Artists made the runway their canvas at the Festival of Arts on August 13, competing to create the most imaginative and unique designs using reclaimed, reused or recycled materials. A three-panel judge chose the top looks in four categories and over 2,000 Festival visitors had the opportunity to cast their votes for “People’s Choice Award.”
Erika Baldwin wears an outfit created by Festival artist Brad Elsberry
The Festival Runway Fashion Show was hosted by TV/Film actress Joely Fisher. Selecting the winners was a panel of judges including supermodel Kim Alexis, Laguna Beach Art Commissioner Suzi Chauvel and Pageant of the Masters director Diane Challis Davy.
- “Most Exciting Ensemble with Wow Factor” was awarded to painter Brad Elsberry who designed two outfits inspired by the underground Roman pool at Hearst Castle. The poolside outfit and evening gown were made from plastic car covers, grill netting and thousands of gum and candy wrappers.
- Jeweler John Tolle won “Most Innovative Use of Materials” for his design comprised of Nespresso coffee capsules individually hand sewn onto a donated dress with a skirt made from cardboard boxes. Finishing off the outfit was a hat made from black Nespresso spoons.
- Artist Mariana Nelson won “Most Creative Concept” with two outfits made of plastic bags. Dresses were made of dry cleaning bags with details added by twisting red newspaper bags into coral and other sea creatures.
- Adam Neeley received the award “Most Glamorous & Elegant ‘Red Carpet’ Worthy Creation” for his stylish outfit made from more than 8,000 feet of VHS tape with dried leaves painted gold and topped off with a dramatic black headdress made from feathers and dry cleaning hangers. Adam’s runway look also impressed the crowd and took home the highly coveted “People’s Choice Award.”
- A special honorable mention award was given to Hedy Buzan in recognition of her outfit made from over 200 items found at the beach including pizza boxes, bungee cord, beach toys, food wrappers, swim goggles, bottle caps, flip flops and more. Her design carried a special message for the audience and resonated with the judges, encouraging everyone to remove five pieces of trash off the sand each time they visit.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS FINE ART SHOW
Recently voted one of the top five art festivals in the nation by USA Today readers, the Festival of Arts is one of the most highly acclaimed juried fine art shows featuring the artwork of 140 award-winning artists. Patrons may enjoy the work of exhibiting artists, demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more. For a full listing of events, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
DATES & TIMES
July 5 – August 31, 2016
Open daily from 10am – 11:30pm
Early closing August 27 at 1:30pm
TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission: Weekdays $8, Weekends $12
Students & Seniors: Weekdays $5, Weekends $8
Free Admission for Children 12 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.
Passport to the Arts:
A special promotion (funded in part by Bank of America): Passport to the Arts for only $24. Includes unlimited admission all summer long to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Order online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com. Passports also available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters.
SPONSORS
The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by
Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5,
The Orange County Register and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
LOCATION
Festival of Arts Grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
###
Submitted By: Meghan Perez
Marketing/PR Coordinator
Sharbie Higuchi
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
