A beloved annual event for both locals and visitors alike, the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach returns to Southern California with a bounty of art, live entertainment and special activities suitable for the whole family. In addition to the legendary theatrical production Pageant of the Masters, central to the event is the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, where more than 120 juried Orange County artists gather in a breezy, open-air pavilion to showcase their artwork.
This year’s Festival of Arts Fine Art Show runs July 7 through September 3 and features thousands of artworks across all media including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass art, jewelry and more, in styles that range from the traditional to contemporary. Each artist has their own mini-gallery and is often on site to talk to visitors and discuss their inspiration, techniques and processes, which makes bringing home a piece of art even more meaningful.
Visitors enjoy the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, featuring the artwork over 100 Orange County artists.
Crowd-favorite programming like Flashback Friday, Showstopper Saturday, Southern Songbook Sundays, the Tribute Music series and the live paint off Battle of the Arts continue in 2026, as well as new components like Cultural Arts Day, curated to celebrate creativity and community. Other highlights include the Junior Art Exhibit, Family Art Day, the Festival Runway Fashion Show, as well as Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate; and Paint and Sip classes.
Among the exhibiting artists is Terry Houseworth, who is returning to show his latest innovative works, including Door Dash.“As an oil painter, I merge realism with stylization, reimagining landscapes, birds and rural scenes through a combination of photography, digital experimentation and traditional techniques,” says Houseworth. “I develop reference images using modern tools before translating them onto canvas, resulting in polished artworks that balance detailed observation with personal interpretation. My work captures the beauty and character of nature through a fresh, creative lens.”
Terry Houseworth, Door Dash, oil on wood panel, 18 x 24 in.
Returning the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show for the fifth year, Dawn Buckingham is an award-winning artist who follows the tradition of American impressionism. Immersing herself in the natural landscape, Buckingham captures the light, color and mood of the area. The need to work quickly in the changing light is reflected in the energy of her mark making and subtle layers of pigment. “The landscape is usually the focus of my work but the inclusion of structures, vehicles and figures provide the context for how we live within our environments,” says the artist, who paints in pastel and oil on location, as well as utilizing travel journaling to inform her studio practice. She is represented in Laguna Beach by Studio 7 Gallery.
Dawn Buckingham, Drifting, soft pastel, 9 x 12 in.
“There truly is something magical about the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters that keeps people coming back year after year, while still feeling completely fresh for first-time visitors,” says Sharbie Higuchi, the festival’s director of marketing and PR. “For longtime attendees, every summer brings new artwork, new artists, new experiences and an entirely new Pageant theme and production. For those who have never attended, it’s one of the most unique arts experiences in the country where you can meet over 100 Orange County artists, purchase original artwork directly from them, enjoy live music and special events, and then experience the Pageant of the Masters, where famous works of art come to life on stage in breathtaking ‘living pictures.’ There’s truly nothing else like it.”
Kelley Mogilka, Spring, oil, 36 x 24 in.
Visit www.foapom.com to view more work by participating artists, as well as for ticket information, hours and a full schedule of events. —
Festival of Arts Fine Art Show
When: July 7-September 3, 2026
Where: Festival of Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Information: (800) 487-3378, www.foapom.com
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