OUR LAGUNA: Winter Fantasy saves shoppers

Instead of rushing off today to buy the same ol’, same ol’ tired presents, savvy shoppers have the pleasure of browsing for one-of-of-a kind gifts in a unique setting.

For almost two decades the Winter Fantasy has showcased original art and crafts created by Orange County artists, the majority from Laguna Beach. The show has grown from a shirttail relative to the summer Sawdust Festival to an eagerly anticipated family event that makes holiday shopping a joy, not a chore. While parents browse in the seasonally decorated booths, children can participate in special art activities or visit with Santa in his house on the “Village Square.”

‘Tis truly a “Season of Dreams,” the show’s 2008 theme.

Opening Day festivities included the annual tree lighting ceremony in the Village Square presided over by Mayor Jane Egly. The Community Concert Band, Top of the World Honors Chorus , ‘Lil Dickens Carolers, and the Balloon Diva entertained the crowd. Penguin- and reindeer-costumed greeters welcomed children at the entrance to the Village, where snow was falling.

And, of course Santa was there, as he is every day the show is open, from 10:30 a.m to 5 p.m.

Holiday cookies and apple cider were served during the ceremony, compliments of Trader Joe’s in the Crystal Cove Promenade.

The festival grounds are dolled up for the event, with booths reflecting the season and 15 decorated trees in and around the square just inside the entrance.

Trees were donated by the Festival of Arts, Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, the Chamber of Commerce, Visitors & Conference Bureau, American Legion Auxiliary, Girl Scout Brownie Troops 834, 145 and 308, Daisy Scout Troop 717, Girl Scout Troops 948 and 594, First Thursday Art Walk, Laguna Presbyterian Preschool, Casa Cultural-Saybrook Park, the Youth Shelter and Cub Scout Pack 35.

Judges awarded the Boys & Girls Club first place in the annual decorating contest. Troop 948 took second place and Casa Cultural came in third.

The Winter Fantasy Committee also decorated a tree — as usual, just gorgeous, but not eligible for an award. The committee this year included Dennis Junka, Judy Kearby, Patti Klingenmeier, Bruce Linder, Donita Lloyd, Davis Nelson, Marlyse Ruess and Ket Youngstead.

Gaily decorated booths, which add to the show’s ambience, are judged for originality and design. Contents are not criteria.

Jeweler Irene Suess took the top prize.

Her white booth, accented with touches of black, greenery, seasonal ribbon, lights and icicles reminded at least this judge of a See’s Candy Store decorated for the holidays.

“I worked really hard,” said Suess, a long-time Sawdust exhibitor.

She spent 1 1/2 hours just hanging the crystal pendants that sparkle in the sunshine and she created a painting for a gothic-shaped frame that dresses up the back wall of the booth.

Second place in booth decoration went to veteran exhibitor Doug Miller.

The village he created on the roof of his booth is a hoot in the daytime, with fictional characters at home on the streets and buildings. But the roof top is magical at night when the lighting in the “windows” of the “buildings” glow.

“I put it up in five or six days,” Miller said.

Mixed-media artist Sheila Lind Anderson took third place.

The booths add such flavor the Winter Fantasy.

Mosaic Artist Pigden Hemsley contrasted her colorful work against a graphic black-and-white background. Karen Petty took up metal work to create the frames for her yin and yang paintings, which she is happy to explain.

Some booth decorations that are a tradition at the Sawdust have carried over to the Winter Fantasy. Jeweler David Nelson and jeweler/photographer Mike Heintz collaborated on the 26th edition of their County Store The Glass Blowing Booth is not a prize winner for looks, but visitors can see art created before their very eyes or they can create their own art in the Mud Hut and the Sawdust Studio where painting, printmaking and other art classes are offered throughout show days. Special fun for the little ones is offered at the Children’s Art Spot.

Those who would rather be painted than paint can visit Star Shields who uses faces as canvases for his art. Unlike the summer Sawdust Festival, exhibitors are not limited to locals or those longtime participants who were grandfathered into the show. The roster of 170 exhibitors included 35 newcomers.

Regular summer show visitors will recognize Ken Denton, known as the Butterfly Man, who decided to exhibit this year in the Winter Fantasy. Troy Poeschl is another familiar name who is new to the winter show.

Kaitlin Evans recently bought the flower stand at the Lumberyard Mall. The proceeds will support her painting, she said.

First-time exhibitors Jody and Joshua Hoy are mother and son, but not related to Chris Hoy, also a first-timer.

Painter Barbara Nei decided to exhibit in the show to inspire and heal a world plagued by natural and man-made disasters.

“With all the changes that are occurring in our world, I feel now is the time to come forward with whatever I can to help uplift and express peace to anyone interested through my art,” Nei said.

Also for the inner being: The hungry can satisfy themselves at Deb’s Deli, Laguna Taco and Pappou’s Mediterranean Grille. Handcrafted brew and wine are sold at the Sawdust Saloon. The Sawdust Snowboard Café features soft and seasonal drinks.

Winter Fantasy hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., today, Saturday and Sunday; Dec. 6 and 7, and Dec. 13 and 14. Admission is $6 for adults, $ 5 for seniors 65 and up, $3 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and younger. A season pass is $9.

The Winter Fantasy is held on the Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information, visit sawdustartfestival.org or call (949) 494-3030.

OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Write to Barbara Diamond, P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, 92652; hand-deliver to Suite 22 in the Lumberyard, 384 Forest Ave.; call (949) 494-4321, fax (949) 494-8979 or e-mail coastlinepilot@latimes.com