California celebrates the arts

Art Business News, August, 2005

LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- Now in its 73rd year, The Festival of Arts--California's Premier Fine Art Exhibition, and California's longest-running outdoor fine art exhibit, returns this summer with more than 140 artisans through Sept. 1. The juried show only displays and sells original works and has historically enriched the private collections of many celebrities, leading art collectors and museums around the world. Included in the festival is a Junior Art Exhibition, which is comprised of more than 150 juried artworks from children (K-12) of the Orange County school.

"Each year this festival continues to grow and we are delighted with the outstanding artisans that attend to showcase their incredible talent and skills," says Sharbie Higuchi, marketing and public relations director. "Whether they are painters, sculptors, ceramists, jewelers or photographers, their works represent the finest original art from the coastal cities of Orange County."

Higuchi adds, "The festival is the perfect place to find affordable and unique works of art to decorate your home or business."

In addition, The Festival of Arts offers art workshops and seminars for children and adults, special guided tours, demonstrations and printmaking, as well as entertainment from visual and performance artists. Special events are scheduled throughout the eight-week event, including Surf's Up on Aug. 6 and Asian Arts Day on Aug. 20.

The Festival of Arts is a nonprofit organization that produces this event, along with the Pageant of the Masters, which produces annual theatrical presentations. Proceeds support the arts in and around Orange County. Festival admission prices are $7 for general admission and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, call 949-494-1145; visit www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.