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History
Laguna Beach is the archtypical California art colony. Very early on, around the beginning of the 20th Century, artists were drawn to Laguna Beach for the combination of isolation; the community is still today on a narrow strip between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, a good drive from the populated centers of the OC; the wonderful climate and beautiful scenery. Today Laguna Beach is home to a fine museum, a well respected art college and many art events and artists' societies.

The Sawdust Festival was founded in 1966 by local artists concerned that their vision was being excluded by the more conventional art community that ran such programs as The Pageant of the Masters. The Festival was intended to provide the bohemian artists and flower children a venue for them to present and sell their art and, the era of long hair and beads, became wildly successful.

Much of the energy and whimsy of the 60's is still prevalent at the festival; above the bass player of the Kahuna Coyboys, one of the many live music groups performing at the Sawdust festival.

The Sawdust Festival includes a strong educational component. There are many opportunities for children and adults to participate in the creative process, everything from printmaking to throwing pottery on wheels is available to the visitors.

On one hand, The Sawdust Festival has accepted a variety of works that seem to be contary to the founding principles of the organization. For example, jewelry some of which looks like commercial manufacture and sports photography. However the creativity and workmanship available in much of the art is exemplary, above works demonstrating a unique vision and high level of skill by Scott Moore are examples of some of truly fine work available at the Sawdust Festival.

 

Of course, some of the art at the Festival mirrors the art available in the downtown Laguna Beach galleries. By this I mean artwork with an ocean theme; mermaids and dolphins. I wish to emphasize that The Sawdust Festival, because of the wealth of talent in the Laguna Beach community, is one of the most "art" oriented art festivals in the nation.

Even the displays of work are colorful and entertaining; above are ceramic mushrooms made and arranged by Li-Nan Ziegler.

More about The Sawdust Festival can be discovered by Clicking Here

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