Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
I n a world that springs forth a steady stream of calamities, art is not only an escape but also, as John Cheever once said, "The triumph over chaos." Among the many reasons that Golden State locals and international travelers escape to Laguna Beach each summer are its life-affirming, soul-enhancing art festivals. Clustered along Laguna Canyon Road, the Big Three annual outdoor art fairs – Sawdust Art Festival, Art-A-Fair, and Festival of Arts, featuring Pageant of the Masters – draw epic crowds on weekends and more navigable ones during the week. In addition to the original artwork from Orange County and around the globe, what attracts visitors is the convivial atmosphere of a shared cultural experience under the California sun. Each of the three premier art festivals has its own emphasis and character, but rather than compete, the fairs support each another in order to maximize every attendee's arts encounter. For example, if you're spending an afternoon at one festival but can't find the particular type of watercolor you're interested in, the information booth folks will try to help you track it down at one of the other fairs down the road or across the street. To further that spirit of community (and to acknowledge the state of the economy), the festivals offer the Triple Value Passport to the Arts, ideal for art aficionados who are planning repeat visits to more than one fair. The $19 passport provides significant savings on unlimited, summer-long admission to Sawdust, Art-A-Fair, and Festival of the Arts (excluding the Pageant) and can be ordered online at www.LagunaBeachPassport. com or by phone at 949.497.0521. Of the trio of art happenings, the Sawdust Art Festival features only Laguna Beach artists and exudes the most bohemian as well as family- friendly vibe. The sole non-juried festival of the group, Sawdust originated in the 1960s and has retained its mellow flavor while solidifying its green stance. Although Sawdust strives to keep its alternative spirit alive, it is joining for the first time with a corporate sponsor, American Honda. Two Honda hybrid vehicles will be on display, a 2010 Insight and a 2011 CR-Z, the latter to be raffled off to provide revenue for the operating costs of the fest. The works of longtime Sawdust artists Doug Miller and Ryan Gourley will add painterly flair to the car displays. Also new to Sawdust this year is the Original Collectors' Panels project in support of the festival's other cherished cause, education. Stunning panels created by more than 50 of Sawdust's 200-plus artists will be pre-auctioned during the run of the show and sold at a final live auction on August 22. Proceeds will benefit the Sawdust Art Education Fund. Along with the new features, fairgoers can expect the same ambience and products that bring them back to Sawdust each year: compelling artwork, live entertainment, outdoor cafés, artist-led demonstrations and classes… and a little sawdust in their sneakers. Self-dubbed "The Finer Arts Festival," Art-A-Fair has been around as long as Sawdust but distinguishes itself by promoting international, jury-selected artists. This year's collection of art meets the jury's high standards in concept, execution, and presentation. Many of the artists who exhibit at the fair have won or been in the running for major prizes, such as Art-A-Fair newcomer Jill Jacobs. Although visitors will likely be seeing her handcrafted glass jewelry for the first time, they might be familiar with her work in another medium: Jacobs was part of the Emmy-nominated animation team for the popular TV series "King of the Hill." This season, in response to requests for serious educational opportunities, Art-A-Fair has arranged for some of its exhibiting artists to share their expertise leading a variety of art workshops. Joyce Kasprzyk, Vice President of Marketing for Art-A-Fair, encourages adults ages SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL • ART-A-FAIR • FESTIVAL OF ARTS & PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS By: Dalia van den Boogaard 22 LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10