Who we are

LOCA Arts Education is a nonprofit coalition of arts educators, professional artists and advocates interested in arts education for people of all ages. We have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Our organization currently provides workshops to Laguna Beach Unified School District, Glennwood House, Laguna Beach Public Library, Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club Canyon & Bluebird Park Branches, Waymakers Youth Shelter, and the Laguna Beach Community & SusiQ Senior Center. Workshops are also available to the public.

LOCA is a tax exempt 501(C) (3) Education organization.

Tax ID# 33-0564640

LOCA Arts Education

LOCA enhances artistic awareness and promotes creative expression and enthusiasm for the arts throughout the community by pairing professional artists with students of all ages.

LOCA Artist Documentary – Casey Parlette

Watch Casey Parlette as he creates “Dawn Patrol” wall sculpture, from studio fabrication – to installation. It is on permanent public view in Laguna Beach CA. at 1391 S. Coast Highway, between Cress and Mountain Streets.

LOCA 2023 “Year in Review” Video

Enjoy our 2-minute mini slide-show of classes and events produced by LOCA Arts Education in Laguna Beach CA in 2023.

LOCA BOARD MEMBERS

Carla Meberg

PRESIDENT
Laguna Beach, CA

Rich Fair

VICE-PRESIDENT
Laguna Beach, CA

Nancy Milby

TREASURER
Laguna Beach, CA

Linda Velasco

SECRETARY
Costa Mesa, CA

Donna Ballard

Donna Ballard

Laguna Beach, CA

Dawn Buckingham image photo

Dawn Buckingham

Orange, CA

Cindy Fletcher

Cindy Fletcher

Laguna Beach, CA

Valerie Gorrell

Laguna Niguel, CA

Maggie Hempen Photo Image

Maggie Hempen

San Juan Capistrano, CA

Sharbie Higuchi

Laguna Beach, CA

Erin Sparkuhl Image

Erin Sparkuhl

Laguna Beach, CA

Vinita Voogd

Mission Viejo, CA

EMERITUS BOARD

Mada Leach

Founder
Laguna Niguel, CA

Betty Haight

Laguna Beach, CA

Kathy Jones

Laguna Beach, CA

Sue Linder

Laguna Beach, CA

Lisa Mansour

Laguna Beach, CA

Kirsten Whalen

Laguna Beach, CA

In Memorium

Pat Whiteside-Phillips

Laguna Beach, CA

LOCA STAFF

K.C. Mechling

Executive Director

Sherry Bullard

Education Director
Honorary Board member

Mike Tauber

Marketing Manager

Elizabeth McGhee

Education Coordinator

 

Our Promise

With community support and participation, LOCA will continue to create innovative visual arts programs that serve people of all ages and backgrounds both in and around Laguna Beach.

HISTORY OF LOCA

LOCA was founded in 1992 by Mada Leach and Anne England as a response to cuts in art education in local schools. They wanted to ensure ongoing quality in arts education programs in the schools, while at the same time, guaranteeing that participating artists would be compensated for their time and expertise. Monica Dunham contributed the name, LOCA, meaning “to be out of one’s mind with joy and excitement”. The Festival of Arts Foundation was the first grantor and continues to provide grant funds to the organization.

OUR SUPPORTERS

CURRENT GRANTS

  • FOAFoundation Grant
  • City of Laguna Beach, Business Improvement District / Cultural Arts Funding Grant
  • City of Laguna Beach Community  Assistance Grant
  • Rotary Club of Laguna Beach

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

 

  • Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
  • City of Laguna Beach
  • Waymakers Youth Shelter
  • Festival of Arts Foundation
  • Glennwood House
  • Laguna Art Museum
  • Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts
  • Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Visit Laguna Beach
  • Laguna Beach Public Library
  • Laguna Plein Air Painters Association

MAJOR DONORS

  • Bobbi Cox
  • Carla and Jeff Meberg
  • John and Lisa Mansour
  • Linda and Mike Mussallem

We could use your support