Laguna Beach Festivals Introduce ‘Triple Value’ Passport to the Arts One price, one pass, three art festivals all summer long!

March 30, 2009 – Laguna Beach, California – The three world-renowned outdoor summer art festivals of Laguna Beach – The Festival of Arts, Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair -- have joined forces with the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau and the City of Laguna Beach to introduce the Passport to the Arts for the 2009 season. This is truly a special offer, as the ‘Passport’ allows visitors unlimited admission to all three festivals for the entire summer season. Over 500 amazing and unique artists and 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, and an array of restaurants and other food purveyors provide fun for the whole family; plus one time all-day free parking with each ticket, and much more. All for only $19! Additionally, selected retailers and merchants throughout Laguna Beach are offering special discounts to Passport holders. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend escape, or extended stay, the art festivals are a must-see!

The grandfather of Laguna’s art festivals, The Festival of Arts – California’s Premier Fine Art Show, was introduced in 1932. It is one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed and attended fine art shows. American Style Magazine listed it as one of the top 10 art shows in the United States two times in the last five years and in 2008 it was voted “Outstanding Arts Organization” by Arts Orange County. Rigorous jurying results in true ‘fine art’ by over 145 of coastal Orange County’s most accomplished artists covering a complete spectrum of media. In addition, there are art workshops, daily docent-led art tours, several dining options, nightly musical entertainment and hands-on demonstrations in printmaking, ceramics, painting and paper art. Plus, throughout the summer the Festival of Arts hosts a multitude of special events, including, Art of Cooking, OC Chef Series, Blues Fest, Beatles Classics, Youth Art Education Days, Summer Smooth Jazz Concert Series, and Festival of Artists in Action.

The Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair are both celebrating their 43rd seasons this year. “The Sawdust”, as it’s familiarly known, showcases art created only in Laguna Beach. It has been voted “Best Festival” by OC Weekly, as well as named one of the country’s top five festivals by American Style Magazine. Located in a beautiful eucalyptus grove, visitors experience the creativity of over 200 local artisans while enjoying the entertainment, artist demos, hands-on art workshops for adults and children, and delicious food and drink. All visitors seem to be drawn to the large glass blowing enclosure where artists show their skill at the furnace. Sawdust artists and craftspeople create and sell unique pieces from a wide variety of media including blown glass, fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, painting, woodwork, metal, ceramics and much more. The Sawdust also has three stages, where musical artists of all types perform. Other entertainers include dancers, comedians, mimes and balloon artists.

Just steps away, and centrally located right between the other two festivals, is the Art-A-Fair in a pastoral garden setting complete with a cascading waterfall. This festival differs from the others in that there are no geographic requirements for participants, so the 125 juried artists are not only from Southern California, but other states and countries. This year’s Art-A-Fair celebrates the exhibiting artists and invites visitors to “see the world through an artist’s eyes”. Every art form is represented at the show, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, drawings, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood. Live entertainment on weekends, artist demonstrations and free workshops add to the fun. For the third year in a row, the Art-A-Fair will present ‘Opera and Musical Night’ – always a standing ovation event. And, located on the property is Tivoli Too! restaurant, known for fine food and award-winning margaritas.

The Laguna Beach Passport to the Arts can be ordered online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com, or by calling 949-497-0521. The Passport will also be on sale at any of the festival box offices during the run of the shows.

As a special bonus, visitors who purchase the Passport online by 6/1/09 will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a total “Laguna Beach Getaway for Two” in the Fall. Included are two nights at a luxury hotel, two dinners, and other valuable prizes to make your retreat truly memorable.

Also available online or at any of the box offices is a complete list of local businesses offering discounts during the summer festival season. And Laguna operates a free shuttle service from the parking lot, as well as throughout town for the duration of the summer.

www.LagunaBeachPassport.com: 949-497-0521
The Festival of Arts: July 5 – Aug. 31
Sawdust Art Festival: June 26 – Aug. 30
Art-A-Fair: June 26 – Aug. 30
Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau

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