Sawdust Art Festival

Sawdust Art Festival
By Shelley T. Hudson

Our sunny Southern California summer is well underway and that can only mean one thing—the artists at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Summer Show are ready to knock our socks off! This year’s festival promises to be as exciting and varied as ever, with over 200 exhibitors displaying their fine art and craft and creating their passions right before our eyes.

The 2011 Sawdust Art Festival marks the 45th anniversary of this celebrated event, which began in 1965 as a vehicle to promote and support local artists and educate the public. True to its origins, the festival hosts artists who all live and work in Laguna Beach. They show off their talents in a wide variety of mediums, including hand-blown glasswork, fused glass, painting, jewelry, wood and metal sculpture, ceramics, textiles, clothing, scrimshaw, photography, mixed media and more.

The festival draws in excess of 200,000 visitors each year and organizers are careful to provide an unstuffy, family-friendly atmosphere. In fact, patrons are encouraged to interact with the artists and participate in art workshops and live demonstrations. An expansive Children’s Art Booth gives future Van Goghs hands-on experience with paintbrushes and clay. Visitors of all ages can try their hand at the potter’s wheel in the Ceramic Center or take a wide variety of art classes at the Sawdust Studio.

What started as a little art display in a parking lot in the 60’s has become the region’s most popular art event. Encompassing three acres of eucalyptus grove, the festival is rebuilt from the ground up every summer. Each exhibitor constructs his or her “venue,” creating a unique village-like setting. Once the booths are assembled, sawdust is brought in to line the pathways and landscaping is added. Guests can amble along the paths and enjoy the exhibits at a leisurely pace, taking time to get to know the artists and their creative processes.

The variety of fine art and craft is the signature draw of the Sawdust Art Festival. It’s non-juried, so visitors will find accomplished and acclaimed artists exhibiting their work alongside newer artists. Since the booths are rebuilt and booth locations are changed every year, each show is a new experience for guests.

The Sawdust Art Festival’s nine-week schedule includes daily live music on three stages and roving musical acts. With food and beverages from four restaurants and the Sawdust Saloon, be prepared to spend at least a whole day taking in all the sights, sounds and flavors. A better idea might be to spring for a Season Pass, which is an exceptional bargain. At only $15 per person, the pass offers unlimited admission and access to all activities for the entire run of the Summer Show. For just five bucks more, you can purchase an Annual Pass, which grants access to the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy.

A primary function of the festival is to support Laguna Beach’s intrepid artists. A terrific opportunity to participate in the cause directly is to attend the Artists Benevolence Fund Art Auction on Sunday, August 7th, on the Sawdust Entertainment Deck. Exhibiting artists generously donate work for the auction to raise funds for their peers. The fund has donated over $100,000 to local artists in times of need.

Sawdust Art Festival • 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA • 949.494.3030sawdustartfestival.org