The 52nd annual Sawdust Art Festival comes to an end
Artists and locals prepare for what comes next after this annual Laguna Beach event finishes
Photo taken by Lizgoldner, WikiCommons
Art vendors expresses how the Sawdust Art Festival affects their lives after this summer event closes on Sept. 2.
Over 200 local artists feature their art at the nonprofit organization. Visitors shop around this large ground in support of local artists. The ending of this festival marks the time to create more material for the next Sawdust winter festival and other art events.
“I’ve been doing art for 33 years and the ending of this festival just means that I get to focus on my work,” said David Milton, an art vendor. “I usually take eight to nine month road trip to just get inspiration for my next projects. Museums and live auctions are another outlet for my artwork but I always come back to the Sawdust every season.”
This festival includes many booths that offer lessons in craftsmanship. The Sawdust Art Festival has been around for many years to bolster neighboring musicians and writers, which separates it from other institutions.
“Art enthusiasts, collectors, and novice artists have come to the Sawdust since its inception in 1966 for our mix of fine art and craft,” the official Sawdust Art Festival site said. “Media includes hand-blown and fused glass, painting, jewelry, surf art, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood and metal sculpture, photography, and so much more.”
“I’ve been doing art for 33 years and the ending of this festival just means that I get to focus on my work,” said David Milton, an art vendor. “I usually take eight to nine month road trip to just get inspiration for my next projects. Museums and live auctions are another outlet for my artwork but I always come back to the Sawdust every season.”
This time of year creates a certain emotion between the artists. As Milton is a long-time creator, he has seen many craftspeople come and go.
“The vibe here is comradery, but there are also a lot of competition,” Milton said. “The vibe changes when it comes to the end because it is over, and you want to get back out there and make more art to sell. Every year I grow to love it more and meet new vendors and locals who share their stories with me. I’m sad to see it be over.”
Creating and displaying art takes time and focus to fully complete a piece of art. Therefore, the annual Sawdust financially affect the artists with its conclusion. Another aspect of this event is the Ceramic Center that includes colorful pieces of art. Lupe Blanton creates ceramic structures for a living and the ending of this festival makes an impact on her livelihood.
“This is my life,” said Blanton. “I make ceramic garden art that make me so happy. When I am not here, I am back at my studio making more little mushrooms and majestic creatures. Sawdust is a channel to fully showcase everything I make, but I also have a store. Sawdust is a huge part of my income and helps me to keep doing what I love.”
Artists are not the only ones who are affected by the ending of Sawdust. Since the first summer art festival in 1965, over 200,000 people visit each year. Locals come to this event to see the different art displays and make a connection to the event all together.
“There are happy memories when I think of the Sawdust festival, especially since I have been coming here since I could walk,” said Natalie Fitch, a Laguna Beach local. “It is something I look forward to in the summer and that’s what makes it so special is because it is not something that goes on all year round and it is apart of summer tradition in this area.”
Summer ends and the Sawdust Art Festival closes its doors until next year. The Winter Fantasy opens its doors at the same location on Nov. 17 to Dec. 16, according to SawdustArtFestival.org.
You must be logged in to post a comment.