Info: (949) 494-1145 or lagunafestivalofarts.org
Synopsis: The grande dame of the Laguna summer festival scene, the Festival of Arts was one of the nation's first of such art shows. Known for its highly juried selection of fine art, it is regularly highlighted by American Style magazine as one of the top 10 art shows in the country, and exhibits the work of 140 of Orange County's top artists. Also included in admission are opportunities to partake in tours and workshops, cooking demonstrations, a fashion show and hear live music.
This year the Festival of Arts celebrates its 80th anniversary, with new Art Talks and other special events planned. The Art Talks are free with festival admission. Brown bag lunches will be available for sale, or patrons are invited to bring their own. Artists will lead talks on art trends, media and influences on Tuesdays, while curators, collectors and conservators will take the microphone Thursdays for discussions relevant to art collectors, like the art of displaying, restoring and buying art.
A special retrospective and reception are planned for noon on Tuesday, when watercolor artist and 45-year Festival veteran Jacquie Moffett will lead a discussion with past and present exhibitors about the Festival's long and storied history. Dan Cameron, the chief art curator at the Orange County Museum of Art, will stop by for a talk at noon July 5 about his museum's 50th anniversary.
The Festival grounds also house the Irvine Bowl outdoor amphitheater and the Pageant of the Masters, the world-famous live show in which famed art masterpieces come to life in the style of "tableaux vivants," or living pictures.
This year's pageant begins on July 7 and the theme is "The Genius."
