Art-A-Fair the place for unique art

For emerging artists and art enthusiasts alike, the Art-A-Fair showcases a taste of a different kind of media.

This year, the Art-A-Fair has a daily interactive game for visitors. Spectators can look for "Arty," a commemorative "46 emblem" hidden daily in plain sight. Those who find him win a prize.

Compared to the Sawdust Art Festival and Festival of Arts, the Art-A-Fair is more intimate with a smaller number of artists who are juried into the show.

While traditional art is present at the Art-A-Fair, the festival also hosts modern designs. Jon Parks' exhibit features abstract and colorful furniture, which look like something from a Tim Burton film. The pieces, including a multi-colored and abstract dresser, are unique.

"The different colors and combinations are what drives me," said Parks, an Art-A-Fair first-timer, in a phone interview. "If you're not unique or different, you just blend in with everything else. I want to be different from anything else."

One of the most interesting exhibits comes from Michael Crook, whose hand-carved and hand-painted wildlife portraits appear 3-D. From rare and extinct animals to portraits of African people, Crook's work displays a range of images.

For those who seek an interactive experience, look no further than Darcie's "Rebus" exhibit. According to Darcie, a Rebus is a riddle in which pictures represent words or phrases. Darcie's paintings combine unrelated things to invite viewers to "solve the puzzles." One of the paintings includes a glass of orange juice and Bart Simpson, which when combined representsO.J. Simpson.

Since 1967, the Art-A-Fair aimed to become one of the most outstanding fine arts shows in Southern California. Volunteers have worked to improve the show each year. The festival now features adult workshops each day of the week and music livens up the space each weekend.

The Art-A-Fair's 2012 season ends Sept. 2. The Art-A-Fair, 777 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, is open to the public Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Season admission tickets are $7 for adults; and $4 for students, military and seniors. Children under 12 and Laguna Beach residents with valid ID are free.

For more information about the Art-A-Fair festival, visit art-a-fair.com.

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