STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
June 9, 2026
PRESENTATION
1 SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Proclamation recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Sawdust Art Festival.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The 60th Anniversary of the Sawdust Art Festival marks a significant milestone in the history of one of Laguna Beach’s most beloved cultural institutions. Founded in 1965 by a group of independent local artists seeking a place to showcase their work, the festival has grown from a small grassroots gathering into a celebrated nonprofit arts organization that has helped shape Laguna Beach’s identity as an internationally recognized arts community.
Celebrating 60 years in 2026, the festival honors six decades of artistic expression, community engagement, and creative freedom. Today, the Sawdust Art Festival features more than 180 Laguna Beach artists exhibiting original, handcrafted works in a unique outdoor artist village nestled among the eucalyptus trees of Laguna Canyon. Visitors enjoy fine art, live music, artist demonstrations, art classes, and opportunities to connect directly with the artists who create the work.
The anniversary celebration recognizes not only the artists who founded and sustained the festival over the years, but also the generations of residents, volunteers, patrons, and visitors who have supported its mission.
Through its educational programs, community outreach, and commitment to providing artists with opportunities to share their talents, the Sawdust continues to inspire creativity and enrich the cultural life of Laguna Beach.
The 60th Anniversary serves as both a celebration of the festival’s remarkable history and a reaffirmation of its enduring role as a cornerstone of Laguna Beach’s artistic heritage, ensuring that the spirit of creativity, community, and artistic independence continues for generations to come.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation (Pgs. 2-3)
Submitted By: Gavin Curran Approved: .David A Kiff
Gavin Curran, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Gavin Curran, Assistant City Manager