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Contact: Rebecca Meekma 949-497-0517
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 23, 2005
WINTER FANTASY
IN LAGUNA BEACH OPENS NOVEMBER 19
Laguna Beach, CA--- The Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach will open for its fifteenth season on November 19. This cousin to the world-famous summer Sawdust Art Festival has been growing steadily since its quiet beginnings in 1991 when a group of summer Sawdust exhibitors decided they would try their hand at creating a holiday arts and crafts show.
“The Winter Fantasy has the same artistic standards as the summer Sawdust,” explains Winter Fantasy committee member and exhibitor David Nelson, “Anything that is exhibited here must be created by the exhibiting artist – nothing can be put together from a kit or simply purchased unfinished and then touched up by the artist.”
When patrons shop at the Winter Fantasy, the items they are admiring are all unique –a key ingredient that separates the Winter Fantasy experience from the mass-merchandized sameness of mall shopping that is so familiar today.
As the Winter Fantasy has built its reputation, artists from all around the country have begun applying and exhibiting at the show. This year 170 artists from as far away as Key West, Florida will participate in the show.
Many exhibitors have been recognized for their talents, including:
Plein air (outdoor) painter Jim Wodark of Orange who has participated in the Winter Fantasy for several years and loves the exposure the show affords. Wodark recently won First Place in the Quick Draw and Second Place in the Overall Competition at the 2005 San Clemente Plein Air Painting Competition. His beautiful scenes of the “natural side” of California are always a hit with festivalgoers.
Textile artist Reem Khalil of Laguna Beach exhibits her wearable silk art at both the summer Sawdust and the Winter Fantasy. In April 2005, she was awarded First Place in Surface Design at the prestigious Indian Wells Festival. Reem’s vibrantly colored designs are standouts.
Artwork exhibited and for sale includes jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photographs, clothing, hand-blown glass and even musical instruments and marionettes. There is something in every price range sure to please everyone on your shopping list – including you!
The Winter Fantasy features plenty of seasonal delights including thousands of twinkling lights, a real snowfield for children to play in and new this year, an artic cave for exploring.
Winter Fantasy visitors get treated to live entertainment on three stages and in Towne Square’s gazebo! Performers from jugglers to celtic harpists, from carolers to Cajun zydeco will spice up your holiday season. New this year is the Children’s Theatre Workshop, a non-profit performing arts group from Mission Viejo, doing an interactive holiday show that will delight the entire family. All entertainment is included in the admission price.
The season’s most famous ambassador of good will, Santa Claus, will be at the Winter Fantasy each day from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. taking requests and spreading good cheer.
Always a highlight are the complimentary art classes for adults and children, taught by exhibitors. There’s also the Sawdust’s Ceramics Booth, where budding artists of all ages can try their hand at the potter’s wheel. And visitors always stop for the breath-taking beauty of the Glass-blowing Booth, where master glass-blowers demonstrate their craft hourly.
When the art activities, shopping and entertaining has worn you down, relax at one of three outdoor caf és or the Sawdust Saloon.
The 15th annual Winter Fantasy runs for four weekends: November 19 & 20; November 25, 26 and 27; December 3 & 4, and December 10 & 11. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 – 12, and free for children 5 and under. A season pass is available for $7. The Winter Fantasy is located at the Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. For additional information, visit sawdustartfestival.org or call 949-494-3030.
The Sawdust
Art Festival is a non-profit organization, dedicated to educating the
public about the art created in the community of Laguna Beach. Please call ahead to verify entertainment schedule.
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