Festival Board Trying to Fix What’s Not Broken

I have been involved with the Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts for more than 20 years. Gene Felder hit it on the head when he said that board members are stewards of a miracle and that any financial difficulties come from the board’s risky, grandiose ambitions.

The previous board, under the disastrous leadership of Sherri Butterfield, nearly broke the organization trying to move the festival to San Clemente, an idea that was doomed to failure. They were rightly recalled.

The new board negotiated a more reasonable lease, which should leave plenty of cash to keep the grounds in good condition and continue to provide our traditional financial assistance to Laguna Beach High School and the other art organizations in town.

The problem with some on the present board is that they are too ambitious and are spending too much money trying to change what is not broken. The grounds and facilities are generally in excellent condition.

The money machine that makes everything else possible is the pageant. Our brilliant director, Diane Challis Davy, and her staff and volunteers should be given the tools they need to continue to put on outstanding shows. All other maintenance and improvements should be made over the coming years as needed and when they can be afforded. A goal must be to maintain the beauty and ambience of the festival grounds.

John A. Rayment

Former president, board of directors,

Festival of Arts