70 years of festivities

Suzie Harrison

The Festival of Arts Thursday opened its doors to the public,

celebrating its 70th Anniversary as California’s premiere fine art

exhibition.

The festival grounds are also adorning a new look. The facade in the

entry courtyard, with accents of tan and earth rich colors, is

reminiscent of an ancient Greek Coliseum.

The idea is to create an atmosphere similar to a grand carnival style

in a European town square. Artist Mike Tauber created a neoclassical

medallion of floor mosaics offering art and color acquiescing with the

festivals theme.

The classic motif remains constant throughout the festival grounds.

“We’ve warmed it up and have made it more upscale to the quality and

standards of our 140 artists’ art quality,” said Sharbie Higuchi

marketing director. There is also a new gift shop/retail store and

win/coffee bar painted in rich colors and accented with black awnings.

“The theme colors are black, creme, taupe and maroon,” said Higuchi.

“It’s fabulous to see the artists design their individual booths.”

Laguna Beach residents, with proper identification, can enter the

festival for free any day of the week and at any time.

“We would love to have them [Laguna residents] come to enjoy the work

of the artists as much as much as they want,” Higuchi said.

There are also concerts, workshops and other happenings.

Thursday night wine tasting and jazz series will be from 4:30 until

7:30 p.m., the first of the series on July 11.

The art workshops are offered for free Monday through Thursday from 11

a.m. until 5 p.m. The workshops are open to aspiring artists of all ages

and supplies are provided.

There is a junior art exhibit with paintings and drawings by 150

Orange County students, kindergarten through 12th grade, in the junior

art gallery. At various locations on the grounds, there are free daily

watercolor, oil painting, printmaking and other art media.

Free daily art tours take place at 4 p.m. conducted by festival

artists.

There is a range of music and dance performances on evenings and

weekends at no charge.

The Sunday Classical Music Series commences this Sunday form 2 to 4

p.m. These concerts are a collaborative effort between the festival, the

city and Music in the Park.

“I am excited to finally be able to share the world-class festival

with everyone,” Higuchi said.

Although there are a lot of new things happening for the festival’s

70-year anniversary some things still remain the same. Painter Patrick

Kelly will enjoy his 42nd consecutive year as a festival exhibitor.

“I have traveled a lot, and there’s no show on earth that compares,”

Kelly said. “I think it’s probably the greatest opportunity for artists

in the United States.”

For additional information, contact the festival ticket office at

494-1145. The Festival of Arts is at 650 Laguna Canyon Road and is open

daily 10 a.m. through 11:30 p.m.