Artists Re-imagine a Winter Fantasy

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Alejandra Velazquez, left, and Suzi Disbro embellish a booth at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy, opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
Alejandra Velazquez, left, and Suzi Disbro embellish a booth at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy, opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.Photos by jody Tiongco.

In his last semester at the Laguna College of Art and Design, Scott Milton Brazee, 26, has secured his first booth at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy, which opens Saturday, Nov. 21.

Brazee’s passion is portraiture of people and animals, as one of a fox with sartorial flair attests. He paints in oil on board for the most part. “I aim for a sense of whimsy and nostalgia and also approachability, something that makes people feel good,” he said.

While Brazee made art as a hobby growing up in Irvine, serious art ambitions surfaced in 2011 when he was invited to paint a mural in Umlazi, a township in South Africa. Now, he does custom murals for local clients and moved to Laguna to attend LCAD, hoping to paint and illustrate books.

Santa’s house anchors the art show town square.
Santa’s house anchors the art show town square.

He is one of scores of artists displaying their wares at the 25th annual Winter Fantasy, where, despite a warming trend forecast for the weekend, Santa will bundle up and hold court daily. The show continues for five weekends, including the day after Thanksgiving, through Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Also, for the first time this year, children of all ages will be enchanted by a booth-sized display of a miniature train village.

The festival opening tree lighting commences at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, this year with Major Pro Tem Steve Dicterow, and fans visiting the jolly elf will receive more than a selfie: They can ignite their own artistry by filling in the lines of a special anniversary edition of coloring books especially created by this year Sawdust Festival artists.

As usual, there is the Sunday Toys for Tots drive, where the entrance fee is waived in lieu of a donation of a toy valued over $5. Visitors will find an array of amusements, from the Kid’s Holiday Playhouse, shows by magicians and puppeteers, holiday carolers, several genres of music and a visit to a petting zoo.

Brian Arandez, left, and Joyce Factor Tan assist Matt Sadlier this week prior to the art show opening.
Brian Arandez, left, and Joyce Factor Tan assist Matt Sadlier this week prior to the art show opening.

Those lucky enough to live in Laguna Beach will get in free with ID from 3 p.m. until closing on opening day. visit: www.sawdustartfestival.org

Former Sawdust Festival president Dennis Junka prepares his booth.
Former Sawdust Festival president Dennis Junka prepares his booth.
A sample of the entertainment in store for children who visit the festivalPhoto by Mary Hurlbut.
A sample of the entertainment in store for children who visit the festival. Photo by Mary Hurlbut.
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