In the late 1960s, personal freedom of expression broke out among the nation’s youth, highlighted by an arts and crafts movement. Here in Laguna Beach that creative energy brought together an influx of young and talented artists and craftspeople. Fueled by a passion for artistic independence and wanting something new and exciting, the Sawdust Festival was born. Nikki Grant was one of those young, creative, and founding members.

Coming from a long line of gifted artists, Nikki grew up in New York City and after high school attended Penn State University. Following college Nikki drove to San Francisco in 1967, living in Haight Ashbury during the infamous Summer of Love. At the urging of her brother Mark Blumenfeld, a renown ceramicist, Nikki moved to Laguna Beach in early 1968, living on Canyon Acres Drive, a neighborhood brimming with young craftspeople and artists. Many of them came together and soon formed the core of the very first Sawdust Festival.

Nikki is a talented multi-dimensional artist but is mostly known for her jewelry designs. Nikki creates affordable earrings, necklaces, ear cuffs, anklets, and other jewelry items. She has exhibited in the Sawdust every year but in 2022 when she underwent ankle surgery. Nikki has hundreds of returning customers who come back to the Sawdust year after year to see what new jewelry designs she has to offer. She does not disappoint.  

Nikki is married 51 years to Jay Grant, her partner in Nikki of Laguna, former President of the Sawdust Festival, who exhibited his porcelain wares for a number of years at the Sawdust. Jay has also written two books on the Sawdust History. They love working together and love the Sawdust Festival, its wonderful members, traditions, and rich, distinctive history.