Summer in full swing

Photo: Sawdust.org

You just can't have summer in Laguna without going to the art festivals there. My favorite is the Sawdust Festival. At it's present location at 935 Laguna Canyon Road since 1965, it is steeped in long-time Laguna history, and there are still eclectic Laguna artists showing their wares. In fact, all of the artists must be residents of Laguna Beach in order to exhibit there. Be sure to find sculptor Dion Wright's booth, he is one of the original artists still exhibiting since the early 1960's.

Julie Kahn on hand-built tower, 1968 - Photo courtesy of OCinSite.com

 If you're a local, there's no better deal to be found than Thursday night Local's Night. Show your Laguna Beach ID for free entry after 5pm.

Sasha Evans and Doug Miller Photo courtesy of MyHero.com

Set under the Live Oaks and Eucalyptus trees in beautiful Laguna Canyon, you'll find a mix of fine art  and jewelery, hand-made original furniture, crafty pieces, and of course, the famous glass blowers who demonstrate their techniques on site. Live music is offered at 3 different venues, so while others are shopping, you can kick back, enjoy and relax. If you are a music lover or an art lover, the Sawdust Festival is sure to have something for everyone, even the kids.

Charlie Jackson teaches Kaitlin Bailey how to throw a pot. Photo: Paul Rodriguez/OC Register

 Here's a few artists that you won't want to miss while you're there. Dion Wright, in booth #249, Amy Eidt Jackson, #101, Sharon Hardy, #103, Randy Bader, #308. Kirk Millette, #203, and last but not least, Douglas Miller, #310. You may even see Doug playing his violin with one of the live bands!

Things To Do

Main Beach Lifeguard Tower

 Ah, it's finally summertime in Laguna Beach. The beach is full of bikini clad girls and shirtless guys, the air smells of sunscreen, and there are plenty of things going on all around town. Take advantage of the free trolley system that travels up and down Pacific Coast Highway, ready to drop you off at your favorite restaurant or art gallery. It also runs up and down Laguna Canyon Road to the all of the art festivals located there.

If you're wondering what to do, check out this handy calendar of events.
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/lbvcb/artscalendar_2013summer/#/1


If you like art and classical music, here's just the thing for you: http://www.lagunabeachlive.org/component/content/article/263-live-at-the-museum.html Laguna Beach Live! is located in the Laguna Art Museum, and makes for a perfect evening of culture, away from the beach scene.

 Laguna is known for it's riviera type beaches, but it's also equally known for it's local artists, and you can't go home without strolling through Laguna's unique art festivals. There are three separate venues that you won't want to miss. The Sawdust Festival, which features local, home-grown artists, that range from kitchy to sophisticated, with local music playing in the background. Then, of course,  there's the Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of Arts, which features the world famous pageant, where art comes to life right before your eyes, and the surrounding grounds that host ultra talented artists using all kinds of medium, including oil painting, furniture makers, watercolor artists, and much, much more. Then there is the Art-A-Fair, which hosts all types of art, with live music on the weekends. If you plan to visit these festivals more than once, it only makes sense to purchase the Passport to the Arts, which allows you unlimited access to the festivals for $21.50. Well worth the price if you check the event calendars, and take advantage of great music and other events within each venue.

So, happy summer! We'll be seeing you around town, and in the surf and on the sand!