As the holiday season approaches, downtown Laguna Beach sparkles with festive decorations, including glowing snowflake displays hanging from trees. Enhancing the area’s illumination is a new public art installation titled “Entwined,” created by artist Charles Gadeken, which features a vivid garden of metal sculptures adorned with LED lights. Children can be seen interacting with the piece, which offers dynamic light displays and sound-reactive elements through a QR code that allows visitors to manipulate its colors and patterns. This immersive installation will be exhibited until January 31, captivating both locals and visitors alike. Gadeken, who has transitioned from a self-taught artist to an adjunct lecturer at Stanford, reflects on the importance of public art in fostering community connection, especially during challenging times.