Press Releases
October 26, 2020
The Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund (SAEF) is pleased to announce that it has delivered “Art To Go” kits to at-risk youth in the Project Access program at the Santa Ana Warwick Center. Artist Roseanne Nitti created “Love” Paint Kits for ages 6 to 12, and her “Macrame Owl” kit was a real treat for ages 13 to 17.
A generous donation from John and Lynne Bernard, Laguna Beach, provided kits for 95 youths. The Bernard’s continuing support of the SAEF and Project Access has provided art experiences for the young artists at Warwick Center for the last dozen years.
In the years prior to COVID, SAEF hosted these youths to the Sawdust Art Festival for art instruction in various mediums, lunch, and a tour of the show. With the cancellation of this year’s show, SAEF is excited to have provided a COVID-safe alternative.
About the Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund: SAEF is a philanthropic effort that supports education of the public about the arts while providing hands-on art experiences to underserved populations. In recent years, SAEF has partnered with various organizations, including American Family Housing, Illumination Foundation and Festival of Arts Foundation to provide art classes for at-risk students, seniors, military families, and art therapy for formerly homeless.
For more information, please visit:
www.sawdustartfestival.org/about/sawdust-art-enrichment-fund
September 9, 2020
Sawdust Art Festival Set to Open Its Outdoor Marketplace. The Outdoor Marketplace will offer a safe and intimate environment within its historical 3-acre eucalyptus grove where patrons can shop art, and enjoy outdoor dining and live music.
“We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our Outdoor Marketplace. Local artists can begin to rebound from the economic impact of the pandemic, and it’s a wonderful way for friends and neighbors to safely shop and socialize on our beautiful grounds,” stated Monica Prado, President of the Sawdust board of directors. Nearly 100 Sawdust artists will rotate through 48 spaces every weekend over the course of the event, providing a unique opportunity for patrons to shop art directly from some of their favorite artists.
“I want to commend the Sawdust Board of Directors for their creativity in developing a plan that will allow a great Laguna tradition to continue this fall,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “Our community was founded by artists and the marketplace will provide an opportunity for many local artists to sell their art to support themselves and their families.”
The Sawdust Art Festival has also taken every precaution to provide a safe experience for guests with an extensive implementation of safeguards and preventative measures. Shohreh Dupuis, Assistant City Manager of Laguna Beach added, “I’m so pleased that we were able to work collaboratively with the Sawdust to develop a plan that can safely bring the artists back to the Sawdust grounds.”
Sawdust Art Festival Presents an Outdoor Marketplace will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only beginning September 19, 10am to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Advance ticket sales will be announced online soon.