Community Corner
It's Official: The Sawdust Fest and Art-A-Fair are Open for Business
Laguna Beach Mayor Jane Egly was on hand for the 2012 Sawdust Festival ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Sawdust Festival and Art-A-Fair officially opened at 10 a.m. Friday morning. Mayor Jane Egly participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Sawdust, while several volunteers and artists were working at the Art-A-Fair preparing for visitors.
"The setting is so pretty," said Mayor Egly, "and that to me is so 'Laguna Beach.' And there's such a variety of art, too. There's kind of an openness, a pleasantness whenever you come here. I particularly like it in the morning and then later in the evening because it has that kind of 'canyon feel' to it."
Sawdust board member Jay Grant's wife has been exhibiting at the festival since 1968. Now Grant's son and wife are helping with their jewelry booth.
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"I like the festival," said Grant, "because of the enjoyment our customers receive by coming here. Not only are there wonderful arts and crafts, but there's great, great music and there's good, good food. It's a wonderful place to bring your family. It's a wonderful place for a date night."
Grant loves the artists, as several of them have been friends for 30-40 years. He explained that there is a sense of family at the festival.
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Husband and wife artists Richard and Merilou Jenkins exhibit at the Art-A-Fair. Richard creates blown glass chandeliers and ornaments. Merilou creates fused glass and precious metal jewelry.
"This is my 10th year," said Merilou. "I like talking to all the different people. We're kind of like a family here. I enjoy it a lot."
Richard Jenkins said, "This is where we come during the summer. Everybody's really sad when it's over because there are a lot of people who have been here for 20 years or so. They become your family for the summer."
Jenkins was a law professor and an associate dean of a law school for 35 years.
"It's never too late to enjoy yourself," he said, "to retire and do something that you're fond of, something that motivates you and is a passion."
The Sawdust Festival and Art-A-Fair are open now through September 2.
CLICK HERE for Sawdust Festival info and CLICK HERE for Art-A-Fair info.
