Laguna Beach, CA – The Sawdust Art Festival celebrates its 45th annual season this summer, opening its doors to the public Friday, June 24 with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 am. Sawdust President Kelly Akins will make the Opening Day announcement and Laguna Beach Mayor Toni Iseman will officially cut the ribbon, unveiling the 2011 season. The festival will open daily from 10 am to 10 pm through Sunday, August 28.
Over 200 Laguna Beach artists, 20 new artists, excitedly anticipate a new summer season in hopes of drawing an even greater crowd to expose their unique handmade artwork. Visitors can experience the awe in artwork being created before their eyes, including the large glass-blowing enclosure where glass masters perform their skill at the furnace. The diverse range of artwork at the Sawdust encompasses all types of mediums, including ceramics, glass, woodwork, jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography, textiles, mixed media and much more.
Highlights at this year’s summer festival include the 2nd annual Sawdust Art Education Fundraiser, “2011 Original Collectors’ Panels,” a collection of art panels, each uniquely created by contributing Sawdust artists using all types of media. These art panels will be exhibited throughout the grounds during the festival and guests will have the opportunity to silently bid on them or purchase at the Buy It Now prices. Remaining 2011 Original Collectors’ Panels will be auctioned off live on Sunday, August 21 from 3-5 pm on the Main Entertainment Deck, starting with the highest bid prices. The annual Artists’ Benevolence Fund Auction, which supports artists that have experienced a catastrophic event, will take place on Sunday, August 7 from 2-5 pm on the Main Entertainment Deck.
Other scheduled special events include:
·Hawaiian Surf Day – Saturday, July 9
·Green Day – Saturday, July 23 from 11 am to 5 pm
·80’s Day – Thursday, August 4
·Saddleback Memorial Blood Drive – Friday, August 12 from 10 am to 4 pm
·Beatles Day – Saturday, August 20
·Tropical Tuesdays – every Tuesday
·Winetasting Wednesdays – every Wednesday evening from 5-8 pm
·Residents Nights – Laguna Beach residents are admitted free after 5 pm with ID on Thursday evenings; other local cities will also be featured for free admission after 5 pm on various weekday evenings, TBA
The Sawdust’s new year-round art classes, Sawdust Studio Art Classes, which launched last October, will continue to be offered every Friday and Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm. Guests can experience the magic of the Sawdust studio and create their own unique art piece, to wear or to share, in just one two-hour session. For an updated schedule check www.sawduststudioartclasses.com.
The Sawdust’s title sponsorship with American Honda will continue for the second year in a row. Two Honda hybrid vehicles will be on display on the grounds, one of which will be raffled off. Guests will have the opportunity to win a 2012 Civic Hybrid; tickets will be sold during the festival at $5 per raffle ticket or 5 for $20. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on Sunday, August 28 at 4 pm on the Main Entertainment Deck.
At this year’s summer show, guests can also enjoy live entertainment on three stages and roaming acts around the grounds, eye-catching artist demonstrations, hands-on art workshops for all ages, and delicious food and drink, including new beverages offered at the Sawdust Saloon. Don’t miss the diversity in character, creativity and action at the 45th Annual Sawdust Art Festival!
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 open 10-10 daily June 24 through August 28, and 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 is a non-profit art organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting the art created in Laguna Beach.
The Sawdust Art Festival thanks its 2011 sponsors Honda, 104.3 MYfm, Hoegaarden and Kendall-Jackson.
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