Interview with Diane Challis Davy, Festival of Arts Director

by Jennifer Keil, M.A. in History, 70° Founder + City of Dana Point Arts Ambassador

• How will Dana Point be featured in this year's theme of “Gold Coast: Treasures of California”? ACT II opens with a visit to Dana Point's Waterman's plaza. There are 4 recreations of sculpture by Bill Limebrook and the Endless Summer Mosaic by Mia Tavanatti

• Dana Point’s Waterman's Plaza showcases public art by J. van Hamersveld/Mia Tavonatti and Bill Limebrook/Lance Jost. What do you think of their process and execution? Mia's mosaic interpretation is dazzling. I love the way it sparkles in the sunlight. Bill is an old master in the tradition of sculpting in bronze. His way of rendering likenesses is phenomenal and his knowledge of anatomy is impressive.

• Why did you select these Dana Point surf legends for Pageant of the Masters? Where do you draw your inspiration? They fit perfectly with our theme- treasures of California. I think the sculpture recreation of Steve and Barrie Boehne will be absolutely AMAZING, because of the acrobatic nature of the poses. I love art of all varieties. I like to integrate the music and the art.

• How will the actors portal these surf icons in Pageant of the Masters? How will the Endless Summer come to life? We have permission to use the original music for the film. The music gives the tableau authenticity. The poses for the sculptures are very difficult ones, so our technicians have welded steel armatures (invisible to the audience) to keep the cast members safe!

• How will attendees feel the nostalgic history in your set design for Act II? The sculptures look very much like the ones at Waterman's, but the surf rock music will really set the mood. The music is inspired by surf rock legends like The Ventures and Dick Dale.

• What do you want attendees to take away from this year's performance? This is a FUN and lively portion of the show. I think all ages will be "stoked."

The Pageant of the Masters (@festivalpageant) will bring Dana Point’s iconic public art to life on stage this summer! 🎭✨See these historic statues re-created with real, living people during Act II of "Gold Coast", running nightly July 5–August 29, 2025. 🎟 Reserve your seats now at www.pageanttickets.com.📚 Learn more about the featured sculptures at danapoint-arts.com/publicart.

The City of Dana Point is excited to announce that a bronze life-size statue of Walter and Philip “Flippy” Hoffman will be unveiled on July 31st at 3pm. Created by artist Bill Limebrook as part of the Watermen’s Plaza collection, these surf legends will join this tribute to our city’s heritage. The Hoffmans brothers were surfers and owners of the iconic Hoffman California Fabrics, founded by Rube Hoffman in 1924. Learn more here.