Sawdust Art And Craft Festival Show Goes On In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — While mandatory facemasks and questions on whether to stay in or remain socially distant circled over the past three months, the minds behind Laguna Beach's Sawdust Festival determined that the community needs it now, more than ever.

Art is essential, they tell us, artists are innovators, and the world needs the beauty that art brings us now, more than ever.
In 2020, the offering from the famed art and craft festival that takes place annually in Laguna Beach will be smaller, more intimate and safe, organizers promise on their website.

The event will take place as an "outdoor marketplace" weekends from July 17 to September 6. It will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 100 Sawdust Artists will rotate through the exhibit throughout the summer, they say. Expect to see the usual suspects: pottery throwing, glass blowing, jewelry making, screen printing, and fused glass artists.

"Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our artists, staff, and patrons. Knowing that even a modified version of our annual festival would not meet reopening criteria, our board of directors quickly pivoted in a different direction. Artists are innovators. We focused our passion and creativity on finding a way to offer something safe and meaningful for our artists, community, and guests", stated Monica Prado, President of the Sawdust Board of the Directors.

Patrons of the festival can make purchases directly from artists in the familiar eucalyptus grove.

The festival will be smaller, but also more personal, they say.
"In today's world of social distancing, be assured that Sawdust has taken all the necessary steps to keep everyone safe," they say.

According to Laguna Beach mayor Bob Whalen, "our community was founded by artists, and the marketplace will provide an opportunity for many local artists to sell their art to support themselves and their families."

He added that the festival is to be commended for developing a plan for a marketplace at the Sawdust grounds "that will allow a great Laguna tradition to continue on a limited basis this summer."

For more information, visit: sawdustartfestival.org