May 29, 2014
For Immediate Release
2014 Sawdust Art Festival Welcomes 16 New Artists
The 48th Annual Sawdust Art Festival runs June 27 through August 31, 2014
Laguna Beach, CA – The 48th Annual Sawdust Art Festival is proud to welcome 16 new artists to this year’s summer festival. Nine new artists voice their sentiments about art inspiration and anticipation for their first summer season at the Sawdust Art Festival, below:
Lee Confer – “My paintings are a form of expression, a mix between surrealism and abstract expressionism. I am a survivor of bipolar schizoaffective disorder, and I am able to express my battles through my artwork. My recent work in leather is slowly becoming recognized in the local area, which is very rewarding to me.”
Joni Cresci – “My inspiration comes from the rich historical tapestry of art. I use this as a springboard to create new, modern and colorful portraits. A deep love of life informs my art!”
Jason Cullmann – “It’s a challenge to myself to continually create something better than the previous piece and someday be mentioned alongside an artist that inspired me. Above all else, I use my art to help others and to bring awareness to a personal cause like the Robert Anthony Avilas Foundation and the Wounded Warriors. To be included in such a great and well-respected festival as the Sawdust is a great opportunity to help others.”
Judy Haron – “I am inspired by nature, research and creating details for my work. The beauty of Earth’s waterways and its inner workings of a species’ habitat tell a great story and will never run out of things to say. For me, my first year at the Sawdust will be a great opportunity to share with others what has been on my canvas and to tell these stories outside of my studio.”
Joshua King – “As a first time exhibitor I am excited to be a part of the amazing history of the Sawdust and of the City of Laguna Beach. Living in Laguna Beach, where art and artists are everywhere, is such an inspiring place to create artwork and it is an honor to show my work at a festival that has been supporting local art for 48 years.”
Bohdana Maresova – “What inspires my artwork is the world around me.”
Lauren Ellen Panno – “I am inspired by the natural world, the way light reflects off a tree or the juxtaposition of colors in a field of flowers. I spend a lot of time in my garden or taking walks along the ocean and constantly draw inspiration from both. I also love to put old buildings into some of my paintings, to try, in some small way, to reflect the mystery of the lives within those buildings.”
Hillel Rzepka – “As a rookie I’m excited to demonstrate my art at the Sawdust and to spread lots of love from Laguna Beach. Adding love to our world inspires my art. I feel blessed and create glass hearts to express this. I believe that one heart can change the world!”
Carrie Woodburn – “As a long time resident of Laguna Beach, I’ve appreciated the remarkable talent represented at the Sawdust Art Festival year after year. It is a humbling experience to find myself among this amazing tribe of artists and I love the feeling of being part of the community in this way.”
The Sawdust Art Festival welcomes the following 16 new artists to the 48th annual summer season:
- Sathya Burchman (Booth #103); Mixed Media 2D
- Michelle Burt (Booth #132); Painting, Jewelry, Mixed Media
- D. Lee Confer (Booth #102); Leather
- Joni Cresci (Booth #329); Painting
- Jason Cullmann (Booth #211); Glass Mosaic
- Kathleen Gavis (Booth #507); Clothing, Textiles
- Judy Haron (Booth #113); Painting
- Joshua King (Booth #233); Photography
- Bohdana Maresova (Booth #102); Jewelry, Clothing, Glass
- John Meisse (Booth #422); Pen & Ink Drawings, Handmade Art Cards
- Sean Miller (Booth #110); Jewelry
- Patsee Ober (Booth #239); Underwater Tidepool Photography
- Lauren Ellen Panno (Booth #301); Painting: Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Photography
- Hillel Rzepka (Booth #324); Mixed Media, Lampwork Glass
- Linda Warwick Smith (Booth #323); Fused Glass
- Carrie Woodburn (Booth #236); Painting: Acrylic, Leather
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 48th 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 $8.50, Seniors (65+) $7, Children (6-12) $4, Children (5 & under) Free; Summer Season Pass $18; Annual Pass $24.
The Sawdust Art Festival thanks its 2014 sponsors Kia of Irvine, Kona Brewing and Kendall-Jackson.
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