Because there is so much to do and see here , Exhibits Director Ron Morrissette says Festival of Arts is the ultimate summertime activity for families and children of all ages .
“ On Mondays , younger kids can have fun with our Art and Story Time , featuring a new story and art project every week ,” Morrissette says , noting that the event , which is free with festival admission , is a big hit with toddlers . “… We also offer free art projects all day long . We ’ re the only festival to partner with the Orange County Department of Education to feature the top student artists from the Imagination Celebration in our Junior Art Gallery .”
The new Junior Art Gallery provides a chance for local students to showcase their art professionally . It will also host a ribbon reception on July 9 , where families can meet the children whose art is displayed within .
In addition , children can partake in youth art education classes on the festival grounds . Taught by artists who work in various mediums , the program has added new classes in illustration , fiber art , recycled art , marbling and birdhouse-making .
Aside from classes and galleries , there are plenty of themed days to keep children engaged . On July 16 , families can partake in Family Art Day , where kids will be presented with coupon booklets good for a variety of on-site activities , like printmaking and treasure hunts . Then , the Festival Runway Fashion Show on Aug . 12 will captivate audiences with vibrant couture designs created by festival artists out of reclaimed or recycled materials . The following day , Aug . 13 , marks the Festival of Arts birthday bash .
“ And , of course , no other festival has the world-famous Pageant of the Masters ,” Morrissette says . “ Kids and adults alike are ‘ wowed ’ when art literally comes to life in this one-of-a-kind show .”
20 SUMMER 2017 CITY GUIDE
This year ’ s theme , “ The Grand Tour ,” will present destination artwork that will take viewers on a journey .
But it doesn ’ t end there . The festival also boasts live music , plenty of space for picnicking and a convenient location that is walking distance from the playground at Main Beach .
SAWDUST ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL
Those who want to introduce their kids to local artwork need to pay a visit to the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival , where exhibitors in the summer show must be Laguna Beach residents .
Children who are inspired to make some artwork of their own at the festival can visit the Children ’ s Art Spot , a booth that is geared toward young artists between the ages of 4 and 7 . This spot offers a variety of art lessons in everything from painting to ceramics . On Wednesdays , the same booth offers a special Preschool Art Morning , where even the smallest of artists can create their own masterpieces .
Another treasure sure to delight festivalgoers this year is the return of the 1960s Volkswagen bus . Redesigned by Sawdust artist Jeff Lavinsky , the bus will provide the perfect photo opportunity for little ones and their families .
One more fun experience for families is a fashion show that will be hosted on the festival grounds Aug . 12 . Clothing and textile artists exhibiting at Sawdust Art & Craft Festival will be invited to feature their best fashion designs , something youngsters are sure to love .
While art is the main focus of every Sawdust festival , the laid-back atmosphere and outdoor eucalyptus grove create an environment that ’ s especially welcoming for families with children . Special entertainment will also take place on select days , including magic shows on Saturdays and Sundays as well as visits by Balloon Divas throughout the weekends .
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EXPLORING LAGUNA ’ S CREATIVE SCENE , SEE OUR ARTS LISTINGS ON PAGE 102 .
CALENDAR
DON ’ T MISS THE SPECIAL EVENTS , CREATIVE CLASSES AND MORE AVAILABLE AT THE ART FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER .
FESTIVAL OF ARTS SPECIAL EVENTS ( Free with festival admission unless otherwise noted )
Adult and Teen Art Workshops : Fridays at 5 p . m . and Saturdays at 10 a . m ., July 7 - Aug . 26 ($ 50 per class ) Wine and Painting Nights : Saturdays , July 8 - Aug . 19 , and Friday , Aug . 25 , 8:30 p . m . ( For adults 21 and up ; $ 50 per class ) A Salute to the Arts : Sundays , July 9 - Aug . 27 ( excluding July 16 ), 2-4 p . m . Art & Story Time : Mondays , July 10 - Aug . 28 , 11 a . m . to noon Youth Arts Education Workshops : July 10 - Aug . 31 , Monday through Friday , 11 a . m . and 1 p . m . ($ 15- $ 25 per class ) Rising Stars Music Series : Tuesdays , July 11 - Aug . 29 , 5:30-7:30 p . m . Art Talks and Tea : Wednesdays , July 12 - Aug . 23 , noon to 1 p . m . Art , Jazz , Wine & Chocolate : Thursdays , July 13 - Aug . 31 , 5:30-7:30 p . m . ($ 20 ) Step Into the Spotlight Music Series : Fridays , July 14 - Aug . 25 , 5:30-7:30 p . m . Concerts on the Green : Saturdays , July 15 and 22 , Aug . 5 and 19 , 1-2:30 p . m . Family Art Day : July 16 , noon to 3 p . m . Festival Runway Fashion Show : Aug . 12 , noon to 3 p . m .
LAGUNA ART-A-FAIR WORKSHOPS Beginning June 30 , these weekly classes are offered throughout the summer for aspiring artists 16 years and older . They are priced at $ 45 for each four-hour session and $ 30 for each two-hour session . Supplies are included .
Mondays : Traditional Watercolor Tuesdays : Jewelry Wednesdays : Watercolor ; Acrylic Abstracts and Collage Thursdays : Acrylic Fridays : Oils Saturdays : Watercolor ; Acrylic Abstracts and Collage Sundays : Leather Work
SAWDUST ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENTS Theme Days : Visit during Surf Day ( July 1 ), Mardi Gras Day ( July 15 ), Green Day ( July 16 ), Speakeasy Day ( July 29 ), Country Western Day ( Aug . 5 ) or Beatles Day ( Aug . 19 ). Art Alive : Watch art come alive during Tuesday artist demonstrations , July 10 - Aug . 28 , 11 a . m . to 1 p . m . Sip , Talk & Walk : Explore the festival grounds with tales from an insider — and complimentary wine — each Wednesday , July 12 - Aug . 23 , 3 p . m . and 7 p . m . Fashion Show : Local clothing designers will draw inspiration from 2-D and 3-D artworks to create a one-of-a-kind collection showcased at “ HeART of Fashion ” on Aug . 12 . Artists ’ Benevolence Fund Auction : Proceeds from this Aug . 13 art auction will support the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund . Tropical Tuesdays : Sip Hawaiian beer while enjoying the sights and sounds of island life at the Sawdust Saloon . July 4 - Aug . 29 , 11 a . m . to 3:30 p . m . Preschool Art Morning : Little ones can learn basic art skills and explore different art mediums on Wednesday mornings from July 5 - Aug . 30 , 10:30 a . m . to 12:30 p . m . Arts & Craft Evening Classes : Learn a new skill at the festival ’ s Thursday arts and crafts classes , July 6 - Aug . 31 . Prices and times vary .