2011 Sawdust Art Festival Welcomes 20 New Artists
The 45th Annual Sawdust Art Festival runs June 24 through August 28, 2011
Laguna Beach, CA – The 45th Annual Sawdust Art Festival proudly welcomes 20 new artists to the Sawdust family.Eleven of these new artists share thoughts about their craft and about their first major exhibition at the Sawdust Art Festival.
Annette Doreng-Stearns (Jewelry & Sculpture, Booth #326) – I have wanted to exhibit at the Sawdust Art Festival for several years, and it is finally happening. I always felt I had to spend more time with my kids than on my art, but now that the last one is in college, there is no conflict! It is finally my turn. I am looking forward to being part of Laguna’s large artist community, as well as being in the center of the life and joy that is the Sawdust Art Festival.
Beverly Factor (Photography, Booth #204) – I can’t wait to show the thousands of visitors and children that come to see the exhibits at the Sawdust the beauty under the sea…without getting them wet! Most people never get to see what lies beneath the ocean’s surface, and to witness their enthusiasm and wonder when they look at my underwater photography makes me feel happy, like I’ve brought a bit of the ocean’s mysterious beauty to the surface for all to experience too! My hope is that more people will take notice of the ocean’s beauty so they will help protect it. My work is of course inspired by my passion for the ocean.
Lila Fulton (Painting & Sculpture, Booth #406) – It has been a 20-year vision and dream to be in the Sawdust and it’s finally happening. I am looking forward to exhibiting my artwork that is inspired by the awesome power and beauty of the ocean as well the human form.
Karen Hedges (Painting, Booth #114) – I enjoy the very act of painting, and often the challenge, expressing what I see and what we all experience in our daily lives.
Michelle Lance (Painting & Mixed Media, Booth #230) – I am excited about exhibiting for the first time in this year’s Sawdust Festival; it’s my first time showing my work directly to the public and I’m excited about interacting with them. I grew up in Laguna and used to spend my summers booth-sitting as a young artist. Now it’s my chance to do it on my own to see the public’s reaction and to show people how I create my work right in front of them! My work is contemporary abstract nature subjects in gouache, watercolor, acrylic and encaustic. I love these mediums because there is a sense of surprise where you can’t control what’s going to happen, just like nature.
Kathy Ranabargar (Textiles, Booth #127) – I have always thought, “this is me; this is where I belong,” when I think of the Sawdust, and am so excited about exhibiting for the first time this summer.
Jeff Sherman (Painting & Sculpture, Booth #406) – It is an honor for my wife and I to be accepted into the Sawdust Art Festival this year and to have the opportunity to exhibit together. Everyone has been so nice and helpful! Building our booth and seeing the grounds come alive has been a new and fun experience for us and we can hardly wait until Opening Day!
Will Silverman (Woodwork & Furniture, Booth #250) – I am looking forward to the opportunity to introduce Laguna’s locals and visitors to my work. I moved to Laguna Beach from Boston only a couple years ago and have yet to get the broad exposure of my work that the Sawdust offers. I am excited to spend the summer on the grounds meeting artists, locals, and visitors in this artist community. I look forward to demonstrating hand-cut dovetails and carving in my booth. This first-hand experience helps to convey the extensive high quality craftsmanship that sets my pieces apart from the low caliber furniture in stores that masquerades as the real thing.
Trevor Stimson (Ceramics, Booth #312) – I am starting my career as a ceramic artist and looking forward to the future. My environment inspires me; my main themes are the ocean, fish and fishing. The Sawdust provides the perfect opportunity to launch my career.
Elizabeth Zaikowski (Painting, Booth #423) – I am excited about exhibiting at the Sawdust for the first time. I will be showing work that no one there has seen before. My work is inspired by a very spiritual space that draws from other cultures, balance, harmony and my heart. When others view my work I hope they feel a sense of peace and balance within. The Sawdust is a one-of-a-kind show with so many artists showing in a beautiful setting for the whole summer, which makes for a perfect fit.
Art Zdanowski (Photography & Mixed Media, Booth #434) – I am looking forward to meeting and spending my summer with so many great people that come together on the Sawdust grounds.
Nine other new artists are excited about exhibiting at the 2011 Sawdust Art Festival:
•Anya BurnhamPainting & Jewelry, Booth #234
•Rheanne BurnhamPainting & Sculpture, Booth #234
•Carmen GundelachTextiles, Booth #128
•Sharon HardyCeramics, Booth #103
•James LansdellPainting, Booth #111
•Patrick J. MoranPainting, Booth #239
•Dan StaffordPainting, Booth #417
•Mark WalpinMixed Media, Booth #311
•Annette WimmerPainting & Printmaking, Booth #416
The Sawdust Art Festival is a non-profit art organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting the art created in Laguna Beach. To check out more details about the Sawdust Art Festival’s 45th annual summer season and calendar of events, please visit www.sawdustartfestival.org or call 949-494-3030. The Sawdust Art Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach with free City trolley service to and from the Act V parking lot. Admission prices are: Adults $7.75, Seniors (65+) $6.25, Children (6-12) $3.25, Children (5 & under) Free; Summer Season Pass $15; Annual Pass $20.
The Sawdust Art Festival thanks its 2011 sponsors Honda, 104.3 MYfm, Hoegaarden and Kendall-Jackson.
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