If the art fits, put it in a box

Artists formerly confined to neckwear were free to fill up a pizza-sized box with their creations during the inaugural Art in a Box program.

The Festival of Arts will auction the “boxed” artwork Saturday. With 35 pieces already sold at time of publication, about 90 pieces are expected to be auctioned to help artists in time of need.

“[The presale] really exceeded our expectations,” said Mike Tauber, a Festival artist and vice chair of the Arts Commission, who will act as auctioneer.

He was also auctioneer during the former Tie-One-On event, which Art in a Box replaces.

“Previously, we had to sell all our ties in one day. I called it ‘100 ties in 100 minutes.’ ”

The auction will begin at 11 a.m., when bid sheets open and retail sales are available. A high bid encourages early sale, according to the Festival.

At 11:30, emcee Pat Kollenda and Festival president Anita Mangels will make the opening announcements. A presentation on the Artists Fund and the objects for auction will be made at noon, followed by a call for bidders at 12:30 p.m., at which time the clothing and jewelry live auction will begin.

The fine art live auction will begin at 1:15 p.m., with a final sell-out silent auction at 1:45 p.m.

Opening bids depend on the retail value of the item sold.

“The starting price is $50 for a musical instrument by Matt Collins,” Tauber said, describing a wooden, heart-shaped castanet-type shaker filled with buckshot. Collins will perform with the instrument in order to familiarize bidders with the piece.

The auction will also feature clothing and jewelry in addition to the more expected fine arts.

“All of the pieces are original,” Tauber said.

For Art in a Box, artists are only restricted by size, rather than medium; each piece only had to fit within one of two sizes of pizza boxes.

“What’s interesting about this collection is that it’s more recognizable as the artist’s usual work,” Tauber said. The pieces are often miniaturized versions of a full-scale creation.

“A couple people have been buying two or three at a time and starting little collections; people who do so will be able to add one or two small pieces as the years go by,” he said.

He noted that as the pieces were put on sale (at retail) from opening day, many non-local patrons were able to purchase items.

Blues Offenders will perform live during the event, and Tauber hinted at an improvised performance by the “Box Step Dancers.” Tauber also expects about 30 artists to volunteer at the auction.

“It’s an auction and a fundraiser and a great cause, but it’s also a fun event,” Tauber said. “It’s the only event that’s entirely by, for and about the artists.”

Anyone who has ever exhibited at the Festival, both past and present, is eligible for grants from the nonprofit Artists Fund, Tauber explained. He expects Anne England to tell stories at the event about past recipients, honoring the confidentiality of the artists.

“It’s nice that our industry takes care of ourselves,” Tauber said. “Actors in L.A. have unions, and there are group health policies at corporations, but artists have to use their bodies and don’t have income until a piece is sold.”

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the Artists Fund. All items are 100% tax deductible, as the works were donated.

The event is free with regular Festival admission; Laguna Beach residents receive free admission all season long.

The Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information, call (949) 494-1145 or visit www.foapom.com.