The Ranch at Laguna Beach is debuting two new cultural experiences in collaboration with local creatives Gary Larson and John Cosby. The Shaper and The Painter aim to immerse guests in two of Laguna beach’s most iconic cultural elements: surfing and plein air painting. Guests will obtain insight into the crafts and connect to the cultural pillars that are a cornerstone of the vibrant coastal community.
“These are two completely unique, authentically Californian experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” delights Chief Operating Officer Kurt Bjorkman. “We carefully curated each experience with Gary and John to create highly personalized, once-in a-lifetime activities that our guests will cherish.”
The Shaper
In the 1950s, Hobie Alter created the very first foam surfboard in Laguna Beach, changing the surf industry forever. The legacy continues today with surfboard shaper Gary Larson, who has created custom boards from the shaping bay at the Hobie Surf Shop for over two decades. The Shaper experience provides guests with the opportunity to create their very own custom surfboard alongside Gary, starting with the pre-arrival phone call to discuss the board of their dreams. After arriving in Laguna Beach, they will meet him for lunch at a local brewpub to learn about his journey as a surfboard shaper over a few locally crafted beers before heading to his shop to design and shape their custom surfboard. Gary will guide them each step of the way – from choosing the right blank to teaching them all they need to know about contours, rail, color, and design. From there, Larson will finalize the graphics, colors, and glassing. In a few months, the finished product will arrive at guests’ doorstep.
The Painter In the 1800s, plein air painters flocked to Laguna Beach to capture the sheer natural beauty and picturesque landscape of the California coast, establishing an art colony that shaped Laguna Beach into the artful seaside community it is today. The sea and landscape of coastal California continues to inspire high-caliber artists, including world-renowned plein air painter John Cosby. The Painter gives guests a peek into the life of the professional plein air painter, whose signature bold use of color and energetic brush strokes capture the imagination. John will first join the guest for coffee at his studio to discuss his artistic process before continuing the conversation over lunch. He will then lead them to the sandy shores of Laguna Beach to create their own masterpiece under his tutelage. A demonstration painting will be painted by John before the guest begins their own painting. Guests will have both their painting and the demonstration painting as a memory of the experience. Guests also have the option of commissioning a personal piece from John to have an original, larger Cosby in their home – this would be negotiated between the guest and Mr. Cosby. Paintings will be delivered directly to guests’ home.
The Shaper and The Painter each start at $2,500 plus applicable taxes, and include a pre-arrival call, lunch with the creator, transportation to and from the studio, the crafting and the final product delivery anywhere in the continental US. Available exclusively to resort guests and must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.
For more information, please visit www.theranchlb.com/cultural-experiences or contact Emily Guarin (emily@vkpr.com) at Victoria King Public Relations.
