Boost for Festival’s ‘Art to Go’

The Festival of Arts has found a partner in its endeavors to benefit local artists with the Art-To-Go program.

Witford Interior Design Showroom joined the festival in an Art-To-Go kick-off reception at the Laguna Design Center on May 15.

Art-To-Go offers donated works by festival exhibitors for display and sale throughout the summer festival season.

The proceeds from the sales benefit the Artists Fund, which provides financial aid to artists who suffer from economic hardship due to illness, personal injury or natural disaster.

“As artists, we look after one another,” Artists Fund Chairwoman Anne England said. “Artists come to us in times of dire need.”

The works are now on view through July 2 at City Hall during business hours; new pieces will be added regularly. They will not be for sale until they go up at Tivoli Lane on the Festival grounds, beginning July 5.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 15, any remaining pieces will be sold at a lively auction, with exhibitor Mike Tauber serving as auctioneer during the festival’s jazz day.

More than 150 guests attended the benefit program’s kick-off in Witford’s courtyard, which featured art ranging from fine jewelry to sculpture to oil paintings.

More than 25% of the 59 pieces of art put on view at the reception sold that day.

“We are honored to be the first official sponsor of the Art-To-Go program,” Witford co-owner Chas Tiernan said. “It’s great that artists do so much to look after each other.”

Attendees also toured the Festival of Arts Mobile Museum, an interactive exhibit that highlights the cultural history of the Festival.

Exhibiting artist Tom Swimm painted an oil on canvas during the event.

“The Festival of Arts supports the Artists’ Fund and the very important work that it does for the local community — assisting artists who are suffering economic or disability hardships,” festival board President Wayne Baglin said.

For more information, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or call (949) 494-1145.