One of the things that make Laguna Beach unique is its trio of yearly arts festivals
The granddaddy of them is the Festival of Arts, which turns 75 this year. Started by struggling artists in 1932 to draw visitors from the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the festival has grown to be one of the most prestigious in the country. The juried art show this year includes more than 140 of the Orange County’s most renowned artists, some of whom have been exhibiting for nearly 50 years. For the anniversary, the Festival of Arts has added more special events, including a weekly Blues Fest, a cooking series, culinary competitions, “mud-slinging” pottery demonstrations open to visitor participation, and,this year only,a special exhibit featuring the art of Walt Disney in a venture with the Disneyland Resort. The promise of interacting with the artists and their crafts on a daily basis makes it an inviting way to spend a day.
The festival, on Laguna Canyon Road, is open daily through Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Season passes go for $7. Students and seniors get in for $4. Children 12 and under and Laguna Beach residents are free.
The Sawdust Festival was started in 1966 and this year features more than 200 exhibitors, all with ties to Laguna Beach. This year’s theme, Up Close and Personal, features chances to see the artists at work and talk to them about their creations. It also will feature Sawdust Scholars,scholarship winners from Laguna Beach High School. The Sawdust Festival is open daily through Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults, or $13 for a season pass. Seniors 65 and up are $6. Children ages six to 12 are $3; under 5, free.
Art-A-Fair is in its 41st year and features 120 artists primarily from OC or other parts of California. New this year is a Venetian theme that includes an open courtyard called Piazza Venezia, a more dramatic entry dubbed Palazzo Laguna, Venetian-themed murals and new cocktail bar. The Tivoli Too restaurant is featuring Italian specialties and beefed up entertainment options that range from light jazz and reggae to Motown and classical music. Art-A-Fair is open Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Season tickets are $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, students and military; children under 12 are free.
,Sandi Cain
