Sawdust

art festival draws thousands of visitors during summer show

The smell of sizzling garlic grabbed my attention before I even got off the trolley that took me from the parking lot to the Sawdust Art Festival grounds. Did I want to appease my grumbling stomach first, go find the band that was rockin’ the Main Stage, stroll amongst the artists’ booths of the festival or watch the antics of Abbit the Average?

I opted for exploration of the myriad booths that lined the lanes of one of the summer art festivals in Laguna Beach, Calif., and then music.

STROLLING ABOUT

Sparkling glass, paintings, vintage-looking clothes, velvet hats and lots and lots of handcrafted jewelry were on display from more than 200 artists — just waiting for visitors and buyers. Oh my, the earrings, my particular weakness — silver, gold, opal, with beads and without — each pair called my name as I walked by. Baubles, baubles everywhere and not a dime to spare. I had wisely left my debit card in the car. Smart move, Lara!

The festival setting is like a small village, the eclectic booths built by the artists themselves. Each booth is unique, reflecting the personality of its creator.

The sawdust-covered paths between the colorful booths were soft and springy — and easy on the feet. They give an informal air to the scene — and gave the festival its name.

There were even small waterfalls sliding down rocks in the three-acre eucalyptus grove, complete with a pond and waterwheel.

The largest crowd was gathered around the glassblowers’ demonstration. New art pieces were created from molten glass to the delight and applause of onlookers. Wandering performers like the Balloon Diva made twisted balloon hats, and Abbit the Average delighted folks with vaudeville routines and magic tricks.

There were also workshops for art enthusiasts to try their hand at pottery, tie-dyeing or creating a piece of sand art.

On the festival Web site there is a complete calendar of all the art projects available for the rest of the season.

www.sawdustartfestival.org/classes-and-workshops

It was 80s day and classic rock music had me in full-tilt-boogie mode as I made my way back to the Main Stage. Drummer Scott Jones was the driving force behind the OC Vintage Rock Company and they had the joint a‘jumpin’ with a Creedence Clearwater tune. I wanted to sing and shake my tambourine like I did in the golden-olden days, but in the name of good taste, I refrained. Besides, I didn’t have my tambourine with me.

MEETING THE ARTISTS

The nicest thing about the Sawdust Art Festival was meeting many wonderful artists who were more than happy to discuss their work and the processes behind the finished pieces.

Veteran Laguna Beach artist Doug Miller is well-known for having sold more than 10,000 paintings in his career, and with 40 years participating in the festival, he is one of the old-timers. He has a pile of toys in his booth that children can choose from and an HO railroad runs around his space, providing entertainment for kids and adults alike.

In addition to being a painter, Miller is also a photographer and violinist. He’ll be playing with Sasha Evans at the festival in coming days.

See the events page for a compete entertainment schedule: www.sawdustartfestival.org/Calendar-of-Events/

Miller met his wife, Becky, while playing in surfer Corky Carroll’s band in 1978, and married her the next year on the Sawdust grounds under the waterfall. Did I mention, he loves trains?

I indulged in a set of note cards by artist Gregory Goyo Lincoln, who was putting the finishing touches of tiny shells on the cards as he watched people walk by. Why note cards? Because they were simple, classically beautiful and the gentleman was genuinely interesting to talk with. I will definitely have to find a use for the cards. I think one would look lovely framed.

Next to catch my eye were the startling art glass sculptures by Gavin Heath. The tribal dolls were amazing, but I was really drawn to a tall blown glass compote in delicate swirling shades of blue with painted details. Even the paint is glass in an emulsified form.

FOOD

The smell of buttery garlic wafting through the air finally became too enticing so off i went to find the source.

I guessed the scent came from the Greek Island Grille, so I chose a late lunch from their extensive menu — a Greek salad with pita bread slices that was tasty and plentiful. The Grille serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine of pitas, salads, appetizers, baklava and fries. I don’t think the fries were Greek though.

Food was offered at four different locations on the festival grounds. Gourmet salads, hot dogs, filet mignon tacos, smoothies, espresso and kettle corn — oh man, there went my diet. And who doesn’t love funnel cakes?

There were too many inviting smells and flavors to sample in one day. I would have to go back every day for a week to try everything.

As I reluctantly left the festival, the OC Vintage Rock Company had the crowd on their feet hootin’ ‘n’ hollerin’ to Robert Johnson’s blues classic “Crossroads.” I took a last look around and seeing as it was 80s day, it didn’t surprise me to see a guy who had the whole ZZ Top thing goin’ on — cap, long beard and sunglasses — waiting for a hamburger and a beer. Perfect.

Finis

The Sawdust was originally called the Laguna Artists and Gallery Owners Association after breaking away from the Festival of Arts in 1965, in protest of that show’s jurying system. That first festival was located on a vacant lot at the bottom of Park Avenue (on the Peacock lot) with only a few dozen exhibitors. It was called the ‘Rejects Festival’ by the media.

In 1968 the show moved to its present three-acre site at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, welcoming one and all with the promise to educate the public as well as provide a sales outlet for unrestricted art. Today, artists demonstrate their art in designated “demo” booths where the public is invited to participate, as well as working in their own booths. The lovely eucalyptus grove with its rippling waterfall provides an irresistible background.

The Sawdust Art Festival is truly a local event. All artists exhibiting in the festival are residents of Laguna Beach.

Because the show is non-juried, enthusiastic amateurs display their work along with accomplished veteran artists, providing the spice and variety that make every show different from the last.

In keeping with the spirit of its beginnings, the Sawdust Art Festival intends to be different from other art shows, visualizing itself as an artists’ “happening” rather than a stuffy exhibit.

If you are really lucky, you may run into one of the remaining founding members, still weaving their magic along the sawdust lanes.

Source: www.sawdustartfestival.org/history

MORE INFORMATION

There are two other art celebrations going on during the summer season, which lasts until Aug. 30. The Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters are within walking distance of the Sawdust Art Festival or you can take a convenient shuttle. There are also fall and winter events at the “Sawdust.”

WHEN: July 7 to August 31
Gala Benefit Saturday, August 28
HOURS: 8:30 P.M.
WHERE: Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

MORE INFORMATION: (949) 494-1145
Each night during the summer season at 8:30 the Festival of Arts presents its most famous attraction; the Pageant of the Masters.

What is it?

Ninety minutes of “living pictures” — incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind.

WEB SITE: https://www.pageantofthemasters.com/
TICKETS: https://foapom.com/site/events.asp

OC Vintage Rock Company
https://theocvintagerockcompany.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=the-oc-vintage-rock-company

Isaac Anderson Mixed Media
https://isaacandersonart.com

HOOKer Earrings
www.hooker-earrings.com

Upcoming Special Events

• Hawaiian Surf Day
July 24, 2010 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
It’s easy for everyone to dress Hawaiian! Tropical prints, Hawaiian shirts, even a hula skirt will be perfect for this special day.

• Green Day
August 07, 2010 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
This will be an enviro-friendly day with speakers and non-profit-organization presentations to help educate the public about living “green.”

• Beatles Day
August 22, 2010 (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) — Visitors and artists are encouraged to dress in 60s and 70s style, musical acts will be featuring Beatles music and arts and craft classes will be tailored to a Beatles theme.

SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL DATES & HOURS
WHERE: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, Calif.
WHEN: Now until Sunday, August 29
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
INFORMATION: (949) 494-3030
WEB: www.sawdustartfestival.org

ADMISSION
Adult one-day — $7.75
Senior one-day (65+) — $6.25
Children (6 to 12) — $3.25
Children (5 & under) — Free
Season pass — $15.00
Annual pass — $20.00