Summer is the Season of Art in Laguna Beach
- Sharon Stello
- 1 hour ago
- 12 min read
Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair mark milestones while celebrating creativity with the long-running Festival of Arts.
Both marking their 60th anniversaries this year, Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair share an intertwined history. Back in the mid-1960s, traditionalist artists were finding it difficult to gain exhibition space at the renowned Festival of Arts, a juried show in Laguna Beach, as trends moved away from representational pieces in Southern California.
In protest, these determined artists hung their paintings on fences at Glenneyre Street and Park Avenue, creating such a popular show that a larger venue was needed for the next event; a vacant lot on North Coast Highway was selected.
At the end of their second season together, the group of artists split, citing irreconcilable differences. Some of these creatives moved north up Laguna Canyon, spreading sawdust on the ground to prevent dust and mud, which led local media to dub it the “Sawdust Festival,” a moniker that has stuck through the decades. Remaining artists from the original group founded Art-A-Fair, which grew in size and moved several times before settling at its current spot at 777 Laguna Canyon Road in 1988 – next door to the Sawdust location and across the street from the Festival of Arts.
This season, Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair return once again, along with the Festival of Arts (and the Pageant of the Masters show on-site), giving visitors plenty to see and do at these beloved summerlong events filled with artist demonstrations, hands-on art workshops, live music, food and, of course, displays of paintings, photos, ceramics, jewelry and more.
In lead-up to the opening today, Jay Grant, board president and 53-year member of Sawdust Art Festival, reflected on the milestone of this festival born out of passion for artistic freedom.
“Celebrating 60 years of Sawdust is truly an honor,” Grant said. “Each decade brings even more joy as people come together to experience the festival as it was meant to be – a welcoming community of artists and a delightful artist village atmosphere that continues to inspire and connect generations.”
In the early days, Grant said, there was a desire to create something new and authentic. They didn’t know if Sawdust would last, but 60 years later, it’s still thriving.
Sawdust Art Festival: LOCALS ONLY
Grant remains committed to the festival he helped build more than five decades ago, serving as a champion for the event’s defining sense of independence and creative spirit alongside his wife, Nikki, one of the last founding members still exhibiting at Sawdust.
“When she transitioned from ceramics into jewelry, I took over her ceramics business and ran my own booth for several years,” said Grant, who also worked as the festival sales manager for 35 years and is now in his second stint as a board member and third term as president.
Sawdust Art Festival, which only accepts Laguna Beach residents to display their artwork (except for a handful grandfathered in), will showcase more than 180 artists this year including 15 new exhibitors.
From left, Sawdust Art Festival board President Jay Grant, longtime exhibitor Douglas Miller, Alex Evans, a.k.a. Dr. Neon, and jewelry maker Patti Jo. Photos courtesy of Sawdust Art Festival
“Everything guests see at Sawdust Art Festival is handmade by the artists themselves – a true labor of love – and that authenticity has drawn generations of visitors back, with about a third of our attendees returning year after year,” Grant said.
In addition to the artist booths, there will be live music on three stages, theme days like Woodstock Day, Beatles Day and Jazz Sunday, hands-on art workshops for adults and kids, and some brand-new demonstration stations including ceramics, art education and metalworking in addition to the ever-popular glassblowing demos.
Visitors can also enjoy culinary offerings from Laguna concepts Ahba, which will serve its signature wagyu burgers with homemade sauce, sandwiches and soft serve; The Cove by Starfish, with Asian dumplings, curries, soups, vegetarian dishes and a churro bao bun; and Taco Loco, a beloved local favorite helmed by Gonzo Rebollar, who has been part of Laguna Beach’s dining scene for more than three decades (the Taco Loco eatery in town closed in 2023).
Sawdust Art Festival is known for its unique booths built by the artists. On the right, you can see an aerial view of the Sawdust Art Festival in 1974, which includes a Windmill Booth which will be recreated this year. Photos courtesy of Sawdust Art Festival
“(And) to celebrate the 60th anniversary,” Grant said, “the Sawdust Art Festival is especially excited about presenting the grounds with art everywhere, including special pieces created just for the anniversary …. We've re-created the most popular booth of our early years – Tracey Moscaritolo’s renowned ‘Windmill Booth,’ a larger-than-life installation right at our entrance. And in our History Booth, there are many stunning art pieces from some of our earlier founding members.”
Laguna Art-A-Fair: SHOWCASING THE WORLD
With a retro vibe and plenty of great memories to share from past years, Laguna Art-A-Fair will mark its 60th anniversary with more than 70 returning artists and 40 new exhibitors. This is the only Laguna festival that welcomes artists from around the globe as there are no residency requirements to be an exhibitor.
Visitors will find a wide range of mediums on display as well as a significant expansion of workshops, with 52 immersive, artist-led sessions spread across 108 dates. Options abound for both novices and experienced creatives in acrylic and watercolor painting, jewelry making, mixed media, basketry, fiber arts, ceramics, paper arts and more; an extra fee is required and registration can be made at art-a-fair.com/workshops.
Left, artists talk with visitors who visit their booths. Right, visitors can sign up for art classes throughout the summer. Photos courtesy of Laguna Art-A-Fair
Artists will also be available to talk with visitors and demonstrate their creative process and technique for a behind-the-scenes look at how fine art is made. And the Laguna Art International Foundation, established last year, will showcase artwork by local teens to encourage the next generation of artists in Orange County. Ice cream socials are planned at 11 a.m. Saturdays, July 11 and Aug. 15, to celebrate these emerging artists.
Adding to the festival atmosphere, a variety of music will be presented from Spanish guitar to Latin jazz, R&B, pop, 1970s rock, beach and surf tunes, Jamaican steel drum and more. And Art-A-Fair’s new restaurant partner will offer an expanded menu including burgers, tacos, sandwiches, churros, iced coffee and elevated refreshers to enjoy while sitting and relaxing or while strolling the grounds to peruse the art.
Festival of Arts: The ORIGINAL
The longest-running festival in town, founded in 1932, Festival of Arts has only skipped five years (1942-1945 during World War II and 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic). This year, the juried show features 120 artists from across Orange County – including 13 first-time exhibitors – in addition to a jam-packed lineup of entertainment, interactive workshops, docent-led tours and special events.
“What sets the Festival of Arts apart is that it offers a direct connection between artists and the public in a setting that is both accessible and highly curated,” said David Perry, the festival’s board president. “Visitors are not simply viewing artwork – they are engaging with juried artists, experiencing demonstrations and seeing work presented within a broader cultural program.
“The combination of a fine art exhibition, daily live music, artist demonstrations and hands-on opportunities creates an experience that unfolds differently throughout the season. And when paired with the Pageant of the Masters, an internationally recognized production that brings iconic works of art to life (at the Irvine Bowl on the festival grounds), it becomes a cultural experience that is truly unique. People return year after year because it is not static – it is a tradition that continues to feel new, while remaining deeply rooted in artistic excellence and community.”
Artist demonstrations and art classes are a part of the experience at the Festival of Arts. Photos courtesy of Festival of Arts
In addition to longtime festival favorites, three new music series are planned this year: Flashback Fridays, featuring talented performers’ renditions of top hits by favorite artists from the past; Showstopper Saturdays, with high-energy rock and pop tribute acts; and Southern Songbook Sundays, a presentation of music inspired by Southern rock, country, Americana, blues and soul. Each series takes place at 5:30 p.m. weekly on its respective days.
Then, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., the Tremendous Tributes Music Series returns with some of Southern California’s most popular tribute bands. And on Saturdays at 1 p.m., award-winning jazz and funk performances are presented for Concerts on the Green. View the entire music schedule at foapom.com/summer-art-show/music-schedule.
A new special event, Cultural Arts Day, will make its debut Sunday, July 19, celebrating creativity and community (more details to be announced soon). And, back by popular demand after premiering last summer, Battle of the Arts is set for noon Sunday, Aug. 23: Festival artists go head-to-head in a live paint-off and dueling pianists compete on stage, with the audience voting to determine the winner.
Then get set for a multisensory experience on Thursdays with the festival’s Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate series, which brings together live jazz, curated flights of La Crema wine and decadent gourmet chocolate (additional fee applies).
Other special events include the Festival Runway Fashion show at noon Sunday, Aug. 9, showcasing outfits designed by artists using recycled materials, and Family Art Day from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, featuring hands-on art projects, ocean-themed activities and live performances following the Junior Art Award Ceremony at 11 a.m.
Left, the Festival of Arts Runway Fashion Show features clothing made with recycled materials. Photo courtesy of Festival of Arts/Cheryl Walsh. Right, An aerial performer during Family Art Day at Festival of Arts. Photo courtesy of Festival of Arts/Kyle Fierro
Meanwhile, Sunday afternoons bring Paint and Sip or Prints and Pinots classes on alternating weeks from 3-5:30 p.m. For $50, each class allows participants (age 21 and up) to create a piece of art with easy-to-follow instruction by festival artists while enjoying complimentary wine or other beverages.
For free, hands-on workshops, the Festival Art Center will be open from 4-8 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 8 p.m. weekends for drop-in art making. Also free, guided art tours are offered at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and both 3 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to meet the artists and discover more about their techniques through discussions and demonstrations.
And, of course, the ever-popular Pageant of the Masters (which is held on festival grounds but requires a separate ticket) is always a crowd-pleaser.
“It’s an event my wife and I have attended for over 50 summers and remains an extraordinary production that demonstrates a level of creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling that is unmatched,” Perry said.
Left, volunteer actors rehearse their re-creation of Winslow Homer's "Snap the Whip" for Pageant of the Masters. Right, the final pose of "Snap the Whip" in this year's Pageant of the Masters. Photos courtesy of Festival of Arts
Pageant of the Masters
Continuing for almost as long as Festival of Arts, where the show is presented in the Irvine Bowl amphitheater, Pageant of the Masters is beloved for its re-creation of famous works of art by volunteers wearing elaborate costumes and makeup, posing motionless against detailed backdrops or replicating a sculpture. This year’s theme is “The Greatest of All Time,” featuring paintings by the likes of van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Degas, Warhol, Rockwell and more.
“ ‘GOAT’ is a catchy phrase that we hope immediately sparks curiosity, but we’re also taking the challenge of identifying the greatest artists of all time quite seriously,” said Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy. “Our goal was to create a show featuring artists whose names and works are familiar to most audience members, while also celebrating the incredible impact they’ve had on art history and culture.
“Narrowing the list down to roughly 20 artists was no easy task; it meant leaving out many deserving names. While I tried to approach the selection objectively, recognition, influence and enduring popularity ultimately played the biggest role. The result is a fascinating collection of artists whose work continues to inspire people across generations.”
One change this year is the addition of 14 actors portraying many of the featured artists.
“We call it ‘live action,’ ” Challis Davy said. “Instead of simply learning about these iconic figures through their artwork, audiences will get to experience them as people with personalities, stories and memorable moments brought to life on stage. It adds a whole new layer of energy, humor and connection to the production, making the artists feel more human and relatable than ever before.”
A community effort, the onstage team includes 135 volunteers who will pose in the living pictures, plus 14 actors portraying the featured artists and 25 extras and supporting performers.
“Behind the scenes, an incredibly dedicated team of costume, makeup, lighting, scenic, technical and production professionals works year-round to create the magic audiences see each summer,” Challis Davy added.
And there’s always something to surprise the crowd. In past years, extra excitement has come in the form of a live horse on stage, a car and even an actor ziplining above the seats.
“We have several spectacular illusions planned this year, but I don't want to give away too much of the magic,” Challis Davy said. “Part of the fun of the Pageant is being surprised. I can share that audiences will see the return of a newly constructed Trevi Fountain, which is sure to be a visual highlight. There’s also an unexpected and creative twist on Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ that I think people will be talking about long after the show ends. As always, we're pushing ourselves to find new ways to make audiences wonder, ‘How did they do that?’ ”
For the uninitiated, it’s tradition that the show always ends with “The Last Supper.”
Many people make it a point to come year after year to see the pageant as the new season’s theme unfolds beneath the stars.
“The pageant is a completely new show every year, so even longtime attendees know they’ll experience something fresh and unexpected,” Challis Davy said. “Audiences enjoy discovering the tricks behind the illusions, being surprised by creative new interpretations and seeing familiar works of art transformed on stage.
“Beyond the production itself, there’s something special about spending a summer evening in the beautiful Irvine Bowl. For many families, attending the pageant has become a cherished tradition, creating memories that span generations and bringing people back year after year.”
Passport to the Arts
One-time entry to each festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival, during the summer season plus one-time free parking at Act V parking lot at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road and free trolley services
Cost: $29; purchase on-site at any of the three festivals
Information: lagunabeachpassport.com
Sawdust Art Festival
When: June 26 through Sept. 6. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $12.50 for single-day admission ($10.50 for seniors age 65+ and $5.50 for children ages 6-12); free admission for children ages 5 and under and military members with military ID and their family members every day and for Laguna Beach residents with ID after 5 p.m. Thursdays and all day on the first Friday of each month; season pass is $35.50; annual pass (summer and winter festivals) is $49.50
Information: 949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org
Laguna Art-A-Fair
When: June 26 through Sept. 6. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; closed July 4; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6
Where: 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $10 for single-day admission ($8 for students and seniors); VIP season pass is $15; free admission for Laguna Beach residents with ID and children under age 12 if accompanied by a parent
Special free entry days: On certain days, free admission is offered to residents of each Orange County city with ID (residents of LA, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties also receive free admission on certain days); find your city/county’s free day at art-a-fair.com/hours
Information: 949-494-4514; art-a-fair.com
Festival of Arts
When: July 7 through Sept. 3. 4-11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday through Sunday
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: $10 for single-day admission on weekdays ($7 for students and seniors age 65+ and $5 for children ages 6-12) and $15 on weekends ($11 for students and seniors and $5 for children); free admission for children age 5 and under, military members, Laguna Beach residents with ID and Festival of Arts members ($60 and up for annual membership)
Information: 800-487-3378; foapom.com
Pageant of the Masters
A show of more than 30 tableau vivant – “living pictures” – and sculptures; volunteers pose in elaborate costumes against backdrops to re-create works of art
When: July 9 through Sept. 4; nightly at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Irvine Bowl at Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Cost: Starting at $42 for Monday through Thursday; $47 and up Friday and Sunday; $52 and up Saturday; $67 and up Sept. 4 for The Greatest Party of All Time including a unique Pageant performance, Beatles tribute band, celebrity guest star host and interactive experiences; children under age 4 not admitted to any pageant shows
Information: 800-487-3378; foapom.com
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