Enthusiastic crowd opens Sawdust

Suzie Harrison

Most people have to wait for their high school reunion to experience

the sense of camaraderie that’s found at the opening party at the

Sawdust Art Festival. Actually, to some, the gathering of their high

school years doesn’t evoke the same pleasantry that is consistently

expressed by Lagunans about this annual event, now in its 37th year.

This year, during the four-hour event, nearly 4,300 people

attended and that’s not including the 200 artists exhibiting or

staff, said Rebecca Meekma, marketing and community relations manager

for the festival. Logistically this summer show marks the most

artists ever exhibiting.

“We try to convince people to share spaces,” Meekma said. “We do

the grounds layout different every year and were lucky to fit in the

extra booths. We’re not juried, so we try to be inclusive as we can,

size restricts us -- it’s nice to see there are still new artists in

Laguna Beach.”

Local, Chad Cooper, said he thinks it’s the best night in Laguna

Beach.

“It has a home-style atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone gets

acquainted, it’s a good way to get to know your neighbor and

establish a good business relationship. It supports local businesses,

and I really like that aspect.”

Los Angeles musician Karen Schleifer, who will be playing at the

festival for the first time this summer, had her first experience

seeing the festival in full swing.

“Walking in through the entrance was really intense, since the

last time I walked inside it was totally empty,” Schleifer said. “I

felt like I was submerged in an art village -- it almost feels like

you’re transported to a true creative universe, where everyone is

exchanging, tasting, sharing, admiring everyone else’s artistic

existence.”

It was an extra-added treat to hear the artists speak about their

work and the history, she said, adding that hearing the music coming

from all the different locations was a great “soundtrack” to the

atmosphere.

“It gives it an extra dimension,” Schleifer said. “I’m truly

looking forward to sharing my summer with such amazing artists, and

hope I can contribute to the environment.”

Longtime exhibiting artist Catherine Reade was pleased with the

evening.

“It was very festive in a lot of ways,” Reade said. “Locals and

artists seemed to be in good cheer. The show was beautiful, exciting

marking the beginning of the summer. It inspires me to do new work --

I think it’s going to be a fabulous year.”

With the opening of the summer art season, the uniqueness of

Laguna created by its art and artists can be felt throughout the

city.

“It looked like everyone was having a fun time and hugging each

other,” said artist and festival board member Tracey Moscaritolo. “I

saw people I hadn’t seen in 20 years. It’s a big event, like a

reunion. I saw it as a peaceful, happy, beautiful night, if it’s any

indication of what the summer will be like, the crowd really

appreciated the artwork and I’m looking forward to having a wonderful

season.”

For those who missed the celebration, the Sawdust officially opens

today. The Sawdust is at 935 Laguna Canyon Road and is open 10 a.m.

to 10 p.m. daily. Thursday night form 5 to 10 p.m. Laguna Beach

residents get in free. For information, call (949) 494-3030.