22 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
of King Tut to the Middle Ages and modern times , explains pageant Director Diane Challis Davy . “ We ’ re pulling out all the stops this year for a dazzling display of sartorial elegance ,” she says .
Featuring an all-volunteer and largely locally sourced cast , the 2024 pageant will open with a runway fashion show reflecting fashion found in works of art as well as an homage to the worldfamous Met Gala .
There ’ s also a tribute to Edith Head , the Hollywood costume designer who won a record eight Academy Awards . “ One of her best collaborations was with director Alfred Hitchcock ,” Challis Davy says . “ We ’ re going to have fun with Edith ’ s costume sketches and vignettes from ‘ Vertigo ,’ ‘ The Birds ’ and ‘ To Catch a Thief .’ Hitchcock was the master of suspense and our tribute will have many surprises .”
Pageant of the Masters runs nightly from July 6 to Aug . 30 in the Irvine Bowl at Festival of Arts . For more information , visit foapom . com .
Sawdust Art Festival
The annual Sawdust Art Festival also has deep roots in the community . It ’ s been around since the mid-1960s , when the first two shows were held in various spots including the Peacock lot near Coast Highway before moving in 1968 to the current 3-acre eucalyptus grove in Laguna Canyon .
“ The Sawdust Festival is deeply embedded in the history
Artists at Sawdust Art Festival set up their booths on a sawdust-covered walkway to show their art pieces during this summer festival .
of Laguna Beach and spans generations of local families that have either been artists at the show or employees for summer jobs ,” says Sawdust President Andrew Soliz . His advice for first-time visitors ? “ Take your time and have an open mind ,” he says .
In a bid to be more sustainable this year and lower participation costs , the artists ’ booths won ’ t be torn down at the end of the event so they can be used again next summer . Around 180 Laguna Beach artists working in ceramics , jewelry , glass , photography , painting and other mediums will take the spotlight at this year ’ s show .
There will also be art demonstrations , complimentary art classes as well as three stages of live music , plus outdoor dining and drinking options . Beloved local favorite Taco Loco , which closed its South Coast Highway eatery last year , will open a food booth at Sawdust this summer . Roaming balloon artists , magicians and acoustic guitarists will add to the festive atmosphere .
Most of the art classes operate on a first-come , firstserved basis , so the sooner you arrive to the festival grounds the better . Sawdust opens at 11 a . m . daily for the duration . The festival runs from June 28 to Sept . 1 . For more information , visit sawdustartfestival . org .
COURTESY OF SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL