Episodes

  • ARTWALKING RADIO 01-9-2025 with guests Daniel Gary Busby and Tom Horvath
    Jan 10 2025
    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 Vasquez

    Daniel Gary Busby
    Daniel, 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 Horvath
    Tom 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.
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 12-12-2024 - with guests Christopher Regan and Jerome Gastaldi
    Dec 13 2024
    Message from Leah Vasquez...For December's program, "Energy Used Well" we feature two diverse perspectives from two individuals, Christopher Regan and Jerome Gastaldi as we explore "Nature Nurturing Culture". Please join us as we share the diversity of Laguna Beach and celebrate its culture.

    Christopher Regan - Laguna County Water District Assistant General Manager strives to keep Laguna's residents thinking about water conservation and its impact on our lives and our environment. He is highly knowledgeable about Laguna's water history and how residents before the district's formation in 1925 had to pump water from a well. He will also discuss water education, landscape, and conservation.

    Jerome Gastaldi / aka: Robert Abbott - In his ninth decade he has the exuberance and energy to continue producing art, experimenting with conceptual interactive videos, and reshaping landscapes with open space projects related to his sculpture. Currently exhibiting "Finding Light" at Seven Degrees

    He founded the Modern Art Museum in Santa Ana, CA. Hosting exhibitions included paintings by David Hockney, Gerhard Richter, Rufino Tamayo, etc., and as director for the FACT gallery in Laguna Beach displaying local and international artists. He has authored: Keep an Eye on Your Soul and Art & Reality. Today Gastaldi focuses much of his time on large-scale commissions for industry public buildings parks and resorts. His work is included in museum collections in America and Asia. A quote tells us much about his philosophy and practice: "The exercise of analyzing fresh ideas of younger artists and studying the works of modern masters is a source of intellectual and visual stimulation that causes me to react." Jerome Gastaldi
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 11-14-2024 with guests Bill Darnall and Kyle Caris
    Nov 15 2024
    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.
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 10-10-2024 with guests Kier Lane and Chip Malinowski
    Oct 11 2024
    Message from Leah Vasquez...This month's topic was for evolving technologies integrating artificial intelligence. Kier Lane and Chip Malinowski will be our guests discussing and exploring the far-reaching impact AI is having on culture, including all forms of expression.

    Kier Lane
    Kier Lane is an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor with more than two decades of experience at the forefront of cybersecurity, AI, and advanced data analytics. He is the founder of Latus Solutions, a security consulting firm that has worked with leading enterprises to address complex cybersecurity challenges and implement cutting-edge data-driven solutions. Kier is also the founder of ID-Y, an advanced data analytics company that leverages AI and collective intelligence to help organizations make smarter, faster decisions in an increasingly complex business landscape. Kier’s passion lies in the meaningful use of AI within enterprise environments, where he focuses on optimizing decision-making, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing data governance. His work is driven by the belief that AI, when integrated with robust data governance frameworks, can empower organizations to harness the true potential of their data while ensuring compliance and mitigating risks. Throughout his career, Kier has remained committed to using technology to solve real-world problems in ways that deliver lasting value to businesses.


    Chip Malinowski
    Chip Malinowski is a retired rocket engineer and has been a Computer-Generated-Imagery hobbyist for over 13 years. He has published picture-books of AI-generated art since late 2022. He considers AI-generated text, music, and images to be simply more tools to add to an artist's toolbox. Chip is one of the many artists whose work can be seen at the SUSI-Q gallery in Laguna Beach.

    In his own words...
    I was born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1968. I co-op'ed through college in Huntsville, where all the high-tech companies were. When I graduated, I hired on with Boeing to work on the International Space Station, particularly the Hatch Team. Later, Boeing Phantom Works sent me around the country wherever we needed to get a product out the door. I met my Hunny at Disneyland on Gay Days 19 years ago. Next, I worked on the launch pads for the Delta 4 and Atlas 5 rockets at Cape Canaveral as a Facility Safety engineer. One neighbor had a Nazi flag in their window visible to our house and called various news reporters and government agencies to our home to check on various accusations. Eventually, we moved to Southern California, where people are much more tolerant. Out here, I worked with a company that makes new rocket engines until I retired early last year. Now I have a property in Riverside with a small lake, two beehives, and 63 pet ducks.










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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 9-12-2024 with guests Bill Atkins, Carole Boller, and Mitch Ridder
    Sep 13 2024
    Bill Atkins
    A 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 Boller
    Art 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 Ridder
    Discover 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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    2 hrs
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 08-08-2024 with Patricia Truman and Karen Dennis
    Aug 9 2024
    Patricia Truman
    Patricia Truman is an active businesswoman with a ministerial license becoming a staff minister performing spiritual counseling. Her education includes UCI psychology and business. She was ordained in 2012 as a teacher through The Center of Spiritual Living. She writes her memoirs in poetic form. In 2022 her book, "Mystic Cloud Walker: Earth Walk" was published and released conveying what it means to be in alignment in an ever-changing and sometimes challenging world," it is an exploration of life and the step-by-step human journey.


    Karen Dennis
    Karen Dennis is a long-time resident of Laguna Beach and very active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Laguna Beach branch. She has been president, program chair, and Literary Luncheon chair. Currently, she is the co-chair of the Poetry Appreciation Interest group which has been active for over 20 years in Laguna Beach. Members share poems they enjoy as well as original poems they have written. Karen also promotes the annual poetry contest that the Laguna Beach Library has in the spring.



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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 7-11-2024 with Craig Cooley and Leah Vasquez
    1 hr and 59 mins
  • ARTWALKING RADIO 6-06-2024 with Bob Borthwick and James Ward Henry, II
    Jun 7 2024
    Bob Borthwick, ASLA A licensed landscape architect and urban planner for over 55 years, Bob has lived in Laguna since 1974. His clients have included both public agencies and private developers. During his college years he worked for a city planning department and at a redevelopment agency.

    After graduation from Cal Poly Pomona in 1969 he worked for several firms for 10 years. Projects included portions of Disneyworld / Florida and Ronald Caspers Regional Park in Orange County. He started his own firm in 1979 and incorporated with two partners in 1998. He is now mostly-retired from his firm. Bob taught landscape architecture at U.C.I. Extension for 8 years and at Saddleback College for 9 years. He served 2 terms as chair of the Cal Poly Pomona Landscape Architectural Advisory Board and is currently Emeritus member. Bob has been an invited guest critic / lecturer for ASLA student award presentations at UCLA, USC, and Cal Poly Pomona. Public projects include the Avalon Downtown Waterfront on Catalina Island, and the 2.4 mile long San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail. Both of these projects have received professional design awards and national recognition. A current public project is Phase 3 of the Crystal Cove Historic District on Newport Coast, working with the State of California. Projects in the private sector have included award-winning planned communities as well as commercial projects. International projects have included China, Panama, Morocco, India, and Algeria. Bob has served the City of Laguna Beach on the Open Space and Trails Committee, the Laguna Canyon Flood Control Task Force, and the View Preservation Task Force. He was vice president of the Laguna Beach Beautification Council and received the LBBC Harry Lawrence Award in 2016. Current local activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the following organizations: Laguna Greenbelt, Inc., Hortense Miller Garden, Laguna Canyon Conservancy, and the South County Crosscultural Council. In 2016 he received the American Society of Landscape Architects "Public Stewardship Award" for a career of providing pro-bono environmental planning and leadership.


    James Ward Henry IIJames been designing in Laguna Beach and surrounding areas for over 20 years. His architectural studies began while working with his father, Jim Ward Henry, a well known architect in Laguna Beach. James' design experience includes all styles of residential homes from traditional, historical to contemporary. His extensive knowledge and experience working with city approval and construction process is highly beneficial to his clients, contractors and subcontractors.
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    1 hr and 58 mins