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Laguna Beach Festival of Arts to make its return

Natasha Nelson models Mariana Nelson's outfit made from ribbons left over from a school play on Aug. 18, 2019.
Natasha Nelson models Mariana Nelson’s outfit made from ribbons left over from a school play on Aug. 18, 2019. In the background are judges Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters director, and Alex Jarger.
(Photo by Spencer Grant)
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After being shut down last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts is preparing to reopen to the public this summer.

The Festival of Arts plans to open to the public again in July with the Pageant of the Masters and the Fine Art Show.

Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories will be the theme for the Pageant of the Masters, for which tickets go on sale to the general public beginning May 3.

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Festival of Arts officials decided to proceed with opening the doors for both shows in July at a board meeting on Wednesday. The plan is to entertain guests daily from July 5 to Sept. 3.

David Perry, the president for the Festival of Arts, said that organizers worked closely with city staff to help guide a return for its summer events while following public health guidance.

He thanked Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen, Assistant City Manager Shohreh Dupuis, Laguna Beach police Cpt. Rachel Johnson and Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl for their efforts.

“Relieved, elated and thankful are words that immediately come to mind on how I feel that our doors will open this summer,” Perry wrote in an email regarding the festival’s summer events returning. “It’s been a tough year, one with a lot of uncertainties and challenges. Now that we have the ‘green light’ to resume our production, the real work begins.

“Preparations are already underway. In less than three months, we will be welcoming guests back to reconnect with the arts, our exhibitors and the Laguna Beach community.”

For updates on or to purchase tickets to the Pageant of the Masters and the Fine Art Show, go to foapom.com, and follow the Festival of Arts on social media using the tag @FestivalPageant.

Perry added that the Festival of Arts looks forward to bringing the community together again to interact with art and each other.

“Fans may look forward to once again exploring the artwork of local artists and marvel at art that comes to life in the Pageant of the Masters,” Perry said.

“The pageant theme will be Made in America: Trailblazing Artists and Their Stories. Pageant director Diane Challis Davy and her team are already backstage picking up where they left off last year.”

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