Since its inception in 1932, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show,now one of the region’s largest and most anticipated annual art fairs, has served as a platform for thousands of artists to showcase and sell their creations, with many pieces finding their way into private collections, exhibitions and museums worldwide.

The Festival of Fine Art Show features the work 120 California artists in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach. Photo courtesy Festival of Arts.

Set in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, California, the show returns to the scenic Festival of Arts outdoor pavilion for a two-month showcase of Orange County artists beginning July 3 and running through August 30. The juried event features 120 exhibiting artists working across a diverse range of mediums including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more—all crafted by area artisans.

Painter Terry Houseworth’s new work is based on a concept he started a few years ago that has become a framework for his Crop Series, in which each painting has an internal composition containing the focal point. “These ‘windows’ are rendered with the most realistic treatment and detail,” explains Houseworth. “Outlying areas are more expressive or abstracted in some way which allows me to experiment. I especially like how these different sections transition between each other. When starting a new painting, each reference image presents its own challenges for how I might establish these divisions.

Lynleigh Love, The Prism of Life, woven glass, 52 x 52 x 2½" 

By working in this manner I hope to achieve a feeling of depth while combining realism and abstraction together. I find it can be boring to paint the same way all the time. I’m pulling from my graphic design, drawing, plein air and realism experience for this project.”

Lynleigh Love is passionate about color and its ever-changing dance with light. The Prism of Life is a set of nine woven glass sculptures that flow through the full spectrum of color with transitional hues and tones. They are crafted by hand-cutting colored ribbons from big sheets of glass, truly woven together, and then fused back into a single piece of glass. The series began as a study of color, and Love began to realize that different colors evoked different emotions and memories, and she named them accordingly: oh baby YES!, Tenderness, Reflection, Peace, Tranquility, Growth, Joy, Play and Laughter. 

“Translucent color can be magical,” says the artist. “It can set the vibe for the entire space, so look for glass sculptures that are thoughtfully planned and arduously crafted.”

Terry Houseworth, Vantage Point, oil on wood panel, 16 x 16"

This is Michael Obermeyer’s 27th consecutive year exhibiting in the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. “Throughout the years, I have met many talented artists and even more wonderful collectors and friends,” he says. “It is always a joy to show and experience the festival for two months, but the exposure I get lasts throughout the year.”

Summer Skimmers is part of a series depicting everyday life in Laguna Beach—in this case, skimboarding. “I spend a lot of time at the beach, on and in the water, and also outdoors, and I’ve found an endless subject for these local scenes in this very picturesque and charming town,” says Obermeyer.

Marie Tippets is looking forward to her 12th year exhibiting at Festival of Arts.“The festival presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with art collectors from around the globe,” she says. “It adds a very personal dimension to our artwork, and often gives each piece greater significance to the collector who has acquired it. With music as a backdrop, and the gentle breezes of Laguna Canyon always blowing, one couldn’t ask for a more pleasant way to explore and shop for art.”

Michael Obermeyer, Laguna Skimmers, oil on canvas, 6 x 8"

Tippets created the pastel Lemon Harvest last fall. “Our lemon tree was in full bloom and the sleepy low light of fall was beckoning,” she says. “My intention with this piece was to create a quiet beauty while at the same time elevating the majesty of a lemon branch laden with fruit.”

In addition to a diverse, dynamic and extensive selection of art, and the legendary Pageant of the Masters performances, Festival of Arts features daily live concerts and a jam-packed schedule of events, entertainment and opportunities for the whole family to tap into their inner artist.  

“The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show has something for everyone to enjoy,” says Sharbie Higuchi, Festival of Arts marketing and public relations director. “Whether you’re an art aficionado, a music lover or simply looking for a fun, artful experience—the festival has it all.”

For hours, tickets and full schedule of events, visit www.foapom.com. —

Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
When: July 3-August 30, 2024
Where: Festival of Arts Grounds 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Information: (800) 487-3378, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org 

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