Pageant of the Masters embarks on ‘Grand Tour’ theme
Artists James Tissot, Duane Hanson and John Singer Sargent will be among the painters and sculptors celebrated in next year’s Pageant of the Masters, themed “The Grand Tour.”
Expanding horizons by visiting art centers in Europe or travelers embarking on pilgrimages to stand in front of masterpieces inspired the theme, said pageant Director Diane Challis Davy at the Festival of Arts’ annual meeting Wednesday at Laguna Beach event venue [seven-degrees.]
The artworks that will be recreated as a 90-minute stage show of living pictures, or tableaux vivants, appeared before the crowd in a video montage.
Images included 19th century posters of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, sculptures of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington and gilt bronze statues of the La France Triomphante fountain and Fountain of Apollo, both housed at Versailles.
The July 7 to Aug. 31 pageant will end with the traditional finale, “The Last Supper.”
Laguna Beach Mayor Steve Dicterow said the nonprofit festival and the city have never had a better working relationship.
Festival President Fred Sattler welcomed members and staff and remarked on the 2016 season’s theme, “Partners.”
“It was a very good year, financially and ‘programmatically,’ ” Sattler said. “We’ve been on a good track and this year, we set a record in revenue.”
Sattler reported that last season’s festival brought in about $9.72 million, a 6.5% over the previous year, according to unaudited financial results.
Festival expenses increased to $8.36 million from $8.14 million, year over year, and net income reached $1.36 million, an increase from $995,649 in fiscal 2015.
The 2016 pageant, the largest set ever presented, welcomed over 204,000 visitors in eight weeks, relied on over 500 volunteers working a collective 40,000 hours, and awarded close to $100,000 in Laguna Beach High School scholarships.
Renovation of the festival grounds was scheduled to start in October 2015, but the festival board postponed the project a year because of the forecast El Niño.
Renovations instead began last month, with crews demolishing exhibit spaces, an arts center and a concert stage.
The $10-million project, which will feature terraced exhibit spaces, updated restrooms and widened pathways, is expected to be completed in July.
Employees were honored for their contributions. Pageant technical director and lighting designer Richard “Butch” Hill was recognized for 30 years of service.
Volunteers, including cast members and those who work in makeup, were presented with Life Membership Awards for lending their time and talents to the pageant for at least 15 years.
“What matters to me is we’re family,” said Kathy Jones, vice president and exhibits committee chairwoman. “There’s a sense of joy and participation in these artists, and that’s credited to the festival.”
Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
