ART FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sawdust announces award winners

Winners have been announced in the Sawdust Art Festival’s annual judging by fellow exhibitors.

The 200 artists at the arts and crafts show, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, evaluate each other’s work and vote for the best in each medium and best new artist.

Winners say that it carries a lot more weight to be first place in an art show judged by one’s fellow artists than a public popular vote.

Laguna Beach native Carrie Zeller won the “Best New Artist” category with her color photographs of wildlife.

“I am so honored to have my fellow artists vote me “Best New Artist” said Zeller. “I’ve grown up coming to the Sawdust and have dreamed of exhibiting here since I began taking photography classes at Laguna Beach High School. The Sawdust is an integral part of Laguna “” it’s great to finally be part of the Sawdust community.”

Other winners in order of place include:

Blown Glass: Christopher Jeffries, John Barber, Gavin Heath.

Ceramics: Michael Ezzell, Sherry Bullard, Mark Blumenfeld.

Clothing/Textiles: Edith Otto, Olivia Batchelder, Reem Khalil.

Diverse Media; Michele Taylor, James Koch (tie for 2nd), Troy Poeschl (tie for 2nd).

Jewelry: Don Beres, Mike Heintz, Rachel Goberman.

Painting on Board or Canvas: Scott Moore, Donita Lloyd, Michael Hallinan.

Painting on Paper or Fabric: Lydia Delgado, Kelly Akins, Susan Dysinger (tie for 3rd), Linda Pirri (tie for 3rd).

Photography: Mike Kelly, Sean Tiner, Carrie Zeller.

Printmaking: Hedy Buzan, Julita Jones, Susan Dysinger.

Sculpture: Troy Poeschl, Dion Wright, Michael Ezzell (tie for 3rd), James Koch (tie for 3rd).