Bonnie Brittain Hall to Retire from Philharmonic Society of OC

One of Orange County's top arts leaders for more than 30 years, Bonnie Brittain Hall will retire from the Philharmonic Society of Orange County after three years as its Vice President of Development on January 31, 2016. She played a critical role in the transition there when longtime President and Artistic Director Dean Corey retired and John Mangum was appointed to succeed him. Before that, she was the Founding Executive Director of Arts Orange County, where she served for 14 years as head of the county's official nonprofit arts agency and state-local partner. Previously, she served as Associate Director for the Laguna Art Museum and Director of Development for South Coast Repertory. She was a former Board member of and singer with Orange County's Pacific Chorale.

Grant Opportunity for Laguna Beach Artists

The Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts (LBaa) is now accepting applications for the $5,000 [seven-degrees] of inspiration grant. Deadline for applications is February 1, 2016. The goal of the [seven-degrees] of inspiration grant is to provide support for an emerging or established Laguna Beach artist to develop and present an innovative arts project or program that advances recognition of Laguna Beach as a progressive arts city. It also enables the artist to expand and diversify his/her audience, and provides an opportunity for advanced learning and progression. The winner will be announced at the Art Star Awards on Sunday, April 3, 2016. The grant is open to both creative artists (including choreographers, composers, playwrights and visual artists) as well as interpretive artists (including dancers, instrumental and vocal musicians, and actors). Artistic disciplines can include dance, literature, music, theatre, media arts, visual arts, or a combination of any of the above. The individual winner of the $5,000 grant will have 11 months to complete his/her project, and the body of work will premiere at the 2017 Art Star Awards. More information here.

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Longtime Arts Writer Mike Boehm Leaves the L.A. Times

Mike Boehm, a key arts journalists at the Los Angeles Times, has left the newspaper. "Thanks to all in the arts community for many kindnesses and courtesies over these 28 years (16 on the arts news and features beat and 12 as a pop music critic), and for your forbearance in the face of the professional skepticism with which all reporters must come armed. I hope the skepticism was balanced by my sincere respect and appreciation for the worthy creative work it was so often my privilege to write about," Boehm wrote in an email to the field.

Karen Wood Will Leave Laguna Playhouse After 8 Seasons

Laguna Playhouse Executive Director Karen Wood is stepping down after 8 years at the 95 year old theatre company to pursue other creative opportunities. Prior to coming on board at The Laguna Playhouse, she spent eight years as Managing Director of San Diego Repertory Theatre. A search for a successor is under way.

LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ARTS SURVEY & BE ENTERED IN DRAWING FOR FREE TICKETS!

If you visit Mission Viejo, reside there, work there or study there, the City of Mission Viejo seeks your input on its arts offerings in a brief online survey here by DECEMBER 10 at 12 Noon.

Arts Orange County is the leader in building appreciation of, participation in and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County.

It is a powerhouse in advancing Orange County's arts ecology, a trailblazer in advocating workforce development through arts education, a leader in building future audiences and a trendsetter in the world of nonprofit arts councils.

Arts Orange County, 3730 South Susan Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92704