Laguna’s triple crown of art festivals

Suzie Harrison

In horse racing the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness and the Kentucky

Derby exemplify the best there is in horse racing -- the Triple Crown.

In Laguna Beach, where art is esteemed, there is another triple crown

exemplifying the best -- the Pageant of the Masters, the Festival of the

Arts and the Sawdust Festival.

The Pageant is no rookie in the art world. This year will mark its

64th year in production.

The Pageant brings art to life with intricate sets, art actors and

hand carved three-dimensional sculptures and props.

This year’s theme is a tribute to “Heroes and Heroines.”

Each year the pageant brings a different theme comprised of master

painters throughout history and they recreate it larger than life into

“living pictures” on a 20- to 30-foot canvas.

The Pageant’s theme makes it clear that one can be a hero without

resorting to violence. This is something the pageant was steadfast about

in light on the tragedy of Sept. 11.

Because the conception of the hero originated in ancient Greece,

Pageant Director Challis Davy started this year’s theme with classical

artworks that brought to form the historical and legendary figures of

history and mythology.

The art recreations are the product of more than 500 volunteers and

staff working more than 60,000 hours.

Heroes and Heroines is 90 minutes of art brought to life complete with

live narration, an original score, a professional orchestra and

sophisticated lighting -- creating an experience that is truly

unparalleled anywhere.

The Pageant will run from July 7 through Aug. 30 at the Festival

Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For tickets or information call

1-800-487-3374 or go by the box office on the grounds.

The Festival of the Arts Art Festival will feature 150 highly skilled

artists.

Dating back to the summer of 1932, the show is steeped in tradition

and history. The festival offers only the best in art with a strict

juried show, requiring exhibitors of the highest standards.

The Festival is spread over six acres and offers every kind of art

medium of original art. It includes paintings, sculpture, pastels,

drawings, serigraphs, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, etched and stained

glass, fiber arts, weaving, scrimshaw, model ships and musical

instruments.

The Sawdust Festival will mark its 36th year of exhibiting Laguna

Beach artists only.

There are 175 professional artists in the Laguna Canyon show. The

festival is non-juried and really does a lot to support the Laguna

artist.

There are myriad art forms represented in this show where the grounds

are covered with sawdust, setting the scene for a laid-back atmosphere.

All forms of fine arts and crafts can be found.

Like the Festival the artists are present. It really adds a personal

aspect to the art.

“The Sawdust Festival has become the city’s most popular art festival,

attracting a larger crowd and higher paid attendance than any other

summer festival,” said Rebecca Meekma marketing director.

The Sawdust will run from June 28 through Sept. 1 and is at 935 Laguna

Canyon Road and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For tickets and

information call 494-3030 or visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.