HB pier and dine for lunch or dinner at Dukes Restaurant, while overlooking professional surfers hitting the waves.

The highlight of your Huntington Beach experience will be a private paddle board lesson with professional surfer/shaper Rocky McKinnon, owner of McKinnon Shapes and Designs. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a water sport developed and originated in Hawaii. It involves paddling a large surfboard with an extended paddle to propel forward movement. Paddle Boarding is a also a unique style of exercising, in that it tones and shapes your body while providing strength training and overall muscle endurance. The best part about Paddle Boarding is that anyone can do it, and you feel stable the moment you step onto the board.

Being a Huntington Beach native, Rocky will also take you on a guided tour of the Surf City Museum, as well as a surfboard production studio, where you can see first hand out surf and paddle boards are created from start to finish. With a photojournalist along the way in and a History of Huntington Beach book, your family will have memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss this unbelievable chance to enjoy the beauty and elegance of Huntington Beach, while creating cherished memories with your family or loved one on this weekend getaway.

The Full Laguna Beach Experience

Whether you are from out of town or are an Orange County native, you can experience the hidden gems and local color of Laguna Beach.

Your weekend getaway begins at the recently opened Seven4One Hotel overlooking the coastline. With breath-taking sunrises and contemporary surroundings, you will love your stay here. Also, upon arrival you will be greeted by your personal Guest Experience Manager (GEM) - your main contact throughout your stay. Similar to a butler or personal assistant, your GEM, will make sure that everything is customized to your specific tastes. What a way to spend a weekend!

While in Laguna, you have to experience the local favorites. During the afternoon, take a stroll along main beach, and then spend the afternoon at Miranda Gallery, which offers outstanding original works of art on canvas and paper, as well as original graphics, monotypes and sculpture.

Then, dine at the Sapphire restaurant, which is renowned for its beautiful setting and global cuisine prepared by Chef Azmin. After dinner, head to the famed Pageant of the Masters, to enjoy the century long tradition where pictures come to life.

You don't have to go far to bring the world to you. Whether you simply want to enjoy the sunset on your private balcony or see a masterpiece come to life, Laguna Beach has so many facets to explore this spring and summer.

Laguna Beach - Signature Art Gallery

Laguna Beach is known as the art epicenter of Southern California. There are numerous amazing and unique galleries that you can check out while you are there. However, every once and a while there is a gallery that stands above the rest, either because of its unique outlook, new mediums, or warm ambiance. Our recent gem was Signature Art Gallery, which has a wonderful and tasteful mix of genres and mediums. You can enjoy simply walking through the gallery and admiring one of the foremost collections of modern art.

Located in the heart of the Laguna Beach art district, this elegant gallery has a comprehensive collection of the world’s most collectible artists – presenting great masters and the best of new and emerging artists.

Featured is the artwork of renowned American artist Charles H. Pabst, well known by collectors for his monumental vistas and breathtaking scenery. Acclaimed painter Charles Pabst art shows have been sellouts throughout the country since the early 1980’s. An award-winning favorite among art collectors, his works can be found in private, corporate, and university collections throughout the world. One of his signature pieces to the left is displayed in the gallery.

In addition, other notable international artists are represented specializing in paintings and sculptures in a wide variety of styles and subject matter, including landscape, figurative, abstract, wildlife, and still-life.

Take an afternoon to enjoy the Laguna Beach coastline and Signature Gallery. It is open Monday – Wednesday 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday. – Saturday 10 a.m. – 7p.m. Sunday 11 to 6pm
You can also check them out on their website at http://www.thesignaturegallerylaguna.com/ or email the gallery director Edward Bobinski at edward@thesignaturegallerylaguna.com.

Upcoming Event: Jenny Simon will be featuring her work on March 5 from 6 - 9pm. Don't miss this wonderful event and excellent chance to view an artist at work.