Sawdust fund-raiser aids artists

Suzie Harrison

The Sawdust Art festival’s 16th annual Benevolence Fund Art

Auction Fund-raiser raised more than $12,000, a record amount, to

help Laguna Beach artists facing physical or medical emergencies.

“I think this is the only fund of its kind in the country by

artists for artists,” said fund trustee John Eagle. “Our grants are

available to every artist in Laguna Beach that qualifies. We have

over 4,000 artists in town.”

The purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to help artists in Laguna

Beach should they face a physical, medical or any other sort of

crisis during which they are in dire need of money.

Eagle said that this year’s auction was particularly exciting

because they raised the money with a lot of small ticket item.

The fund was used following the 1998 El Nino mudslides, which were

especially devastating in Laguna Canyon where a lot of artists work

and live, and after the fire in 1993, which engulfed more than 400

houses.

Heath, a glass-blowing artist and exhibitor at the Sawdust

Festival for 10 years, was a recipient in 1998.

“There was four feet of mud in the studio, house and everywhere,”

Heath said. “As artists, no matter what money we make, the rope snaps

and we need help.” The four-hour auction progressively grew from 75

to 100 to 145 people looking to bid for art in a variety of mediums.

More than 90 artists donated their work, including some who

contributed more than one piece.

Amy Conaway, a metal sculptor and Sawdust exhibitor, was

diligently keeping her eyes on what was being bid on, hoping to nab a

piece or two from her fellow artists.

“It’s a fun and peaceful environment to be here at the Sawdust

Festival with all the artists and patrons,” Conaway said, adding that

it was satisfying to know her money would be going to a good cause.

She donated a heart candle sconce, which was hand forged with

steel to create a heart shadow flickering on the wall at night.

Conaway also donated a standing candelabra with 10 different candle

cups of different heights.

James Koch, who was helping with the auction, said that at 2:30

p.m. there were 145 participants.

Koch, a found-object sculptor, won first place in booth design and

best returning artist with new work at the festival.

“This is a very worthwhile cause,” Koch said. “I have friends that

have medical problems and it assists them.”

Kelly Atkins has been with the Sawdust for 24 years.

He donated one of his Kobe Bryant prints because it is one of his

more popular pieces.

“I’ve donated every single year,” he said. “I hope I don’t have to

use it but you never know.”

First-year exhibitor in the Sawdust, sculptor Gerard Stripling,

was one of the many artists who gave a piece.

“I think it’s amazing,” Stripling said. “It shows the camaraderie

of the artists.”

He was voted best new artist this year at the Sawdust.

Stripling said he thought it was exciting that all the other

artists voted and won because his peers chose him.

The Festival is at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information,

call 494-3030 or go online to www.sawdustartfestival.org.