STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
June 23, 2026
CONSENT
6 SUBJECT: LAGUNA ART MUSEUM “ART AND NATURE” TEMPORARY PUBLIC ART RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the temporary public art entitled “A Flag Walk for Our Future” by artist Kim Manfredi; and
2. Find that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
On April 27, 2026, the Arts Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council approve a temporary installation curated by the Laguna Art Museum (“Museum”) at Heisler and Main Beach Parks for its 14th annual “Art and Nature” exhibition from November 5 through November 9, 2026. (See Minutes, Attachment 1.) The Arts Commission is seeking City Council approval of the art created by artist Kim Manfredi entitled “A Flag Walk for Our Future.”
DISCUSSION
For the past fourteen years the Museum has presented various installations and activations at Main Beach or within close proximity as part of its annual programming “Art and Nature.” For 2026, the Museum has planned a temporary public art installation by artist Kim Manfredi at four locations at Heisler and Main Beach Parks. (See Attachment 2). Each site will consist of the installation of four flags which are designed to explore the intersection of art and place in a site-specific context. They also symbolize a twenty-fourhour cycle; dawn, day, dusk and night.
If the City Council approves the art, the Museum will initiate a Temporary Use Permit application for art shows as contemplated by Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 25.05.035(B)(2)(a) for its 14th annual “Art and Nature” exhibition from November 5 through November 9, 2026 at and around Heisler and Main Beach Parks.
In addition to the art, the Museum also intends to install signage mounted on a 6’ tall metal signposts with 28”x24” aluminum signs affixed at the Main Beach location and six other positions along Heisler Park with information to enhance community engagement. (Attachment 2.) At this time, City staff anticipates that such proposal qualifies for a Coastal Development Permit exemption, as a temporary event on beach area, under Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 25.07.008(A)(6) but City staff will complete its review and analysis upon submittal of an application.
The Cultural Arts Department facilitated a meeting of Staff from the Marine Safety, Police, Public Works, Community Development and Community Services with the Museum and the artist to discuss the proposal to assist the Museum is facilitating its project and information on any additional required approvals.
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM “ART AND NATURE” TEMPORARY PUBLIC ART June 23, 2026
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact, as it will be funded by the Museum.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 because it consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Here, the recommended action meets the exemption because it involves approval of art which is proposed to be installed on a temporary basis at and around Heisler and Main Beach Parks. It also contemplates installation of minor structures relating to the art to facilitate community engagement with the art at Main Beach and Heisler Park. Upon taking the recommended action, City staff will cause to be filed within five calendar days a notice of exemption with the County and State Clearinghouse.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Arts Commission minutes 4/27/26 (Pg. 3)
2. Proposed installation (Pgs. 4-5)
3. Activation and Signage locations (Pg. 6)
Submitted By: Siân Poeschl Approved: .David A Kiff
Siân Poeschl, Cultural Arts
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Siân Poeschl, Cultural Arts Manager Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney