Laguna Beach Art Festivals

My husband and I have made it a point to enjoy where we live. Los Angeles is a premiere destination, and we realize how lucky we are to live here. Since we both work for ourselves, we often head to the beach in the middle of the week. We also love to walk by the water in Marina Del Rey. In addition to attending tons of art parties, food festivals and live music events, we frequently take day trips. We were recently invited by a good friend to attend the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. I knew of other Laguna Hills Art Festivals that take place in the same area also in July/August each year. Since we are all art lovers, we decided to make a day of it, and we headed south just after morning rush hour.

Laguna Beach Art Festivals

Review Georgia's Long Beach — *Gretchen’s Jambalaya; photo by Richard Bilow*

We stopped in Long Beach for a fantastic lunch at one of my favorite cajun eateries. I love Georgia’s Restaurant, and the jambalaya is to die for. It was the perfect place to grab a delicious meal, since it was on the way. I also love love love the collard greens and grits as well as everything else on the menu. Our friend David really enjoyed Georgia’s famous fried catfish. It was a great meal. If you love cajun food, be sure to pop in. Read my ETG Review of Georgia’s Restaurant.

Every year in July and August, multiple art festivals take place in the same area of Laguna. These include: 1. Festival of the Arts; 2. Pageant of the Masters; 3. The Sawdust Art Festival; 4. Laguna Art A Fair;

Art Festival Early Beginnings

The Festival of Arts was founded by local artist John H. Hinchman over ninety years ago. It was created to help artists sell their works during the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 1932. During the second year of what would become a hugely successful annual art festival Living pictures were introduced. This would ultimately lead to the popular Pageant of the Masters annual event.

Apparently the two latter art fairs were spawned out of the Festival of Arts due to what some artists considered an unfair jury system. However, all this happened in the early 1960s, when a new sense of freedom of expression was sought after by many of the artists. It seems to have worked out very well, considering how crowded it was with both artists and patrons.

The Sawdust Art Festival

We parked for the day and began at the Sawdust Art Festival. This fair officially began in 1965. It is chock full of talented artists selling their wares direct to the customer. It is a nonprofit organization that was created by local artists to support local artists. The ground is covered with sawdust…hence the name, and the event sported live music by the B-side. I caught several instrumentals from the talented band, while I shopped and spoke with various creators. Refreshments and wine were also available for purchase.

The Artists of the Sawdust Art Festival

*Glass work by Marcus Thesing; Photo by Kathy Leonardo*

We separated for a bit, then we found our friend David who was in the midst of purchasing a gorgeous glass sculpture from Marcus Thesing. This artist worked in quite a few mediums prior to becoming a glass artist. However, once he found his passion for glass, he became consumed. His passion is evident in his unique and glorious works. https://marcusthesing.com

I also enjoyed the work of Tom Belloni, Allison Goode, September McGee, Karen Petty, and Nevada Silva. After talking to several more artists, next I stumbled on Jesse Miller’s booth. At first, I was struck mostly by his framing. The work was excellent, but the frame of each piece had its own unique presentation which uplifted the art. His mixed media works include wood carving, surfboards, leaded glass, and so much more. http://jmillerart.co

Laguna Hills Art Festivals — *Jesse Miller with his art; Photo by Richard Bilow*

Laguna Art A Fair

Right next door to Sawdust, we popped into the Laguna Art A Fair. This art fair began in 1966 and just like the Sawdust Art Festival, it was created by artists. Here I met Susan Davis, a fiber artist. She creates stunning mixed media work utilizing felt, wool as well as glass, threads, plastics and objects found in nature. https://www.iamsusandavis.com/

Eren Alpetekin is a Newport Beach artist who has been exhibiting at the Laguna Art A Fair since 2015. I really enjoyed her striking work. She is also a member of the Los Angeles Art Association (one of ETG and LAArtParty partners). https://www.erenalptekin.com

Contemporary Abstract artist Viviana Stone’s colorful work called out to me from across the room. https://www.vivfineart.com/ There are so many wonderful artists here. Be sure to pop into the Laguna Art A Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651; https://www.art-a-fair.com

Festival of Arts

Finally, we made it to the venue that held both the Festival of Arts and the Pageants of the Masters. I was amazed at how much exceptional work was on display. We spotted the mystical glass art of Marcus Thesing also on exhibit in this location.

I was particularly drawn to the large abstract work of artist Isabelle Alessandra. She became an artist later in life after taking to heart the words of her dying mother. Her work is soulful and inspiring. https://isabelle-alessandra-artist.com

The art of Bruce Burr, Brian Haberlin, Pil Ho Lee, and Debbie Scherer also impressed me.

Pageant of the Masters

Finally it was time for the show – I was excited, since I have never attended this Living Art show. Basically, well-known masterpieces are recreated with live actors in highly detailed sets. Kudos to the prop, lighting and set people, as well for recreating these well-known works was far more convincing than any of us expected. It was nearly impossible to identify which people were the actors within the paintings. Many returning attendees used binoculars to admire the intricacies of the final product. I spoke with a couple of audience members who have attended the Pageant of the Masters year after year for the last 5 years. Each year a new theme is chosen, with a story that weaves through the performance. This year we were treated to Gold Coast, Treasure of California. This spotlighted a road trip to various California museums with artist Susan Hoehn.

Laguna Hill Art Festivals — *Susan Hoehn; courtesy of Pageants of the Masters*

Susan Hoehn just happens to be a longtime Festival of Arts exhibitor. This storyline fit around her series of paintings inspired by people-watching at museums, and the show actually incorporated her. I must admit, at first I thought it was a bit strange. However, it all came together as the show progressed. The show ended with a stirring portrayal of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper. I was told that this happens every year…an expected homage.

ETG Tips

So, be sure to check the website to find out what the theme is, as some may be more appealing to you than others. If possible, buy your tickets early for the best prices. We recommend that you sit as close as possible. However, some people prefer to be further away for a more panoramic view. Visit the joint website for both the Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; https://www.foapom.com

All and all it was a fantastic day filled to the brim with art. Stop in to see all of the shows, and be sure to get out there wherever you live and embrace the arts community around you. Of course if you are in LA, visit our sister site LAArtParty.com for up-to-date gallery opening receptions taking place each weekend in the Los Angeles area.