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Explore Catalina’s Art, History and Culture

10.08.18

Planning a visit to Catalina? Consider a visit to explore the art, history and culture of Catalina with a visit to the impressive new building at the Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, on Santa Catalina Island. It's a 65 year-old museum that exhibits Native American Indian artifacts from more than 8,000 years of human settlement on the island as well as more recent historical photographs dating back to the late 1880’s to early 1900’s of Spanish/California architecture.

The history of the island is rich with stories about movie stars from Marilyn Monroe to Charlie Chaplin; politicians from Ronald Reagan to Winston Churchill; sports icons from Tiger Woods to the Chicago Cubs; and marlin fisherman from Zane Greg to Winston Churchill.

The new museum building designed by the architectural firm of Marengo Morton Architects that provides over 18,000 square feet of exhibition and support space. The museum tour begins with a film about Catalina Island's history in the museum's Brown Family Digital Theater, which is located just off the main lobby.

Also adjacent to the lobby is a fully appointed Harris Family Museum Store, which looks out onto the Hinchliffe Family Atrium. A mural composed of Catalina tile and designed by artist Richard Keit is a highlight of the atrium. The William Wrigley Jr. Gallery, the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Gallery and the Artists' Plaza Gallery are all exhibition galleries dedicated to the island's history and to special exhibitions, many of which will travel to the island from collections throughout the world.

One of the most unusual features of the museum is the amount of exterior space that exists both on the building's rooftop and in the gardens immediately adjacent to the museum. A large projection wall directly opposite the Ackerman Family Amphitheater, which seats approx. 100 people and accommodates the exhibition of films in the evening. The Artists' Plaza and Schreiner Family Plaza provide well over 8,000 square feet of outdoor space, appropriate for dance and music concerts, as well as public and private events.

The design of the building's exterior represents a blend of the Spanish Mission style with the Art Deco influence of the 1920s that predominates in Santa Catalina's landmark building, the Avalon Casino. One of the most inventive areas of the building is its facade, the highest reaches of which were inspired by the famous marquee of Chicago's Wrigley Field. This may be considered a fitting tribute to the Wrigley family, the city of Chicago and the Chicago Cubs - all of which play an important role in Avalon's history.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

217 Metropole Ave. in Avalon.

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Bear Coast Coffee Opens in Dana Point

10.08.18

Bear Coast Coffee's founder Jeff Clinard has built a cult following of morning java addicts and afternoon coffee connoisseurs with his coastal cool coffee shop in San Clemente located right across from the San Clemente Pier.

Clinard has been dreaming of a second location where a cup of coffee could start a customer’s day in a positive way. And now, Clinard and the Bear Coast Coffee team are thrilled to bring the same energy to the Dana Point community.

The Dana Point location offers exactly what the San Clemente location is lacking: space. The 700-square-foot establishment is not only a larger indoor footprint, but also offers patio outdoor seating — something the San Clemente location is lacking due to limited space. When searching for the perfect sister location, Clinard took customer feedback and wishes into great account, and space was one of them.

The menu is consistent, simple and reliable with the Dana Point store also offering steady, quality organic pastries from Rye Goods Co. as well as loaded avocado toast, paleo-friendly breakfast bowls and gourmet bagels. Both locations serve breakfast daily until 11 a.m. The coffee

The coffee is from Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters out of Lakewood, Colorado. It's exceptional, ethically sourced, and their methodology is great as well. The coffee menu can be viewed here.

Philanthropy and sustainability will continue to be a major focus, as Bear Coast is committed to the beautiful natural environment, particularly of coastal cities like San Clemente and Dana Point. All of the branded bags and plastics are compostable, with container lids composed of corn-oil-based materials. The goal is to work closely with organizations to help offset Bear Coast’s carbon footprint, making responsible eco choices to be carbon neutral when possible.

On the wall is a mural by artist Brian Kesling of a classic Ferrari 250 California Spider with a surfboard on top, celebrating Clinard’s love for vintage cars. The artistic nod might even have something to do with the fact that he had to sell a beloved classic to secure the capital to invest in Dana Point.

6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Bear Coast – Dana Point is at 34053 La Plaza #103 in Dana Point.

Bear Coast – San Clemente is at 618 ½ Avenida Victoria in San Clemente

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