August 2026 | Galapagos
Galapagos National Park was one of the most memorable formal photo trips I have taken in the last 27 years. This trip was organized for photographers by Van Os Photo Safaris. If it a destination you have been thinking about, I would strongly encourage you to Go!
The travel to get to the Galapagos is a trek whereby first flying to Quito, Ecuador and then flying 600 miles off the coast to the islands. It is long haul but very much worth it.
This is the most controlled area I have had the privilege to visit. Special permits are required and the number of boats both medium and large cruise ships are strictly monitored.
Restrictions regarding your trips route and time at any stop is also monitored Each day our group boarded Zodiac type inflatable boats to go ashore for a trail walk to photograph birds, iguanas, and sea lions. Several islands have the most gorgeous scenery as well.
In the afternoons we had a couple of opportunities to snorkel with the turtles and sea lions. I saw the most brilliant royal blue starfish along with other very colorful sea life. Of course we visited a sanctuary for the giant tortoises. These beautiful creatures are also well protected and a once in a lifetime experience.
Please enjoy this variety of photographs I have selected for this newsletter. Visit my store to see the entire collection along with many other collections available for purchase at crhoadespics.com.
Galapagos Collection | Christine Rhoades Photography
Galapagos Collection | Christine Rhoades Photography
Galapagos Collection | Christine Rhoades Photography
Galapagos Collection | Christine Rhoades Photography
I’m so pleased to share with you this month Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). I became a supporter of this private college way back in 1979. Yikes, that was a long time ago and the school at that time was not even accredited. I joined a support group called Designing Women who raised funds for the college and created Color It Orange: a juried art competition for the Orange County School District, K-12.
I have so much pride in the development and growth of this art college which ranks 7th among private art colleges in the entire country. With 47 years of support, I can definitely sing its’ praises so please don’t hesitate to call or email me with any questions. Art Education is a must for our souls and enduring civilization.
Enjoy!
FEATURED ARTIST
Paige Frank
Paige Frank | Artist
Ranked the Most Popular Fine Arts program in the U.S. by Research.com and #4 in Game Design by the Princeton Review, Laguna College of Art + Design is a nonprofit four-year applied arts college providing both BFA and MFA degrees across 6 undergraduate programs and 3 graduate programs.
As widely skilled creatives, 94% of alumni are employed within one year of graduating. LCAD Alumni work with top studios throughout the creative industry including Walt Disney Studios, Netflix, Titmouse, Blizzard Entertainment, and Obsidian Entertainment, with work featured in films, television shows, magazines and acclaimed galleries. LCAD graduates are trained to be critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, powered by timeless and foundational skills, leading to careers in even the most unexpected industries.
Art + Medicine
LCAD was proud to host UC Irvine School of Medicine students for a sculpture workshop led by Brittany Ryan (Class of ’07), Sculpture Department Coordinator and LCAD faculty. The session invited future doctors to examine anatomy through an artistic lens, exploring the body’s form, movement, and meaning in ways medicine alone rarely reaches.
Alfred Paredes: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
LCAD Fine Art alumnus Alfred Paredes (Class of ’98) brings timeless craftsmanship into the world of film, working closely with Guillermo del Toro on pieces for his personal collection and props featured in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
Photo caption: For the film, Alfred created a 15th-century anatomy box, grounded in historical research and realized through a fusion of traditional and digital sculpting techniques.
Collaboration with Artiste Winery
Through the 2025-26 academic year, 11 Laguna College of Art + Design students transformed their original artwork into wine labels through a unique industry collaboration with Artiste Winery. Featured artists: Xiaosy Chen, Bianca LoCascio, Claire Sheridan, Darius Jover, Anna Olson, Em Cates, Julia McQuaid, Katherine DiMartino, Megan Graham, Momoe Ando, and Phoebe Eddy.
Photo Caption: Class of 2026 BFA Drawing + Painting graduates, Xiaosy Chen and Anna Olson holding their Artiste designs.
Heidi Underwood: Sending Vast into orbit
LCAD Alumna, Heidi Underwood, (Class of 2014) Senior Manager of Brand & Product Design at VAST, led the development of the Vast Astronaut Flight Suit, driving it through multiple design iterations and prototypes to get to a finalized, buildable suit that functions in the real world – and in space.
LCAD graduates stand out in their field as well-rounded, disciplined creatives whose unique perspectives lend themselves to limitless creations. As the most affordable AICAD school with a diverse student population, one-third of which come from low-income backgrounds, LCAD provides accessible arts education to 700 students each year.
To learn more about Laguna College of Art + Design’s programs, scholarships, or to schedule a campus tour, visit LCAD.edu or call (949) 376-6000.
Socials – LCAD.EDU | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK
