Fantasy ready to wow

Suzie Harrison

The holiday spirit can be hard for Southern Californians to catch due

to the warm temperatures and palm trees, but beginning Nov. 20 locals

can get a true “walking in a winter wonderland” feeling with the

opening of the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy.

Event director Lynne Powell underscores the Winter Fantasy, now in

its 14th season, as a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Everyone looks forward to opening day to see all the work that

has been done and the crescendo of lights coming on,” Powell said.

“Santa arrives and we light the community tree. It’s a nice feeling

of community coming together for a special holiday.”

Each year is more prolific with 30 artists added to make 173 for

this show.

While the summer show is exclusively Laguna artists, the winter

event has artists from 36 cities.

“This adds some new art and a few more glass artists doing

beautiful colored fused glass,” Powell said.

Original works in mosaics, mixed media, jewelry, painting, metal,

clothing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, pen and ink

and other media can be purchased.

To add to the holiday atmosphere, thousands of twinkling lights

have been hung, complemented by poinsettias and pine.

One tradition is a snowfield for children to play and build

snowmen. Tots also favor the life-sized gingerbread house, the

balloon artist “Balloon Diva” and Heebie and Jeebie from “Curtoon

Time.”

“This is the first year Santa will be in the Town Square,” Powell

said. “We have so many artists we needed a special spot for Santa.

Kids will be able to see Santa as soon as they walk in.”

Town Square is the center of activity with musical acts, dance

performances and a gazebo. Fourteen community youth and art

organizations decorate an individual tree in the square to place best

in show. Artists vie to win the booth decoration competition.

The square is also the location for the lighting of the community

Christmas tree at 5 p.m. and ceremonies for “Community Day” on Nov.

20. Laguna Beach residents are admitted free from 3 to 7 p.m.

Jennifer Tye, who is in charge of entertainment, said there is

something for everyone ranging from carolers, a hand-bell choir,

marionettes, Circus Theater by Sawdust regulars the Scarlet Sisters

and bands.

“Highlights on opening day include Santa’s elves, the Top of the

World honors chorus and a performance by No Square Theatre on the

gazebo,” Tye said.

Laguna Community Concert Band and Laguna Tunes will also perform

during the festival.

Children can explore their creative aptitude at the ceramics

booth, children’s art space or multi-media booth.

Adults too can receive one-on-one instruction at the ceramics

wheel and create art in the multi-media space. All art projects are

complimentary.

“I think Winter Fantasy is so popular because it gives the first

hint of feeling the holidays are here,” Powell said. “It’s magical

when people walk in, especially in the evening with all the lights

on.”

Sawdust Winter Fantasy, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, is from 10 a.m. to

6 p.m. Nov 20 and 21, Dec. 4 and 5 and Dec. 11 and 12. One time adult

admission is $4.50 or $5.50 for unlimited access. Entry is $2 for

children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. For

information, call (949) 494-3030 or go to

https://www.sawdustartfestival.org.