News and Events

Platters by FOA Exhibitors
Live Demo July 28, 12-3pm
Silent Auction August 25, 6-8pm

Art lovers are invited to a Platter Painting Demonstration Sunday July 28, 12:00-3:00pm in the Art Center at Festival of Arts.Visitors will watch as 12 Festival exhibitors try their hand at painting personal designs on giant platters using ceramic glazes.

Visitors may mingle about the gathering, watch the progress, and interact with the artists as they are working. “Designs are unique to each artist, and often compare to work in their exhibit booth,”said Program Coordinator Mike Tauber. “So a piece by wildlife illustrator Ray Brown will look completely different than one by printmaker Vinita Voogd. It’s fascinating to see the variety!” he said. Additional artists include Bruce Burr, Kate Cohen, Toni Danchik, Sharon Jackman, Yuri Kuznetsov, Pil Ho Lee, Sian Poeschl, Anthony Salvo, Karin Worden, and more.

The event is part of the greater Membership Day activities at Festival of Arts. Miskey Mountain Boys will perform live bluegrass onstage, and all who buy from the Art-To-Go fundraising sale will enjoy savings of 20%-off all items. The finished fired platters will be unveiled and auctioned alongside Art-To-Go on Sunday August 25,6:00-8:00pm. To receive “sneak preview” photos and a reminder, subscribe to The Artists Fund eNewsletter at www.TheArtistsFund-FOA.org ()or email info@theartistsfund-foa.org (http://www.TheArtistsFund-FOA.org/).

Proceeds from Art-To-Go and platter sales support The Artists Fundat Festival of Arts. The platters event is sponsored by Laguna Clay Company. For information visit TheArtistsFund-FoA.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 LagunaCanyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.

2024 Winners Announced

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts presented the Art-To-Go Best-in-Show awards to seven artists recently. The 2024 fundraising collection, themed “Head-To-Toe”,features originals donated by Festival exhibitors to support the hardship fund for artists. Art-To-Go is available daily through August 25th on the Festival grounds.

Brian Haberlin won Best-in-Theme for his watercolor titled Bess.“It’s a very cinematic portrait,” said awards juror Nelson Coates, Production Designer for television and film. He was moved bythe mission of The Artists Fund, and Art-To-Go. “That the exhibitors come together to support their own in times of need is such a labor of love,” he said. “It reminds us all to give of our gifts, the importance of tangible expression, and selfless giving.”

Picks by Coates includedJeff Hurlbut- first place for his figurative painting, Brad Neal -second place for his figurative rendering in ink and watercolor, and third place to Mark Jacobucci for his landscape. Honorable mentions went to Isabelle Allessandra, Judith Haron, and Yuri Kuznetsov. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by Festival patrons,went to Juff Hurlbut – a two time winner. The voters prize gift went to Amanda Fish, who cast a vote for Brian Haberlin’s piece.

The Artists Fund President Rick Graves handed certificates and gifts to winners, and Christine Georgantas Festival of Arts Director of Exhibits congratulated the winners.
All Art-To-Go buyers qualify to win a 2-night stay at The Tides Inn. New items are added weekly. View a portion of the collection online at TheArtistsFund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.

Success Story: Toni Danchik
Enrichment Grant Awarded

The mission of The Artists Fund is to promote all FOA exhibitors (past and present) and their work, provide career education through our Professional Development seminars and webinars (see story below), and Hardship Grants – helping artists in need.  Another priority is encouraging  artists to  grow their careers through the Enrichment Grant. A recent award went to Toni Danchik, who wrote the following: “Twenty years ago, I took a 12-day painting workshop with Jove Wang. I learned procedures that shaped me as the artist I am today,” she stated.

Art by Toni Danchik

“Recently I took a 3-day plein air painting workshop with him as a refresher and the first one with him in almost 10-years. My husband immediately noticed that the “chi” had returned – especially noticeable in the strength and quality of my brushwork. Jove mentioned that he felt that I would be an ideal candidate for what he calls his ‘Big Painting’ workshop.

This is for advanced artists by invitation only. It is called ‘Big Painting’ not only because the large format, but you will also learn all the procedures to design and build this large painting. Mine will consist of multiple figures, using several photos and sketches as references. It will involve multiple charcoal sketches to hone my design, several small color sketches to establish my focal point, color harmony and to capture my first feelings and inspiration for the painting.”

Toni Danchik glazes a tile at Festival of Arts

“I’ll learn the use of exaggeration in my gestures to create a strong and compelling composition. From there I will be guided through the process of interpreting my concepts into a successful large painting. In this workshop I will be stretched and challenged in my artistry and hopefully I will also receive a few breakthroughs that will take my art to a new level. I am very grateful to The Artists Fund for the grant that will help towards the workshop expenses.”

Visit Toni Danchik

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Brad Neal, Cliff Wassman Among Winners at Art-To-Go

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts presented the Art-To-Go Best-in-Show awards to eight artists recently. The fundraising collection, themed “All Together Now”, features originals donated by Festival exhibitors to support the hardship fund for artists. Art-To-Go is available daily through August 27th on the Festival grounds.

N.C. Swan won Best-in-Theme for her watercolor “Gathering of Monarchs for Evening Exhibitions”, showing butterflies in a flurry of light. The awards juror was Diane Challis Davy, Director of Pageant of the Masters. She was moved by the artists-helping-artists mission of The Artists Fund, and Art-To-Go. “It’s my great pleasure to choose my favorites in this collection,” she said. “My choices are influenced by my appreciation of the masters of art.”

Davy’s picks included Cliff Wassman – first place for his photo “Man Before the Storm”, Brad Neal -second place for his rendering of the Pantheon, and third place to Festival newcomer Eri Sugimoto for her ceramic jar. Honorable mentions went to Lynn Beeler, Michael Ward, and Mark Jacobucci. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by Festival patrons, went to Carole Boller for her iconic yellow rose.  The Artists Fund President Rick Graves handed certificates and gifts to winners, and Susan Davis Festival of Arts Director of Special Events, congratulated the winners.

All Art-To-Go buyers qualify to win a 2-night stay at The Tides Inn. New items are added weekly. View a portion of the collection online at TheArtistsFund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.  FoAPoM.com

PHOTO by Rick Graves
Art-To-Go presented Best-In-Show awards to winning artists last Sunday on the Festival of Arts grounds. L-R : Artists Fund President Rick Graves, Eri Sugimoto, Carol Boller, Brad Nead, N.C. Swan, Cliff Wassman, Awards Juror Diane Challis Davy, Michael Ward, Mark Jacobucci, Lynn Beeler.

Boller, Salvo, and Worden Join Platter Painting Party at Festival of Arts

Art lovers are invited to a Platter Painting Party Saturday July 29, 8:30pm to 10:30pm in the Art Center at Festival of Arts. Visitors will watch as 17 Festival exhibitors try their hand at painting personal designs on platters and tiles, using ceramic glazes. “We will be seeing all styles that matter, from traditional, to graphic splatters on these platters,” said Mike Tauber, Program Coordinator.

Viewers may mingle about the gathering, watch the progress, and interact with the artists as they are working.

Artists include Carole Boller, who stated “My brushes are dancing with excitement! My platter will have a going-to-the-beach theme, I think. Everyone will find out on Saturday night,” she said.

“This is the first time I’m trying ceramics, so I’m a little nervous” said nautical illustrator James Pearce, whose images involve lots of marks, dots, and dashes.

“My platter will look much like a woodcut I did, with graphic black swirls over a gold background,” said printmaker Vinita Voogd.

Additional artists include Kate Cohen, Toni Danchik, Monica Edwards, Carol Heiman-Greene, Sharon Hutchinson, Mark Jacobucci, Lisa Kijak, Yuri Kuznetsov, Natalia Eremeyeva Duarte, Anthony Salvo, Karin Worden, and more.

The nearby wine bar and food concession will be open, or visitors may bring their own. All exhibitor booths will be available for visiting throughout the Festival grounds. The finished, fired platters and tiles will be available for viewing and bidding during the Art-To-Go auction on Sunday August 27, from 6:00-8:00pm. Closing of bid sheets starts at 7:15, so early bidding is encouraged!

All events are free with regular Festival admission. Proceeds from sales support the Enrichment Grant Fund of The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts. The event is sponsored by Laguna Clay Company.

A Hardship Grant
Thank You Note

The Artists Fund Hardship Grant is for any past or present Festival of Arts exhibitor experiencing a financial challenge from unexpected circumstances, exceptional illness or injury, or other hardship. Applications are available year-round, and processed privately through our Grant Committee. A recent recipient sent the following note: “My second year with the Festival Of Arts was a very different experience. Due to the pandemic, all my in-person activities and showings were cancelled, from March 2020 to the Festival in 2021. I assumed I would be able to get by, but then something totally unexpected happened.

I figured I would put in my tomato garden since I would have time to tend to it. One afternoon, while working there, I went to step over the chicken-wire fence surrounding it. I had done this hundreds of times before, but this time I took a misstep. I impaled my leg and ended up in the emergency room – not fun during the pandemic.

Even though my husband has good insurance, I was shocked to get a rather large bill for my adventure. Just as I was wondering how on earth I would pay this bill, a friend from the show told me about The Artists Fund. She said they were there just for someone like me, who found myself in a tough situation. I applied for a hardship grant and submitted my bill. I was overjoyed when I received a check to cover my unexpected expenses. I can’t thank them enough, so I donate to Art-To-Go to help raise funds for this fabulous organization.

“Interview with Michael Obermeyer”

The Artists Fund caught up with painter and Festival of Arts exhibitor Michael Obermeyer recently, and asked a few questions. Here are his fascinating answers:

Q: What are your favorite museums?

A: A few include The Musee d’ Orsay in Paris and the Art Institute in Chicago. Both draw me in anytime I visit those cities. So many pieces from so many periods have inspired me. I usually take a couple of runs through the museums to soak in as much as I possibly can.

Q: Who are a few favorite artists?

A: There are so many, they seem to ebb and flow depending on my mood. As with most representational painters, I am attracted to Sargent, Sorolla and Zorn but I’ve always loved the great American illustrators – Howard Chandler Christy, James Montgomery Flagg, N.C. Wyeth, J.C. Leyendecker. They tell such wonderful stories through their paintings, their work comes alive to me!

Q: What are favorite things about Festival of Arts?

A: The camaraderie and fellowship with the other artists. They are like my extended family and getting together to talk about art, the festival, sales, family, anything, brings me joy. The day after the festival closes each summer is a lonesome day. I also love interacting with people in the evenings, getting to know them, and being surprised by old friends or people I haven’t seen in years.

Q: Why did you become an artist?

A: As a child, I loved to draw- anything, anywhere, anytime. I would even draw in the air with my finger, something my kids tell me I still do occasionally. My parents recognized that I had a talent and signed me up for after-school art classes. I grew up wanting three things in life – to be a pilot, have lots of animals, and to be an artist. Anything else would be a waste of the talents God gave me. Visiting Europe in high school exposed me, first hand, to some of the masters of drawing, painting, and sculpture, and I knew I was on the right path. At some point in my life, my goal was to be successful enough through my artistic career to own a house, put food on the table for my family, and send my children to good schools. I was an illustrator for twenty years and I have had a very successful studio and painting career for over twenty five years. I still love to draw and paint – anything, anywhere, anytime. On a side note, I also became a private pilot and I have had quite a few interesting pets over the years. So far, so good!

Q: What do you listen to while painting?

A: While painting the figure or portraits with a live model, I generally listen to something soothing or relaxing – it’s good for my model. When I’m alone, anything goes – from classical to a lot of jazz, new wave or punk rock. As I get older, I am listening to more classic rock from my early years, just trying to hang on to my youth I guess.

Q: Favorite thing about demonstrating in public?

A: The interaction with people, some who have never experienced watching a painting being created. I love to talk about the process and what I’m thinking as I work. Being an artist can be such a solitary profession, working for hours alone in my studio – talking to myself -or painting outdoors alone somewhere. It’s nice to get out and be social once in a while.

Q: What’s something people don’t know about you?

A: Most people don’t know that I was a Pageant of the Masters cast member with my family for seven years, including my first six years as an exhibiting Festival artist. It was a fun way to spend the summer with my family but eventually was taking time away from my booth each night, so I retired from that and focused on my real love of being a Festival exhibitor.

Q: What’s your greatest career achievement?

A: I’ve had some wonderful achievements in my art career, including receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and becoming the President of the California Art Club, but my most satisfying achievement is making a living as an artist, my dream since I was a child.

Q: What would be a dream project?

A: A commission to paint and to travel to the Maldives, or any other gorgeous location on this planet, before it disappears!

— to learn more visit MichaelObermeyer.com 

The Tides Inn Laguna Beach Resort

Artist Amanda Fish and her painting “Middle Child”

Tides Inn Winner Announced

Receipts from every item purchased from the 2022 Art-To-Go and Platters fundraising sales were automatically entered into our Buyers Bonus prize drawing. The prize is a voucher for a two-night stay at the charming Tides Inn in Laguna Beach. The Artists Fund congratulates winner Pam S. of Newport Beach who accepted her prize.

“This is so exciting!” she exclaimed. Pam’s lucky purchase was “Middle Child”, generously donated by Festival exhibitor Amanda Fish. The Artists Fund sends a big THANK YOU to all artists who donated, to everyone who bought from our fundraising sales, and to The Tides Inn for supporting us!

Art-To-Go and Platters to be
Auctioned at Festival

Savvy art seekers will love the 2022 Art-To-Go fundraising sale at Festival of Arts. More than 100 exhibitors donated originals under the theme “What the World Needs Now”. Works are available for purchase daily, now through August 28 while supplies last.

Koi Fish Platter by Anthony Salvo

A sell-out auction take place on Sunday August 28, 6pm-8pm. “Bids open at 1/3 retail value, so its a great chance to start a collection from these prestigious artists” said program coordinator Mike Tauber. Offerings include jewelry by Luciano Bortone, Dan Miller and Linda Potichke, photography by Tom Lamb and Peter Levshin, mixed media by Kate Cohen and Judith Haron, paintings by Jacobus Baas, Carole Boller, and much more.

Highlights include 14 ceramic platters and 2 tiles, in original designs by Festival exhibitors including Mary Aslin, Ray Brown,  Bruce Burr, Susan Jarecky, Anthony Salvo and more. A collectors edition of the book Art Inscribed, produced by Third Street Writers and signed by 18 Festival exhibitors, will add to the offerings.

Proceeds from Art-To-Go sales benefit The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts, providing hardship and career enrichment grants for artists. All buyers qualify for a drawing to win a two-night stay at The Tides Inn.

View the Online Gallery at TheArtistsFund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.  FoAPoM.com.

View online gallery.

Platters Get Splattered
at Festival of Arts  (2022)

Wet glaze was everywhere at the Platter Painting Party presented recently at Festival of Arts. Fifteen exhibitors glazed personal designs on ceramic platters and tiles as patrons looked on in awe. The originals are currently being fired, and will be auctioned to the public on Sunday August 28, 6:00pm to 8:00pm alongside the Art-To-Go auction on the Festival grounds.

Artist Karin Worden

Many artists created works that are similar to that in their booths. Examples include stylized cats by Yuri Kuznetsov, a Porsche race car, complete with dripping paint, by Lyn Hiner, and vibrant koi fish by Anthony Salvo. Carole Boller created a dramatic flower that filled the entire 17-inch bowl shape. “I can’t believe how much fun this was, I’m so glad I was invited!” exclaimed the ceramic first-timer. Elizabeth McGhee used wit and whimsy by painting spaghetti into her bowl, adding a cactus and cowboy boots, and titling it Spaghetti Western. “It was the best I could dish up at short notice,” she joked.

Artist Mark Jacobucci

Satirist painter Bruce Burr brought dry humor in his rendering of 1960’s animated spys Boris Badenoff and Natasha. Other artists included Mary Aslin, Kate Cohen, Toni Danchik, Mark Jacobucci, Susan Jarecky, Maaria Kader, Brandon Medrano, and jeweler Karin Worden. Support team volunteers included Michele McCormick and Greg Rayes.
Platters will be unveiled at the onset of the auction, but everyone who subscribes to The Artists Fund’s eNewsletter will get to see sneak-preview photos several days before. Subscribe at the Contact Us page at TheArtistsFund-foa.org. Proceeds from Platter sales support the Enrichment Grant Fund for artists. (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651. Subscribe here to receive sneak preview photos by email.

Photos by The Artists Fund

Watch Artists Paint Platters
at the Festival of Arts

(L-R) Ray Brown, Yuri Kuznetsov, Anthony Salvo, Mary Aslin, (back) Karin Worden, Toni Danchik, Carole Boller, Susan Jarecky, Lyn Hiner, Mark Jacobucci, Mike Tauber. PHOTO PETER LEVSHIN. (Not pictured Bruce Burr, Kate Cohen, Maaria Kader, Lisa Kijack,  Brandon Medrano, Pegah Samaie)

Art lovers are invited to a Platter Painting Party on Saturday July 30, 2022 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm in the Art Center at the Festival of Arts. Visitors will watch as 17 Festival exhibitors try their hand at painting personal designs on platters and tiles, using low-fire ceramic glazes. “It will be a great challenge for many of the artists, since they are not used to working in these ceramic mediums,” said program coordinator Mike Tauber. “We can’t wait to see what they come up with!”

Visitors may mingle about the gathering, watch the progress, and interact with the artists as they are working. The nearby wine bar and food concession will be open, and all exhibitor booths will be available throughout the Festival grounds.

The finished, fired platters and tiles will be available for viewing and bidding on August 28, 6:00-8:00pm during the Art-To-Go auction. All events are free with regular Festival admission. Proceeds from sales support the Enrichment Grant Fund of The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts. The event is sponsored by Laguna Clay Company. For information, visit TheArtistsFund-FoA.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.

Jacobucci, Miller, McGhee
Among Winners at Art-To-Go 2022

Art-To-Go presented Best-In-Show awards to winning artists last Sunday on the Festival grounds.

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts presented the Art-To-Go Best-in-Show awards to eight artists recently. The fundraising collection, themed “What the World Needs Now”, features originals donated by Festival exhibitors to support the hardship fund for artists. Art-To-Go is available daily through August 28th on the Festival grounds.

Yuri Kuznetsov won Best-in-Theme for his painting “Low Down Sky”, showing fictional wildlife in a floating dreamlike maze. The awards juror was Peter Zokosky, Chair of MFA Drawing + Painting at Laguna College of Art and Design. He was moved by the artists-helping-artists mission of The Artists Fund, and Art-To-Go. “It’s beautiful when artists come together to support those in need,” he said. It was a pleasure to view so many excellent works in the Art-To-Go collection.”

Zokosky’s picks included Nan Luh – first place for her painting of a Geisha, Mark Jacobucci -second place, and Elizabeth McGhee -third place. Honorable mentions went to Dan Miller for his topaz pendant, Cheryl Walsh, and Judith Haron. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by Festival patrons, went to painter Kirah Martin. The Artists Fund President Wendy Wirth handed certificates and gifts to winners, and Christina Georgantas, Festival of Arts Exhibits Director, congratulated the winners.

All Art-To-Go buyers qualify to win a 2-night stay at The Tides Inn. View a portion of the collection online at TheArtistsFund-foa.org or call (949) 612-1949. Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach CA. 92651.  FoAPoM.com.

Photo by Rick Graves.

Spend a Week with Michael Ward on Instagram

Solo Show now through April 1 in Costa Mesa

PHOTOS by The Artists Fund. Follow daily life of painter Michael Ward on Instagram March 17-24 @theartistsfund

The Artists Fund at Festival of Arts’ Instagram site will be popping with posts by painter Michael Ward as he takes over the feed now through March 24, 2022. Followers will see a snapshot of Wards daily life in Costa Mesa as he shares images from his location shoots, studio props, tools, and a few behind-the-scenes surprises. Several works-in-progress for the summer Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach will be shown.

Ward is a self-taught painter and longtime exhibitor at the Festival. His work features images of “things around us” that we may not usually pay attention to including bungalows, aging cars, mom and pop liquor stores, and everyday objects, presented with a dramatic light source and contemporary style. Follow theartistsfund now, and interact with Michael Ward daily March 17-24.

Editors Note:  A solo show of work by Michael Ward is on view now through April 1 at The Exhibit Gallery at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, open 10:00am-3:00pm Mondays through Fridays. A free public reception is Monday, March 28, 1:00-2:30pm. 695 W. 19th Street. Free on-site parking. More info here.

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Pageant Tickets Now On Sale

“Wonderful World” is the theme of the 2022 Pageant of the Masters.
featuring art from around the globe. “We’ll visit 17 countries in 90 minutes,”
stated Diane Challis Davy, Pageant Director. “That’s what I call a bon voyage!”
she stated. Will Da Vinci’s Last Supper still close out the show? See the
entire scene line-up and buy tickets.

Success Story – Paul Bond

In addition to hardship grants for artists in need, The Artists Fund has a separately funded Enrichment Grant program for Festival of Arts exhibitors expanding their professional practices. A recent recipient, Paul Bond, sent the following note:
“I have used the enrichment grant I received to help pay for a software training course. This program, called Blender, will allow me to expand my capabilities in creating visual references for my finished oil paintings. I’m very grateful to The Artist Fund for support in this growth opportunity.”
Paul Bond 
https://paulbondart.com/paintings/gallery-1/

Art-To-Go Auction a Big Success

Sherri McCuen and Chris Brazelton start off the auction with the platters.

The Artists Fund’s Art-To-Go fundraising sale ran throughout the Festival season, and concluded with an auction last week. The sale featured originals donated by exhibitors, and proceeds support the Hardship Fund for artists in need.

As well, a collection of artist-decorated platters were all sold at the auction, with proceeds to support the Enrichment Grant Fund. “Our fundraiser was a great success!” stated Artists Fund President Wendy Wirth. “We are most grateful to our generous donating artists, our buyers, and our many volunteers,” Wirth said.

“Our auction day volunteer team was fantastic!” said Chris Brazelton, Art-To-Go committee chair, and owner of Gallery of Wearable Art in Cambria. “The visitors understood the auction process, and really seemed to enjoy bidding,” said exhibiting sculptor and local realtor, Sherri McEuen. Artists Fund board members Geraldine Cropser, Ellen Mahoney, and Cynthia Ayers, owner of Laguna Coast Real Estate, also volunteered, as did Greg Rayes,a  local home remodeling designer.

Additional exhibitor volunteers included Paul Bond, Kate Cohen, Christopher Jeffries, Gavin Heath, and Stephen Swintek. The program is presented by The Artists Fund, coordinated by exhibitor Mike Tauber, and supported by The Tides Inn and Festival of Arts. The platters program is supported by Laguna Clay Company.