Laguna Art Museum is the museum of California art. It collects, cares for, and exhibits works of art that were created by California artists or represent the life and history of the state. Unlike any other museum in the state, it collects California art and only California art, and ranges across all periods and styles, nineteenth-century to present-day. The mission of Laguna Art Museum is to be the premier museum of California art, financially stable and managed according to the highest professional standards—both an artistic destination and a relevant, respected center of culture for Laguna Beach. Laguna Art Museum believes that the artists of California have created works of the highest quality and significance. An artistic center throughout its history, Laguna Beach is a natural home for the premier museum of California art. Laguna Art Museum seeks to develop a permanent collection that represents the rich history of California art; stage serious exhibitions of high artistic quality that complement the collection; offer a robust education program for children, students, and adults alike; and serve the community as a cultural and social center. History The museum traces its origins to the Laguna Beach Art Association, formed by artists in 1918 and incorporated in 1920 with artist Edgar Payne as president. In 1929, following a successful fundraising drive headed by another early Laguna Beach painter, Anna Hills, they opened a grand, custom-built gallery designed by the well known Los Angeles architect Myron Hunt. This survives as the Steele Gallery within the present museum building. In 1972 it became the Laguna Beach Museum of Art. It changed its name to Laguna Art Museum in 1986 with the physical expansion that completed the building as it now stands. Today the museum showcases works from its collection, special exhibitions, and an array of events, including artist talks, concerts, family days, and more.