The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show will celebrate its 86th year July 5 through Sept. 1 in Laguna Beach. The Festival of Arts has been rated one of the top festivals in the nation and each year hosts 140 of Orange County’s most talented artists. Live music, hands-on art activities, exhibitions of local student artwork and a wide variety of special events round out one of southern California’s favorite outdoor summer festivals. “Avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the artists displays,” said Sharbie Higuchi. marketing and public relations director for the festival. The Festival of Arts is a professionally juried fine art show featuring a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more from artists around Orange County. Since opening in 1932, thousands have shown and sold their artwork at the festival and many have their work featured in the private collections of leading art collectors, celebrities, and museums around the world.
In addition to the variety of artwork, the Festival of Arts offers a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy. The calendar includes nightly live music, guided art tours, art workshops and weekly series including Concerts on the Green and Art, Jazz, Wine, and Chocolate.
Several special one-day events will return this year, including the popular Festival Runway Fashion Show and Family Art Day.
Fascinating and informative discussions with the Festival of Arts exhibitors will be held every Wednesday during Art Talks and Tea. Also, back by popular demand, will be the music series Step into the Spotlight, which brings to center stage some of those amazing voices that are usually seen (and heard) in the background. For families, Art and Story Time, is a weekly series for children 5 and under. Every Monday will feature a different children’s book read aloud and a hands-on art project, along with special surprise visits from illustrators, book characters and more. New this summer, the Festival of Arts’ introduces Tribute Tuesdays, highlighting some of Southern California’s most well-known tribute bands. Talented performers pay homage to music legends as they re-create popular songs every Tuesday night on the Festival of Arts concert stage.
“Looking back at the original Festival of Arts in 1932, there was something for everyone to enjoy. That tradition continues today,” said Higuchi. “With beautiful art, nightly live music, workshops for all ages, and unique events, the Festival is truly a full arts experience.”
The Festival of Arts is sponsored in part by Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5, Pavilions and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. EVENT INFORMATION Special Events
For a complete list visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org. All events are free with admission unless otherwise noted. Art and Story Time Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Tribute Tuesdays Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. Art Talks and Tea
Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate
Thursdays, July 12 – Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m.
$20 additional fee for tastings Step into the Spotlight Music Series
Fridays, July 13 – Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m. Concerts on the Green
Saturdays, July 7, 14 & 21, Aug 4, 11, & 18, Sept. 1, 1 p.m. Family Art Day
Sunday, July 8, noon Festival Runway Fashion Show
Sunday, Aug. 19, noon Art Workshops for Everyone
For schedule and reservations visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org. Creativity runs wild at the Festival’s Adult and Teen Art Classes where students will make their own masterpieces under the instruction of professional artists. ($60)
On Saturdays, uncork your creativity at our Wine and Painting Nights. Learn to paint with easy to follow instruction by Festival artists and enjoy complimentary wine or beverages. Must be 21 and up. ($75)
Monday through Friday, the Festival hosts Youth Art Classes, art classes for children ages 5 to 12. Classes include sculpture, printmaking, drawing, and much more. ($25+)
Printmaking, ceramics ($25+) and multimedia workshops will be open daily for visitors of all ages to stretch creative muscles. The Festival Art Center will be open weekdays from 10:30am to 8:30pm and weekends from 12noon to 8:30pm for hands-on artistic fun. Reservations not required, drop in anytime! ART TOURS
Free art tours will be held daily at 2pm and 5pm with a special family-friendly tour offered Saturday mornings at 11am. Meet the artists and learn firsthand about their artwork and techniques through discussions and free artist demos. SPECIAL EXHIBITS
The Festival’s Junior Art Exhibition, sponsored by CalFirst National Bank and Mark Porterfield of Laguna Beach, will be comprised of over 300 pieces of artwork from Orange County school children (grades PK to 12). The quality of art represented in the exhibit will astound art lovers of all ages. Support the arts by purchasing artwork from the Art-to-Go Exhibit donated by Festival artists with proceeds benefiting The Artist Fund at Festival of Arts. DINING OPTIONS / GIFT SHOP
Terra Laguna Beach is the new on-property dining destination and focuses on California cuisine with sustainable food practices and utilizes farm stand fresh ingredients and artfully crafted meals. For reservations, call (949) 494-9650.
Gina’s Alfresco offers casual walk up ordering with a diversified menu of Italian fare, coffee and espresso to enjoy on the patio or Festival green.
The Festival of Arts boutique-style gift shop is the perfect place to find t-shirts, art books, posters, tote bags and many other items to remember your visit. GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION DATES & TIMES
July 5 – Sept. 1 Open weekdays: noon – 11:30 p.m. Open weekends: 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Early closing Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. TICKET INFORMATION General Admission: Weekdays $10, Weekends $15 Students & Seniors: Weekdays $7, Weekends $11 Children 6-12: Daily $5
Free admission for children 5 and under, military, and Laguna Beach residents. Passport to the Arts:
A special promotion (funded in part by Bank of America): Passport to the Arts for only $29. Includes unlimited admission all summer long to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Order online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com. Passports also available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters. Valid June 29 – Sept. 2. SPONSORS
The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5, Pavilions and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. LOCATION
Festival of Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
(800) 487-3378
www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org