The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission established the Artist Designed Bench Program in 1998. This annual competition for site-specific functional seating is open to California artists.

1
Eucalyptus Bench
1998
Julia Klemek
Fired Ceramic
320 North Coast Highway

Four giant size eucalyptus pods and leaf are placed on North Coast Highway opposite the Laguna Art Museum. Created by Julia Klemek, this is the first installation of a functional sculpture through a competition. Its coincidental placement by the Laguna Art Museum echoes the title of its founders, who called themselves the Eucalyptus Club, add homage to Laguna Beach as a colony of the Arts.

2
Support
1999
Louis Longi
Bronze
211 North Coast Highway
Created through a donation by the Inn at Laguna Beach

Overlooking Main Beach on a pathway leading from Heisler Park to downtown, three hollow figures support a seating area. This is the first public art installation for the artist who now has many across the country.

3
Rock Pile Carve
2000
George Stone
Concrete and Stainless steel
Heisler Park / Aster Street
Created through a donation by the Brannon family

This accomplished Los Angeles public artist George Stone created this site specific piece that conveyed his own experiences of surfing at Rock Pile (a grouping of rocks located south of the installation.) Created of concrete and stainless steel the sculpture lends itself not only to “check out the surf” but also to enjoy views of Catalina.

4
Trio
2000
Jorg Dubin
Concrete
Heisler Park/ Cliff Drive
Created through a donation by Triad Financial Corporation

Laguna Beach artist Jorg Dubin, installed three seating areas embossed with forms of pre-historic marine life. Situated in Heisler Park overlooking Divers Cove it is perhaps one of the most beautiful sites for public art in the city.


5
The Chambered Nautilus Bench
2001
Carolyn Reynolds
Concrete and glass
Forest Avenue / Glenneyre Street
Created through a donation by Mark Porterfield

The legend says, “Triton rode this shell to the surface of the ocean to enchant the sea nymph. Her love inspired Triton to make the Nautilus the most beautiful shell in the ocean. Ever since, the Nautilus has been honored as the pearly ocean chauffeur.

Touch the pearl in the center of the shell and your travel wish will come true.”