We wish you a wonderful Christmas season! We are honored to preserve the Sawdust Art Festival history. As the 60th anniversary author and historian of the forthcoming book, we are digitizing their archive. Be a part of this story and submit a piece to our team today!
Learn about the history of this 3-acre eucalyptus festival grounds, filled with a community of over 180 artists today. This photo of the historic entrance was taken in the 1960s when the festival was just starting.
Artists of the Month
Celebrate the season at the 35th annual Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach! It is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Visit these incredible artists who helped found the festival. They have been participating in the Winter and Summer festivals together for decades. Purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for your family and friends. Learn how each artist creates their unique pieces and shares this timeless tradition.
Book of the Month
An Object of Beauty (2010) is a novel that follows Lacey Yeager, a sharp, ambitious, and strikingly beautiful young woman determined to climb the ranks of New York’s art world. Starting as a Sotheby’s intern, she quickly learns how to navigate the delicate balance between money, power, and aesthetics. Through calculated moves, charm, and at times manipulation, Lacey builds her reputation as a dealer and collector during the booming art market of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Film of the Month
The Story of Irvine: From Pastures to Promise
This award-wining film spans a period of 150 years. It covers James Irvine’s purchase of over 100,000 acres in Orange County, to the incredible transformation from agriculture to real estate in the 1960s, and beyond. This is a compelling inside look at the making of a premiere master-planned community that is recognized as a role model worldwide. We are excited to partner with this filmmaker on showcasing this behind-the-scenes look at the iconic ranch.
Events
Join the Laguna Beach Historical Society at 5 p.m. with members at their historic cottage. Hospitality Night 2025 will be held on Friday, December 5th, from approximately 5:00pm to 9:00pm The festivities will begin in the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2), where Santa Claus will arrive to greet holiday revelers before the tree lighting at 6:10 p.m. Sing carols, mingle with neighbors, and watch Santa light the tree.
The Crystal Cove Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Crystal Cove State Park. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m., with the tree lighting ceremony occurring at dusk. The event includes a Holiday Beach Bazaar, caroling, and a Santa meet-and-greet from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Explore the expertly curated line of gifts that support the Crystal Cove Conservancy with its non-profit mission statement. There will be a Holiday Family Art Day in the Commons on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.