[1] LAM is situated upon a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a scenic spot originally chosen by Laguna Beach artists in 1929.

LAM seeks to develop and circulate a permanent collection of California art while presenting it to a wider audience, and to serve the local community as a cultural and social institution.

Using funds raised by artists, Edgar Payne - who later became the museum's first president in 1920 - converted an old town pavilion into an art gallery to exhibit members’ artwork for sale.

With fundraising largely attributed to the efforts of the artist Anna Hills, members opened a fireproof, custom-built gallery designed by the noted Los Angeles architect Myron Hunt in 1929.

By growing the size of the permanent collections and increasing the quality of exhibitions, LBAA gradually began to operate as an established museum.

[7] The kick-off event on Jan. 27, the Centennial Bash, included site-specific, immersive an art installations from artists Megan Geckler, Elizabeth Turk, and FriendsWithYou, live music and craft beer.

[8] On August 25, the official 100th birthday of the LBAA, the museum offered a family-friendly event with art activities, tours, prizes, cake, and free admission to the public.

[9] The museum's permanent collection, which consist of more than 3,500 artworks in various forms from the early 19th century to the present day, focuses only on California art.

[10] Contemporary artists include: John Altoon, Robert Arneson, Judy Chicago, Francis De Erdely, Tony DeLap, Manny Farber, Oskar Fischinger, Llyn Foulkes, Sam Francis, George Herms, Craig Kauffman, Peter Krasnow, Roger Kuntz, Helen Lundeberg, John McCracken, Wayne Thiebaud, and DeWain Valentine.

Notable exhibitions from the past include: The museum offers diverse programs to serve audiences of all ages, from the local school district to the most underserved communities without access to art education.

Events such as Palette to Palate demonstrate the museum's rich connection to Laguna Beach's artistic community, and its greater role as a social and cultural institution.