Ceremony marks start of pageant, art show

Despite a surprise brush fire and resulting road closures, the Festival of Arts held a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for its new facade Friday, days before the opening of the annual Pageant of the Masters and art show.

The preview for Laguna Beach City Council members, Newport Beach-based Bauer Architects, which designed the new entrance, and other community dignitaries carried on as firefighters battled the nearby fire. It broke out about a mile northeast of the Festival of Arts grounds shortly after 3 p.m., nearly two hours before the event, and was halted just after 6 p.m., fire officials said.

The new structure, constructed at a cost of more than $3.5 million, was finished in time for the preview of the 83-year-old art exhibit.

According to Festival Board President Fred Sattler, the building was in dire need of a new entryway. Since 1997, it had consisted of painted plywood and carved Styrofoam.

The city signed off on a new facade Oct. 13, 2014.

Bauer Architects did the revamp using recycled materials, including copper and zinc, in grays and greens.

The plan also called for a landscaped pedestrian promenade designed as an informal seating area for visitors. A 13-space public parking lot was replaced with large boulders to serve as a safety barrier for pedestrians.

The 2015 Pageant of the Masters theme is “The Pursuit of Happiness.” The annual event presents living pictures — people striking poses to represent ancient and modern art.

The presentation begins at 8:30 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. It opened Wednesday.

The Festival of Arts’ art show features the work of 140 award-winning artists. Visitors may take part in art workshops and tours, listen to live music and view art and demonstrations until Aug. 31.

The Festival of Arts is open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily except for Aug. 29, when it will close at 3:30 p.m. It is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. General admission is $4 to $10; children ages 12 and younger, military members and Laguna Beach residents are admitted for free.

For more information, call (800) 487-3378 or visit foapom.com