The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an impromptu street fair 91 years ago. Today, the event has grown into a prestigious juried show of 100-plus artists that runs for two months, this year from July 5 through September 1, in tandem with the legendary theatrical performance, The Pageant of the Masters. 

Set in a stunning outdoor pavilion, the fine art show features a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more, made by artists from around Orange County,. “Avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the artists’ displays,” says marketing and public relations director Sharbie Higuchi.

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach features more than 100 California artists in a stunning, open-air pavilion setting. Photo courtesy Festival of Arts.

 

Cindy Motley, There’s No Place Like Home, acrylic, 60 x 48"

 

In addition to the abundance of artwork, the Festival of Arts also includes a wide range of daily activities for the whole family including nightly live music, guided art tours, daily art workshops and other weekly series including Concerts on the Green, and Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate. There are also several special one-day events including annual favorites like the Festival Runway Fashion Show and Junior Artists Celebration. 

“Overall, the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, with its combination of high-quality art, breathtaking performances, stunning location and commitment to education,” says Higuchi. “Looking back at the original Festival of Arts in 1932, there was something for everyone to enjoy. That tradition continues today. With beautiful art, nightly live music, workshops for all ages, and unique events, the Festival is truly a full arts experience.”

Cindy Motley, A Walk in the Park, acrylic, 60 x 48"

 

David Kizziar, Joshua Tree, brown and white ink on toned paper, 11 x 9"

 

David Kizziar returns to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show to showcase his highly detailed, yet emotionally moving colored pencil, ink and graphite drawings. Inspired by composition that reflects lighting and movement, Kizziar’s style emphasizes tonal values. This summer, he is excited to show collectors an ancient technique used by the Renaissance Masters. Using this historical method, Kizziar covers his drawing surfaces with a special ground mineral coating that allows for the metal to create marks, then he draws using solid sterling silver, gold or copper wire which leaves a deposit on the drawing surface and overtime will oxidize into a beautiful tonal color.

Since childhood, self-taught artist Cindy Motley has been drawing, writing and even sewing. It wasn’t until she was 32, when she received a gift of art supplies, that she started on her journey as a painter. Today, Motley, in her 60s, paints purely from her imagination, creating colorful images with a “flat” illustrative style that incorporate decorative elements reminiscent of textiles, drawing from her experience in the fashion industry. “The process is so magical and peaceful it feels as though I’m weaving out a painting,” says Motley. “I believe we all have something to give to this world that is uniquely ours. Each painting is telling a story through the theme and the elements I use. Sometimes that gift takes time to develop. The process is different for everyone. This is my gift and I am just grateful at the age of 60 that I can now share it.”

David Kizziar, Big Bend, colored pencil on toned paper, 12 x 10"

 

Jill Maytorena, Adornment, pastel and mixed media on panel, 36 x 48"

 

Jill Maytorena’s portraits feature figures emerging through a glow of color and vibrant patterns. “Sewing patterns, patterned fabrics, patterned papers and soft pastels blend in collaged layers to illuminate the topography of my figurative art,” says Maytorena. “I weave a tapestry of fragmentary impressions, influences and interests. I create collaged surfaces that reflect my inner reality. In a state of unlimited possibilities and inspirations, I surround myself with visual chatter as I sift through piles of fabric, paper and embroidery. The creative process is deliberately chaotic in the beginning yet geared towards the achievement of a sense of harmony.”

Jill Maytorena, Persimmon, pastel and mixed media on panel, 48 x 26"

 

Terry Houseworth, Surf Patrol, oil on panel, 12 x 24"

 

Terry Houseworth’s current work is part of a concept the artist started exploring a few years ago that he calls the Crop Series. The only criteria is that each painting has to have a frame(s) within a frame. The internal windows contain the focal point and the most realistic treatment with more detail. All other areas are abstracted in some way. “By working this way I hope to achieve a feeling of depth while combining realism and abstraction together,” says Houseworth, adding that he’s pulling from his background in graphic design, drawing, plein air and realism experience for the project. “I’m looking forward to experimenting with a variety of sizes, formats and textures within these loose boundaries,” he says. —

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
When: July 5-September 1, 2023
Where: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
Information: (800) 487-3378, www.foapom.com

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