Pageant brings art to life

What sets the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts apart from other regional art festivals is its Pageant of the Masters, which features human re-creations of classic and contemporary works of art. Since its humble beginning in 1932, when Laguna residents dressed in costume behind a makeshift frame, the pageant over the years has evolved into a state-of-the-art theatrical presentation with an original live musical score, narration and professional sets. This year’s edition, “A Passion for Art,” which opens Friday, will offer an international perspective. Works by Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Gianlorenzo Bernini and others will be presented. The Festival of Arts, which opened Sunday, also features the work of more than 140 artists along with live music, workshops, seminars, special events, tours and other attractions.

Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Open 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily; ends Sept. 1.; dark Aug. 26. $4-$7; 11 and younger, free. Pageant of the Masters opens Friday, runs 8:30 p.m. nightly through Sept. 1; reservations required. $15 to $80 separate pageant admission. (949) 494-1145; www.foapom.com.