California Light

I am dismayed by Cathy Curtis' review. My dismay arises from the increasingly apparent evidence that the staff of art reviewers working for the L.A. Times is guided mainly by the desire for astonishment; if that wish is not satisfied by the objects in the gallery, the reviewer either derogates by faint praise or writes an unpleasant account of the "boredom" suffered during the viewing. Is Ms. Curtis unaware of the appreciation of the painters represented in the Laguna show by the emerging California bourgeoisie, quite analogous to the French bourgeoisie's appreciation of the French impressionists?

The Laguna Art Museum will hold a free, daylong symposium on its "California Light: 1900-1930" exhibition Oct. 13 at the Forum Theatre on the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Sponsored by the museum's Historical Collection Council, the event will be hosted by guest curator Patricia Trenton.