Something for all tastes

Every summer, Laguna Beach becomes the center of the arts in Orange County ? and beyond. The reasons why don't change from year to year: the Pageant of the Masters, the Festival of Arts and the Sawdust Festival.

But if you think you've seen any of the three, think again. Each year there are new artists or new art work to discover.

And it starts with the pageant.

A PAGEANT UNLIKE ANY OTHER

The renown Pageant of the Masters is a unique form of art called tableaux vivants, which means "living pictures." The show recreates familiar and not-so-familiar statues, paintings, jewelry, posters and other media (and always ends on Da Vinci's "Last Supper"), setting each to orchestral music and a guided narrative.

A different theme brings new works to the stage each summer. This year's theme is "A Passion for Art," which asks: What mysterious force compels an artist to create a work of lasting beauty and power. Is it romance, love, obsession?

Under the guidance of director Diane Challis Davy and a seasoned staff, some with more than 20 years experience, the works of art are magically transformed into life-sized recreations. Through lighting, intricate sets and live actors who become part of the piece, each work takes on the likeness of its two-dimensional original or three-dimensional model.

"A Passion for Art" will be performed nightly at 8:30 p.m. July 7 through Sept. 1. Remaining tickets are $20 to $35. For the special celebrity fundraiser gala on Aug. 26, remaining tickets range from $50 to $150.

The pageant is on the Festival of Arts grounds in the Irvine Bowl at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information call (949) 494-1145 or (800) 487-3378 or visit the website at www.foapom.com.

CELEBRATING THE ARTS EACH DAY

Since 1932, the Festival of Arts has been the premiere juried art exhibition in Orange County, and it's the longest-running outdoor fine art exhibition in California. The festival, which runs from July 2 through Sept. 1, will include more than 140 artists working in a vast array of media: blown glass, jewelry, oils, watercolors, acrylics, printmaking, sculpture, furniture, ceramics and photography. All artwork is original. Artists are often present.

And, yes, their work is for sale.

Art workshops and seminars will be available regularly throughout the summer for children and adults. Patrons can explore with guided tours, see demonstrations and enjoy entertainment, including visual and performance arts.