Jason Li, Wind, watercolor, 25 x 43"

“Introducing new artists prior to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show opening offers several significant benefits,” says Christine Georgantas, director of exhibits and events at Festival of Arts. “It generates anticipation and excitement among attendees, giving them a preview of the diverse talents they can expect to encounter during the festival. This early introduction also allows the featured artists to gain exposure and recognition ahead of the main event, increasing visibility for both the artists and the Festival of Arts within the artistic community and beyond.”

Kelley Mogilka, To Leave It all Behind, oil on panel, 13 x 20"

Visitors will get to preview works like Jason Li’s watercolor, Wind, in which a lone seagull soars over an overcast coastal scene featuring gnarled and wind-battered—but not defeated—trees. Faint light on the horizon holds the promise of sunshine. “The artwork represents the indomitable spirit and the force of pursuing a brighter future,” says Li. “The painting metaphorically depicts my own personal journey. Of the first-generation immigrant who ventures to a foreign land to face all kinds of challenges, [and finding the] resilience and belief help him to overcome obstacles along the way.”

Antoinette Barnum, Back to Back Generations, acrylic on wood panel, 16 x 16"

To Leave It All Behind, like many of Kelley Mogilka’s paintings, holds personal meaning, while retaining its universality. “In a nutshell, it is a painting about moving forward into something new and unknown, and leaving behind comfort and familiarity,” she says, adding that her friend posed for the piece. “She is seen pausing for a moment at the edge of a wall, divided between light and dark. She’s looking back into the light, a life she knows well, but she is facing towards the darkness, which is supposed to be the ‘new,’ with all the fear and uncertainty that comes with that. There are little glimmers of light in the distance…but she has to venture through something not so clear first. In her hand she holds something unidentifiable, either prompting her to move forward or a remnant of something from her past, and she ponders in between both worlds whether or not to leave it all behind.”

Brian Haberlin, West Wing, watercolor, 14 x 10"

Mogilka has been living in Laguna Beach, California, for nearly five years and her excitement about being juried into the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show is infectious. “Summer in Laguna is so much fun,” she says. “There is a tangible energy that you can feel in town with all the events going on, and to be an official part of what creates that buzz makes me feel like I’ve really become a part of this community. I remember when I was first considering moving here, everyone kept calling it an ‘artists’ town,’ and that couldn’t be more true. The community of artists here is really wonderful, and I’m so grateful to be joining it in a more official capacity this year at the festival.”