Costa Mesa arts specialist Loretta Garner departs after launching city's arts program

Loretta Garner, the City of Costa Mesa’s first art specialist, delivered her final report to the Arts Commission on May 7 as she prepares to leave for a new position in Encinitas.

Garner summarized the status of several city arts programs, saying the Art Crawl is set for May 30, four grantee projects are in contracting with finance and legal, Art Venture guidelines will open in June, and three "Symphony on the Go" park performances are scheduled for August. "It has been such an honor to serve all of you here at the First Arts Commission for the City of Costa Mesa," Garner told commissioners.

Community partners and commissioners used the public-comment and commissioner-comment periods to thank Garner. "I just really want to acknowledge the leadership and grace of what you have done," Nancy Warza Brady, education and community engagement director for Backhouse Dance, said, noting Garner "launched the first art specialist for the city of Costa Mesa." Chair Tara Ochoa said Garner had "accepted a high level position in the city of Encinitas" and called her "a steady and dedicated voice." Commissioner Wundercheck added, "She's amazing. She has made such a huge difference here in the city."

Garner told the commission she is willing to assist with hiring a successor and to serve on a review panel during the transition. She also detailed program logistics that will be managed after her departure, including an online registration approach and an Art Venture application process prepared for the June opening.

The commission expressed interest in continuing programs Garner helped build and asked staff for timelines on filling the specialist role and for plans to preserve institutional knowledge during the changeover. The commission adjourned at 6:54 p.m.; Garner’s departure and the transition plan were the meeting’s most significant personnel items.