Art auction raises record amount for Sawdust Festival’s Artists’ Benevolence Fund
The Sawdust Art Festival held its 42nd annual art auction to benefit the Artists’ Benevolence Fund earlier this month, and festival officials have reported it was the most successful to date.
The auction raised $21,578, said Franky Duschane, director of marketing and public relations for the festival. More than 100 pieces of art — all created and donated by Sawdust artists — were sold during an event held Aug. 14.
Some of the artwork put up for auction came from artists who have passed away. The donated works included a bracelet from Irene Suess, a founding member of the festival, as well as pottery from Bruce Linder and a handful of large paintings from Maryella Warren.
“I was amazingly grateful for the generosity of our Sawdust artists, who donated some fabulous art to the auction, and then for the visitors who came and purchased some beautiful pieces,” said Jay Grant, chairman of the Artists’ Benevolence Fund board of trustees.
A good turnout of Sawdust patrons bid on the artwork with Tony Dezago, a professional auctioneer, running the show.
Grant, whose wife, Nikki, is a jewelry designer and a founding member of the festival, said the fund allows the festival to show support for local artists in their time of need. Any Laguna Beach-based artist, not just those exhibiting in the festival, can apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
“For me, it’s a way of opening our hearts to artists who are in desperate straits,” Grant, a former president of the Sawdust Festival, said. “They know that they’re going to be cared for, and we’re going to come along beside them and love them and do everything we can to help them get on the other side of their crisis and be able to move forward with their life.”
Earlier this summer, exhibitors at the Festival of Arts lent their creative abilities to a platter painting party, and the finished works were to be auctioned off to benefit an enrichment grant program to help artists expand their careers.
Gavin Heath, a glass artist and former president of the Sawdust Festival, said he was stepping down as treasurer of the board for the Artists’ Benevolence Fund after seven years. His time in the role, Heath said, taught him how to be a better person. The idea of neighbors helping neighbors struck a chord with him.
“We are a collective of artists in Laguna Beach,” Heath said. “They say it’s an artist colony, it’s an artist community, and in order to be part of that community, you’ve got to step up and assist.”
Heath revealed he has been in situations where he had to call upon the fund himself, notably when he had heart surgery.
As treasurer, Heath handled the checks, but it was important to him that they were delivered in person, when possible.
“I think we all need to be more in touch, and things are impersonal,” Heath said. “Things go by the wayside, and I think giving a little bit more of that personal touch to other fellow artists helps them get strength to continue.
“Being an artist is no easy feat, and I think it takes a lot of courage to be an artist. You’re really putting yourself out there, and you’re quite vulnerable. In that vulnerability, when you’re down on your luck, to have a fellow artist come pick you up and help you along, and not only financially but being supportive and being there, I think, goes a long way.”
The Sawdust Art Festival reaches the conclusion of its 2022 summer show on Sunday.
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