Laguna Beach, CA – The 20th Annual Winter Fantasy, “A Palette of Holiday Treasures,” begins Saturday, November 20 at the Sawdust Art Festival and will run over four weekends, including two Fridays, from 10 am to 6 pm each day:
• November 20, 21
• November 26, 27, 28
• December 4, 5
• December 10, 11, 12
Over 170 talented artisans, many whom have traveled from out of town, will create, showcase and sell their original artwork on the Sawdust’s grounds, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of holiday decorations. These featured Winter Fantasy artists and craftspeople handcraft each piece of art, creating a unique and rare holiday shopping experience for visitors. Art media include art glass, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and textiles, paintings, gourds, photography, mixed-media and more.
Visitors will see art created before their eyes in the artists’ booths and at our every-popular Glassblowing Booth, as well as have the opportunity to explore their own creativity and take an art class at the Sawdust Studio, Ceramic Center or Children’s Art Spot.
In addition to the original artwork, visitors will also find 170 hand-constructed art booths, live entertainment, great outdoor cafes, the festival’s classic Town Square, Community Trees decorated by various local organizations, and all will have a chance to visit with Santa Claus. Falling snow, themed Community Trees, the Holiday Gingerbread House, Reindeer Barn, and the beautiful outdoor eucalyptus grove make for great photo ops.
Returning this year will be the popular small farm animal petting zoo presented by Zoomars, where guests can get up close and personal with their favorite furry friend. This year’s Special Winter Art Series will also introduce new and unique art classes in a wide variety of media, available to guests who sign up.
The 10th Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Laguna Beach tradition, will begin on opening day at 5:30 pm, when Laguna Beach Mayor Elizabeth Pearson will formally light the Community Tree and announce the winners of the community tree and artist booth decorating contest, kicking off our official 2010 holiday season. To help celebrate the opening event, special guests and community performers including the Laguna Community Concert Band, Yule Tide Carolers, Top of the World honors chorus, Lil’ Dickens Carolers, Upstream, Balloon Diva and, of course, Santa will entertain the crowd. Complimentary holiday cookies and apple cider will be provided during the opening ceremony. Laguna Beach residents are admitted free with ID after 3 pm on opening day.
Throughout the remainder of the festival, guests can participate in the special community events planned for this winter show, including Toys for Tots, a foundation supported by the Marine Corps Reserve. With a mission of collecting toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to need children in the community, visitors to the 2010 Winter Fantasy can show their support by contributing new unwrapped toys for children, newborn to 17, while also meeting in-person the Marines on the festival grounds every Sunday during the festival.
The 20h Annual Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival runs four weekends, November 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and December 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm. Adult admission is $6; Seniors $5, age 65 and up; $3 for children ages 6-12; children under five years of age are free; and $9 for a Season Pass. The festival is located at the Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. For additional information, please visit www.sawdustartfestival.org or call 949-494-3030.
The Sawdust Art Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public
and promoting the art created in Laguna Beach.
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