Best Outdoor Art In Orange County
Art is typically something we associate with the great indoors. Paintings, drawings and photographs hanging from the walls of indoor hallways are what spring to mind, but there are also opportunities to see outdoor areas decorated with art. Outdoor spaces can even serve as large art installations (ex. Isamu Noguchi's California Scenario). It's just a matter of knowing where and when to look.
Isamu Noguchi's California Scenario
611 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, 92626
www.segerstrommedialab.com
Isamu Noguchi, who was a famous sculptor when he was alive, completed this interesting sculpture garden in 1982. It has stood ever since as a representation of California's varied geography. Within this 1.6-acre landscape are six smaller landscapes, altered to be large pieces of art that Noguchi created. They are called Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use, and Energy Fountain. Interestingly, the entire piece of land is considered the canvas. More than just a garden, it's also a minimalist art installation that is open to the public for free.
Sawdust Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030
www.sawdustartfestival.org
The Sawdust Festival began in 1966 and has made regular returns to Laguna Beach ever since. It sports a long list of artists who are qualified to participate. It's a good way for them to showcase their work in a space that allows viewers to mix and mingle. Visitors walk through outdoor paths lined by artists and their work. The festival displays such artistic mediums as "hand-blown and fused glass, painting, jewelry, surf art, ceramics, clothing and textiles, wood and metal sculpture, scrimshaw, photography, and so much more." Besides meeting the artists and viewing their work, there are opportunities for admirers to do their own arts and crafts projects.
Related: Best Art Museums In Orange County
Pageant Of The Masters
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach CA 92651
(800) 487-3378
www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters
Between July 7 and August 31, the Pageant of the Masters will be on display at the Festival of the Arts. It is 90-minute installation featuring "living pictures" in an outdoor theater. Classic and contemporary art will be re-created through the use of actors and actresses serving as living models for famous and often recognizable pieces of art. The theme for this summer is "Partners." Such works of art to be re-created are The Garden of Eden, Lewis and Clark, Wright Brothers Flight and The Last Supper.
Art In The Park
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
www.newportbeachartinthepark.com
Stroll the grassy lawn of the Newport Beach Civic Center, near the Newport Beach Library, and enjoy this festival. There will be over a hundred artists displaying and selling their art. Artwork includes oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture, glass art, textiles, jewelry, woodcrafts, photography, etc. Take in the beautiful weather and head home with some new art installations for your own home or yard. Art in the park is a one-day event with free admission and parking.
