More fun to see it than do it

At the first Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts in 1932, the most popular

attraction was the Living Pictures show. Today, more than 70 years later, it still is. The Pageant of the Masters (as it has been called since 1936) features human

re-creations of classic and contemporary artworks. In 1932, local residents dressed in costume seated behind a makeshift frame. Today the show is state-of-the-art theater with a live original musical score, narration and professional sets. This year’s edition, “On the Road -- A Crash Course in Art and Popular Culture,” opens July 7; reservations are required. The festival, which opens Sunday, also features the work of more than 140 artists in various media along with live music, workshops, tours and other attractions.

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Festival is open daily 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 1; dark Aug. 27. $3 to $5; 11 and younger, free. The Pageant of the Masters has a separate admission; reservations required. Nightly at 8:30 p.m. July 7 to Sept. 1; $15 to $80. (800) 487-3378.

See www.foapom.com