Arts And Crafts

The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme will roll out the red carpet when it hosts its Seabee Summerfest on June 24 and 25. The annual event is a chance for the Navy base to show off its personnel, equipment and special skills during a weekend-long festival featuring a full-scale military parade, ship tours of the Comstock, silent drill team demonstrations, a carnival, arts and crafts, a motorcycle and car show, musical entertainment and athletic contests.

In our technology-driven and throwaway culture, it may seem that craftsmanship and originality are dead. In reality--or perhaps in rebellion--the furniture world is seeing a revival of the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Many of these modern-day craftsmen are flourishing now in California, but, like their counterparts throughout the country, they are a fragmented group and work largely in isolation.

"Maybe the funny man will tell another story about the monster," Sam says. Asks little brother Ben, hopefully, "Can he squirt us with the water bottle?" Our boys--4 1/2 and 2 1/2--are jabbering as we pull into the parking lot of the Hollywood Bowl, two weeks into its summer open house music program for children. So far we've heard music from around the world, and string instruments; today is the eagerly awaited African drums program.

Having survived a winter of record-setting rains and destructive mudslides, Laguna Beach's art community turned out in force Thursday for the opening of the 32nd annual Sawdust Festival. On a warm, sunny day that drew shoppers and browsers to exhibits offering everything from pottery to pearls, artists and artisans talked about the contrast. "It's amazing that we're here considering where we were four months ago," said Mike Heintz, a jeweler and photographer.

The biannual Santa Monica Fine Arts and Crafts Fair will be held on the Third Street Promenade this weekend. More than 100 artists selling paintings, photography, sculptures, stained glass and other items will be at the event, said Sandy Tamkin, the marketing director for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. The fair is free and will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Center for Individual and Family Counseling, 5445 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood, is looking for volunteers to answer phones, set appointments, handle light clerical duties and assist customers at the reception window. For more information, call Paula Platoff, administrator, at (818) 761-2227. The West Valley Boys & Girls Club Inc.