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Monarch Bay Plaza is sponsoring an Amateur Photography Contest which is free to enter and  open for entries through July 1, 2025 .  If you are an amateur photographer, 18 years or older at the time of entry, and a legal resident of the State of California, you are invited to enter. Submit one (1) photo showing California's natural beauty, including animal life, coastal scenes, mountains, and deserts. All images must be of nature, landscapes,  and California's vast scenery and bio-diversity only to qualify.  Any images with identifiable people are not allowed and will be disqualified. This contest will award the following cash prizes: $1,000 First Place; $500 Second Place; $250 Third Place; and ​$100 Popular Vote Winner. First, second and third-place winners will be notified on or about August 1, 2025. The Popular Vote Winner will be notified on or about August 22, 2025. CONTEST EXHIBIT On August 15, the competition will culminate in a public photography exhibit of our winning submittals and top contenders from 2:00-5:00pm. It will be held at Monarch Bay Plaza located at Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point, CA. During this event, attendees can vote live for their favorite top contender, resulting in a "Popular Vote Winner", who will be awarded $100.00. Join us for this special event and enjoy our FREE Ice Cream Social that will take place simultaneously (while supplies last). MEET OUR JUDGES Our expert panel of judges features three well-known art ambassadors active in the Dana Point art community. They will review, evaluate and rank our submissions to determine our three winners. Karin Schnell has her M.A. in Exhibition Design/Museum Studies. She began her career in the arts at Newport Harbor Art Museum (now Orange County Museum of Art). She taught Museum Education at California State University, Fullerton and University of California, Irvine Extension program. Schnell helped facilitate the building of the current site of OC Center of Contemporary Art (OCCCA) in Santa Ana. She also worked in the initial years at Arts Orange County collaborating with county-wide arts organizations, arts educators, cities, and individual artists. Schnell has been involved in the annual Dana Point Art Fest for the past 8 years, which exhibits 80 local artists on Del Prado Ave. in Dana Point. She also served as an Arts & Culture ambassador for the City of Dana Point. Jennifer Keil earned her M.A. in Public and Oral History. As a Founder of 70 Degrees, she archives, preserves, and exhibits. Keil has curated the Laura Davick Crystal Cove Historic Archive Collection and the Taiwanese American History Museum. She is the Founding Director of Balboa Island Museum and Moulton Museum. She has collaborated with CSU Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Irvine. ​Keil has served as an art judge for Young Kim's office and the Festival of Arts Festival. She is an Arts & Culture Ambassador for the City of Dana Point. Jennifer is the Past President of the Southwest Oral History Association. Dana Yarger Dana Yarger started his career as an environmental scientist before delving into the world of art collection from national galleries in the mid-1970s. His passion for art led him to begin opening art galleries in California during the 1980s. Throughout the 1990s, he began representing artists and curating exhibitions in various cities across the United States, Russia, and Japan. As the new millenium approached, Dana expanded his reach by representing street artists in national and international mural development in the US, South America, and China. Through collaboration with artists and sponsors, he successfully brought the renowned Elephant Parade exhibitions to Dana Point in 2013. ​Since 2014, Dana has served as the cultural manager for acclaimed author, poet, singer, songwriter, visual artist Bernie Taupin.  Dana continued coordinating exhibitions and events, curating his first museum exhibition in 2019. ​Today, along with partner Laura Seeley, Dana operates two galleries in Dana Point – Laura Seely Studio and Gallery Dana Bay.

🎨 Call for Artists: Outdoor Mural for the Dana Point Community Center! 🎨 The City of Dana Point is seeking talented artists to create an outdoor mural at the Community Center (34052 Del Obispo). This project aims to enhance the beauty of the facility and add character to the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The mural should reflect the community values, natural beauty, and cultural history of Dana Point. 🗓 Key Dates: •Design Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025 •Evaluation: April 2025 •Project Start: Early May 2025 •Completion: By June 30, 2025 Eligibility: Open to artists or artist teams from Dana Point or surrounding areas (City will not pay travel or lodging costs). Artist or artists teams should conduct research to understand the area’s history and current culture, along with any other elements that would be helpful to the creative process. Budget: $60,000 (all inclusive, not limited to artist’s fees, materials, design, lift, studio costs, surface preparation, painting process, installation and community engagement.) 📧 Submit to: jrosaler@danapoint.org (Subject: Community Center Mural) 👉 For full details, please visit Bit.ly/DP_Artists

In collaboration with the upcoming Festival of Whales on March 7th to 9th, the City's Recreation Division is holding the Whale of a Kid's Art Contest for children up to 12 years old. This year's theme is " The Magical Migration of the California Gray Whale ."  To enter the contest, take a photo of your creative drawing or painting and email recreation@danapoint.org by  Monday, March 3, 2025 .  Please include the child’s name and age on the entry. The winning submission will receive an ocean themed gift basket and a whale watching trip for a family of four.

We are excited for the third annual Dana Point Non-Profit Symposium on Friday, May 23, 2025 . It will be held at the Community Center with the city of Dana Point and Arts Ambassadors. Our speakers will include our OneOC partners. Stay tuned for RSVP details. We have non-profit resources from prior years, so please explore these materials. The OneOC toolkit covers event planning to grant writing. Please connect with Jaimie To, Senior Management Analyst, with questions at (949) 248-3514 or  jto@danapoint.org . Contact the Arts and Culture Ambassadors to share your ideas at artsandculture@danapoint.org . 2024 Symposium Thank you for your participation. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

The Dana Bay Gallery, a vibrant art hub nestled along the stunning coastline of Dana Point on Del Prado, recently hosted a Paint & Sip  event. It brought together art enthusiasts and those simply looking for a fun night out. The event was part of the gallery’s effort to create a welcoming space for the community. Invite your friends and family to create a miniature piece of art and learn about the Elephant Parade . Dana Bay Gallery combines the pleasure of painting with the enjoyment of a glass of wine. Keep an eye on the Dana Bay Gallery’s event calendar for the next Paint & Sip night. You won’t want to miss out on this unique blend of creativity and camaraderie.

Following the close of this year’s Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach, the signature Storytellers whale sculpture made a short journey to Dana Point Harbor on loan from renowned artist Jeffro Uitto for a limited time. It is now being displayed in Hansen Plaza on the wharf adjacent to Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing. As Dana Point continues to embrace its reputation as the premier destination for dolphin and whale enthusiasts – it was recognized as the first Whale Heritage Site in North America by the World Cetacean Alliance and has been trademarked as the “Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World” –  this sculpture is another reason to visit the harbor during the ongoing revitalization.  Crafted by Uitto, a renowned driftwood artist of the Pacific Northwest, the whale sculpture first debuted at the Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in 2019. It continues to wow thousands of visitors and locals annually when it appears at the yearly festival.  Uitto, born in 1982, was raised and resides in the small coastal town of Tokeland, Washington. According to his website biography, this is where his creative journey began as a young child when he was fascinated with the organic forms that surrounded him. Some of the Uitto’s most memorable pieces have been displayed for public installations, including Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival, Summit 2019, Chimei Museum in Taiwan, and notable galleries across the U.S. and abroad, commemorating the importance of nature and environmental sustainability. The original whale sculpture is made entirely of rescued driftwood along the Pacific Coast. Measuring 18 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 9 feet tall, it is noteworthy that each piece of driftwood is entirely unmanipulated, constructed from its natural state, which is Uitto’s signature form of expression. This sculpture embodies the rich marine life surrounding Dana Point and allows art enthusiasts, naturalists, and ocean lovers to appreciate its beauty up close. Dana Point Harbor Partners’ revitalization plan contemplates multiple future public works of art throughout the completed project that will celebrate Dana Point’s history, culture, and ocean ecology. Uitto’s whale sculpture joins “Fluke: A Tale of Plastic,” a life-sized depiction of an adult gray whale tail in the acting of “fluking, that was commissioned by Dana Point Harbor Partners and constructed by Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova during the 51st annual Festival of Whales.  For more information, visit Dana Point Harbor at danapointharbor.com .

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Dana Point welcomed art lovers and history buffs for an inspiring Trolley Art & History Tour, marking National Arts & Humanities Month in style! With all tickets sold out, participants eagerly hopped aboard for an art-filled journey led by the City’s Arts & Culture Ambassadors, alongside knowledgeable docents from the Dana Point Historical Society. The tour spanned a vibrant selection of Dana Point's art and historical highlights, including the picturesque Lantern Bay Park Stairs, the colorful Doheny Village Mural, the iconic Hide Drogher Sculpture, Watermen’s Plaza, and historic Woodruff Homes, among other notable stops. Each location was brought to life through the engaging stories shared by our Art Ambassadors and Historical Society docents, making the city’s rich cultural heritage accessible and exciting for everyone on board. After the tour, guests continued their cultural journey at the Dana Point ArtFest, enjoying fine art displays, live music, delicious food, wine tastings, and beer gardens in the Lantern District. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable day celebrating Dana Point’s unique arts and history scene!

The City of Dana Point is the most beautiful, desirable and safest coastal community in which to live, work, visit, play or conduct business. Listen to Laura Smith Hatch  share the vision of the Arts & Culture Ambassadors. The City of Dana Point encourages community involvement and is committed to: Develop and ensure the highest possible quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors. Provide a safe and healthy environment within a sound economic atmosphere. Provide an efficient and effective government which is open and responsive to the needs of the community and works for the benefit of all.

The City of Dana Point recognized Arts & Culture Ambassadors Laura Smith Hatch and Alicia Erlinger as Volunteers of the Quarter! 🎉Laura Smith Hatch (pictured) grew up in Florida, attended law school in New Orleans, and made Dana Point home with her family in 2018. As an Arts Ambassador, Laura’s goal is to preserve and celebrate Dana Point’s history and culture, while promoting art and creativity to inspire and bring people together. She spearheaded the non-profit symposium, gathering all local non-profit organizations in one place to network and gain new tools to better serve the community. 🎨🤝 Alicia Erlinger is a long-time Dana Point resident, educator, theatre maker, and advocate. She is a Capistrano Unified School District teacher and was awarded Theatre Arts Teacher of the Year by OC Music and Arts Administrators. Most recently, Alicia volunteered her time and efforts to create the production of The Tempest for the inaugural OC ShakesBEER Festival in June and led the Trolley Art & History Tours in October. 🎭🚌🙏 Thank you, Laura and Alicia, for your dedication and invaluable contributions to the betterment of our community through arts and culture as Dana Point Arts and Culture Ambassadors! 🌟🎉

Mayor Federico presented the Dana Point Arts and Culture Ambassadors with a Proclamation for National Arts and Humanities Month! 🏛️🎉For over 30 years, cities and states have celebrated the value and importance of culture in our lives and communities. 🌍The arts and humanities embody so much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humankind, enhancing and enriching the lives of everyone in America. 📚🎭The nation’s arts and culture sector—including nonprofit, commercial, and educational entities—constitutes an $877 billion industry. It supports 4.6 million jobs, accounting for 4.2% of the national economy, and boasts a $33 billion international trade surplus. 💼💰A heartfelt thank you to all of our Dana Point Arts and Culture Ambassadors! Let’s come together to celebrate and promote the arts across our community! 🎨🌟

On October 13th, the Dana Point ArtFest once again brought together art, music, and community spirit in the heart of the Lantern District. This annual event transformed the area into a lively hub where locals and visitors gathered to celebrate creativity in all its forms. The Dana Point ArtFest featured an impressive collection of fine art displays, showcasing works from talented local and regional artists. Art enthusiasts found something to admire, making the day a visual feast for everyone who attended. Live music added a dynamic soundtrack to the festivities for visitors who explored the exhibits. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of delicious foods from local vendors, indulged in wine tastings, and relaxed in the beer gardens. The combination of art, music, and culinary experiences made the event a true celebration of culture and community. This year’s ArtFest highlighted Dana Point’s dedication to the arts and its mission to build strong community connections. Learn more at https://www.dpartfest.com .

On June 29-30, 2024, Dana Point’s Arts & Culture Ambassadors and the Dana Point Arts Alliance hosted the first-ever ShakesBEER Festival, transforming Sea Terrace Park into a vibrant weekend of family-friendly fun. Attendees enjoyed free admission to the lively event, with options to purchase tickets for delicious food and refreshing beverages. Festival-goers soaked in the summer vibes with live music, craft beer tastings, and savory food options, while the main event, a captivating outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest , delighted audiences each evening at 7:00 PM. Families and friends brought picnic blankets and low-back chairs, settling in to experience Shakespeare under the stars. Thank you to everyone who joined for an unforgettable weekend celebrating art, theater, and community! For more information on future events, visit ocshakesbeer.com . William Shakespeare’s The Tempest Twelve years have passed since Prospero, the deposed Duke of Milan, was betrayed by his family, expelled from his homeland alongside his daughter, and marooned on a remote island. Yet, this island is no ordinary place, and Prospero is no ordinary man. Possessing the powers of a magician, he orchestrates a tempest that shipwrecks his betrayers on his shores, rendering them vulnerable to his retribution. Amidst the castaways and denizens of the island, each with their own narratives, unfolds a story of metamorphosis from the old order to a new era, grappling with themes of justice, loss, redemption, injury, healing, blame, and forgiveness. Under the direction of Erik Blair, Shakespeare's family-friendly production immerses the audience with uproarious fools, enchanting spells, and mischievous spirits, delving into the depths of human experience. This maritime-themed production resonates with Dana Point's own seafaring history, intertwining Shakespearean drama with the allure of the ocean in celebration of the City’s 35th anniversary.