Carl R. Schmidt

Carl R. Schmidt studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to California. He worked both as a painter and muralist in an impressionist style, specializing in desert landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and historical genre. He resided in San Bernardino from 1924 until his death. He was active with the Laguna Beach Art Association and the San Bernardino County Art Association.

Seen here is a view down El Paseo Street in Laguna Beach, a one-block long street that runs parallel to Pacific Coast Highway behind the Hotel Laguna. The little street—rimmed by fences and trees—was the site of the first arts festival, held in August 1932. The idea was conceived by Sumner Crosby, editor of South Coast News and president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was encouraged by artists John Hinchman and Galen Doss. It was also there that the idea of living pictures was conceived, when Hilda Mackey posed as the Mona Lisa. The Laguna Beach Art Association supported the idea of making the festival an annual, week-long summer event that would include all the arts and crafts of Laguna Beach. Today the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters—one of the most popular attractions in Laguna Beach—is open during the months of July and August.