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salsa and swing dance lessons throughout the summer .
For a hands-on experience , festivalgoers can choose between 20 different artistic workshops to learn techniques for acrylic paint pouring , basketry , gourd decorating , jewelry making , paper collage , photo editing and more .
“ I ’ ve been in the show [ for ] 15 years and this year is the first year that I ’ m signing up for workshops myself ,” Ross says .
And , for the first time , festival tickets can be purchased online as well as at the box office .
Local foodies can also rejoice as a pop-up will debut on the festival grounds ( at the Seven7Seven wedding and event venue ). Laguna Canyon Beer & Wine Garden by chef Roger Barakat features cuisine made with fresh , high-quality ingredients and Mediterranean flair . An expanded wine list has also been curated with well-known wines in addition to offering craft beer and a full bar . Enjoy a drink and some food from noon to 8 p . m . Thursday through Sunday in the Laguna Canyon setting with hillside views , flowers and a cascading waterfall .
A wide range of mediums will be displayed at Laguna Art-A-Fair .
BOTTOM : COURTESY OF SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
Sawdust Art Festival
JUNE 30 - SEPT . 3 The 57th annual Sawdust Art Festival will return with 169 local artists , including 10 new exhibitors and a guest artist — the largest collective of creators at any of this summer ’ s art shows . This diverse range of art forms includes ceramics , jewelry , glass , photography , woodworking , textiles , painting , sculptures and more , all to be displayed on the refreshed festival grounds .
“ We ’ ve been busy behind the scenes preparing the grounds with new features , mural spaces and a front installation ,” says Franky Duschane , director of marketing and public relations .
Murals include “ Harmonic ,” a 50-footlong art piece by summer exhibitor Tara Luther along the festival ’ s perimeter , plus a music-inspired backdrop to the Grill Stage by exhibitor Tim Hahne and a selfie wall filled with colorful sea life by new Sawdust artist Lovisa Kjerrgren . “ Lovisa ’ s graphic
mural space is sure to encourage photo opportunities , along with an extra playful installation that is located at the entrance to the show ,” Duschane says .
Daily offerings include performances by local musicians and other shows on the event ’ s three entertainment stages as well as complimentary art classes that will be held across three demo booths .
“ Patrons can enjoy hands-on experiences in painting , mixed media , sculpture , crafts and ceramics — the pottery wheel is a fan favorite ,” Duschane says , noting that classes are first-come , first-serve and included with admission . “… Visitors can also be wowed by the ongoing educational demonstrations provided by the exhibiting artists . One such favorite can be found at the Glass Demo Booth where master Sawdust glass blowers form and blow molten glass in a fascinating artistic display for visitors .”
Be sure to mark your calendars for special events like the Sawdust Fashion Show
The Sawdust Art Festival grounds have been refreshed for the summer season .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 37