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One of our first facades ~1978~
Created in 1966 with a great sense of idealism, the Sawdust Art Festival came into being as a revolt against the local art establishment. The artists whose first protest exhibition would later become the Sawdust Art Festival objected to what they saw as a rigid and counterproductive jury system that excluded many talented artists. Determined to make a living while giving full expression to their unique styles, the Sawdust Art Festival founders held their own first show on a vacant lot along North Coast Highway. To keep down the dust, sawdust was brought in and put on the ground. The show eventually took its name from the cozy effect this created.
Looking for room to expand, in 1968 the show moved to its present three-acre site at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, welcoming one and all with the promise to
educate
the public as well as provide a sales outlet for unrestricted art. Today,
artists demonstrate their art in designated "demo" booths where the public
is invited to participate, as well as working in their own booths. The lovely
eucalyptus grove with its rippling waterfall provides an irresistible background.Some of our first booths ~1968~
The Sawdust Art Festival is truly a local event. All artists exhibiting in the festival are residents of Laguna Beach. Unlike some other non-profit organizations dedicated to the arts, the Sawdust Art Festivalıs administration is made up of exhibiting members. Each year, exhibiting artists are elected as members of the Board of Directors. In addition, booth locations are determined by an annual lottery, usually held in May. Because the show is non-juried, enthusiastic amateurs display their work along with accomplished veteran artists, providing the spice and variety that make every show different from the last.
Art Award for Mike Heinz ~1978~ In keeping with the spirit of its beginnings, the Sawdust Art Festival intends to be different from other art shows, visualizing itself as an artistsı "happening" rather than a stuffy exhibit. To that end, the artists themselves build a unique village of individual booths from the ground up each summer. The architectural designs are as varied and interesting as the work they showcase. Once the booths are finished, the sawdust goes down, the landscaping goes in, music fills the air and once again the Sawdust Art Festival magically returns for another summer. It is truly a unique experience in the arts that brings visitors back year after year.
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Sawdust Art Festival,
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.,
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
Phone: 949.494.3030, Fax:
949.494.7390
©
2004-08 Sawdust Art Festival. All rights reserved.