‘Alternative’ Sawdust Festival turns 40

The Sawdust Art Festival was founded in 1966 as the laid-back alternative to traditional art shows. More than 200 artists exhibit their work in this summer’s show, which celebrates “40 Creative Years” in 2006.

Art media to be exhibited include photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, glass, textile and clothing, paintings and prints, wood and metal art, sculpture, mixed media and more.

The Sawdust is set in a eucalyptus grove, with sawdust on the ground and hillside waterfalls. Each of the Laguna Beach resident artists’ booths is hand-built every summer.

Summer highlights include artist demonstrations, complimentary art classes, children’s art activities and three stages of live entertainment. Food booths are also a part of the scene.

Events this summer include First Fridays Free for Laguna Beach Residents each month, beginning opening day; 40th Anniversary Day on July 11; and Project Skimboard 2, a benefit art auction and sale from June 30 through Aug. 5.

For information, call (949) 494-3030 or visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and over, $3 for children 6 to 12, free to children under the age of 5. A summer season pass is available to $13.

The Sawdust Festival, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., June 30 to Sept. 3.cpt.30-sawdust-4-CPhotoInfoLL1SF1PR20060630hhfk1skfDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)Ceramics Instructor Trevor Gage works with Aria Bendix on a clay vase as buddy Kristen Blomstrom looks on at the Sawdust Festival.