International art, aimed at transporting spectators to faraway lands to experience the delights of foreign cultures, forms the basis of Wonderful World, the theme for this year’s production of Pageant of the Masters, one of the highlights of Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach since its inception in the 1930s. 
A recreation of Toyohara Chikanobu’s late-19th-century woodblock print of a winter scene.
On each evening of Festival of Arts, which runs July 7 to September 2, attendees can witness 90 minutes of “living pictures”—real people creating life-size replications of classical and contemporary works of art within the context of a larger theatrical production. Works brought to life include those by Swedish painter Carl Larsson, Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, French artist Jean Béraud, Edvard Eriksen from Denmark, Japanese woodblock artist Toyohara Chikanobu, and many more. 
Themes of adventure and travel, epitomized by journalist Nellie Bly’s 1889 race around the world, are recreated in the 2022 Pageant of the Masters, including this game box cover originally from 1890.
A model is transformed backstage into living works of art.
Performed in an outdoor amphitheater, the event features an orchestra performing an original score, and live storytelling to carry spectators through the accompanying narrative.
“There are so many great artworks to recreate,” says director Diane Challis Davy. “It’s never easy to decide what art is in and what doesn’t make the cut.” Audience members can, however, expect a diverse array of artworks. “We’ll visit 17 countries in 90 minutes,” Davy says. “That’s what I call a ‘Bon Voyage!’” —
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters
When: July 7-September 2, 2022
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Information: (800) 487-3378, www.foapom.com
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