At the heart of art

Suzie Harrison

Understanding everything that’s going on in Laguna Beach’s art world

can be quite daunting, especially when it comes to the three major

summer art festivals and the world-famous pageant. But all it takes

is a little information, and a small world of art opens.

The Pageant of the Masters, which is celebrating its 70th

anniversary, creates life-sized “living pictures” of classical and

contemporary paintings, sculptures and other famous works of art.

This summer’s show is titled “Seasons.” The show comes to life

through lighting, set design, staging effects and technical genius,

as well as the people who pose in the sets.

Thirty-four pieces are recreated for this year’s show, which runs

nightly from July 9 through Aug. 29. All performances are at 8:30

p.m. and tickets cost $15 to $80. The Pageant is on the Festival of

Arts grounds at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Information: (800) 487-3378

or (949) 494-1145 or online at www.foapom.com.

The Festival of Arts is a fine art show known as “California’s

premier fine art exhibition.” The juried exhibit showcases 145

world-class artists from the Orange County area representing various

genres. Artists exhibit and sell their work from July 6 through Aug.

31.

The annual event, in its 71st year, is California’s

longest-running outdoors fine art exhibit. Ticket prices are

reasonable, with a season pass costing $5 for adults, $3 for seniors

and students and nothing for Laguna Beach residents and children

younger than 12. On the grounds is Zov’s Bistro, offering

Mediterranean-style food, and Tivoli Terrace, which features seafood,

salads and traditional American cuisine.

It is at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Information: (949) 494-1145 or

(800) 487-3378 or go online to www.foapom.com. The festival is open

from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.

The Sawdust Art Festival is another favorite, but with a laid-back

flavor.

In its 37th year, it will run June 27 through Aug. 31. The artists

work in a variety of media, including glass, sculpture, photography

and more.

Tickets cost $6.50 for general admission, $5.50 for seniors 65 or

older and $2 for children 6 to 12 years old. Children 5 and younger

get in for free. A season pass is available for $12 or $16 for the

summer and winter shows. It is at 935 Laguna Canyon Road.

Information: (949) 494-3030 for go online to

www.sawdustartfestival.org.

The Art-A-Fair Festival is celebrating its 35th anniversary and

runs from June 27 through Aug. 31. Hundreds of artists compete to be

among 124 members of this internationally juried competition.

Tickets cost $5 for adults and are free for children younger than

12. Senior discounts are available. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and

Saturday. It is at 777 Laguna Canyon Road. Information: (949)

494-4514 or go online to www.art-a-fair.com.