The women behind the brush: A legacy of art and perseverance

In the heart of Laguna Beach's rich artistic heritage, women artists are making their mark, balancing tradition and innovation while carving out their own spaces in the art world. As Women's History Month concludes, it's essential to recognize this community's dedication, creativity and the resilience of its female artists who have been shaping this cultural hub for years.

Among them is Susan Hoehn, a seasoned artist whose work has not only been exhibited for over a decade at the prestigious Festival of Arts but has also inspired countless art lovers through her unique perspective on her unique museum scenes, ocean vistas and vineyard landscape paintings. Hoehn's experience stretches back to the 1970s, studying painting under Joan Brown at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Usually, the artists they choose are either deceased or super famous, and I'm neither. So it was a really special moment," said Hoehn.

Her journey as an artist has been one of dedication and evolution. After painting vineyard landscapes for nearly 30 years, she shifted her focus to interior scenes and depictions of people observing art in museums. This transition was deeply personal, sparked by a need for solace during a challenging period of caring for a terminally ill spouse.

"I would escape to museums just to clear my mind, and I started noticing how people interacted with art and that became my inspiration," said Hoehn.

Like many artists, she understands the duality of creative life—the deeply introverted process of making art and the necessary extroversion required to share it with the world.

"You have this insulated, introverted life in the studio, but then you also need to get out, meet people and find inspiration," said Hoehn.

This balance is something many women artists in Laguna Beach navigate daily, embracing both solitude and community engagement to fuel their work. Beyond personal expression, these artists also uplift one another, said Hoehn. Through organizations such as the Artist Fund, which provides financial assistance to festival artists facing hardships, and advisory committees dedicated to supporting emerging talent, they ensure that Laguna Beach remains a thriving artistic enclave.

"We all have the same insecurities and willingness to take risks, so we support each other. That's what makes this community so special," said Hoehn.

The Pageant of the Masters, one of the most celebrated events in Laguna Beach, has played a significant role in showcasing female artists. Under the leadership of its longstanding director, Dianne Challis Davy, who has been with the festival since 1980 and took on the director role in 1996, the Pageant continues to evolve. This year's theme, The Gold Coast: Treasures of California, highlights the state's artistic heritage. Challis Davy, who has overseen the Pageant for nearly 30 years, recognized how seamlessly the featured artists' work fit within the show's vision.

"Her paintings of museum interiors aligned perfectly with our concept of celebrating California's museums," said Challis Davy. "We knew we wanted to feature them—it was the perfect opening sequence."

The selection of a contemporary female artist for the opening segment is particularly significant as this year's lineup includes few women due to the historical nature of the theme.

"It just so happens with this theme; we don't have a surplus of women artists, so it's great that Susan, being a woman, is opening the show," Challis Davy noted. While the show does not explicitly focus on gender, the inclusion of women artists remains a priority in the Pageant's programming.

To keep the Pageant engaging and dynamic, the director has increasingly incorporated movement and technology into the show.

"A show strictly of living pictures can be static, so we add theatrical elements—sometimes dance, acting or even live singers to keep it fresh," Challis Davy said.

This year introduces an innovative approach, using a character who searches for museums on her phone, reflecting the modern ways people explore art.

"It's all about making the art feel within reach. There's so much great art right here in California and it's just a day's drive away," said Challis Davy.

The Pageant also collaborates with local museums to highlight lesser-known artistic treasures. This year, for example, the Bowers Museum and the University of California, Irvine's Langson Institute and Oakland Museum of California Art will be featured, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of regional artistic history. Another exciting addition is the inclusion of Helena Modjeska, a 19th-century actress and artist who played a vital role in Orange County's cultural development.

As an artist, mother and mentor, Hoehn takes immense pride in both her craft and her family. Her three children have pursued their own paths, with one son winning two Emmy Awards for sound design.

"I tell emerging artists, especially women, that if you want it badly enough, you'll find a way—it's all about persistence and passion," said Hoehn.

The community's wide array of artists has paved a colorful path for Laguna Beach's preceding artistic reputation. Its legacy of women artists remains strong. They are not just painters but also storytellers, mentors and advocates who keep the spirit of this artistic haven alive through their creative gifts, perseverance and the undeniable beauty they bring to the canvas and the world.

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