LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- (Marketwired) -- Mar 16, 2016 -- Over the past 35 years, the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach has given Sawdust artist and glassblower, Bruce Freund, many things including the camaraderie of his fellow artists, an opportunity to gain inspiration from his surroundings, the possibility of working with a variety of mediums and the ability to make a living by doing what he loves. As his way of saying thank you for being "...there for me for so many years," Freund decided to donate his time and artistic skill to Sawdust by compiling over 140 hand-blown-glass pieces into one unique seven-foot, sculptural light fixture. Thus far, Freund has dedicated nearly two months of his time planning and creating the sculpture. Freund hopes that it will bring new life to the iconic Sawdust landscape, and encourage artists and patrons alike to celebrate the Sawdust's 50th anniversary this summer.

Freund's amazing donation is just one of several art installations planned for visitors to enjoy when they attend this summer's 50th celebration which will run from June 24 to August 28, 2016.

"This year continues to be a great year full of changes and improvements for Sawdust, including the new user-friendly website and several upcoming renovations being made to structures and the grounds," states general manager Tom Klingenmeier. "Contributions from our generous donors are essential to maintaining operations and expanding programs such as our Sawdust Studio Art Classes and other art education classes held on the festival grounds."

As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, Sawdust relies on donations to fulfill its mission to educate the surrounding communities of the arts, and to facilitate a venue for local artists to exhibit their work. Donations can be made to specific funds such as special memorial funds, art education and general funds -- which support operation costs for programs and renovations made to the grounds. All donations are deeply appreciated and essential to enriching the arts and culture of Laguna Beach and surrounding areas. To make a donation to the Sawdust Art Festival, please visit: https://sawdustartfestival.org/product/donate/.

Please share this message with friends, family, and other art patrons everywhere, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about Sawdust and its 50th anniversary celebration plans.

About Sawdust Art & Craft Festival: Founded in 1967, the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and promoting art created in Laguna Beach. Best known for offering two highly attended seasonal festivals, the organization also hosts a variety of workshops and classes throughout the year. Sawdust's legendary summer festival is a nine-week summer celebration of fine art and craft -- the largest in Southern California -- with more than 200 Laguna Beach artists who exhibit and sell their original art and handcrafted items. The festival also offers live entertainment, fashion shows, artist demonstrations, hands-on art workshops for all ages, and a variety of food & drink offerings. Sawdust's Annual Winter Fantasy Festival occurs for five weekends leading up to the holiday season, and boasts an international collection of over 175 artisans who create, showcase, and sell their original, handcrafted artwork on the Sawdust grounds, which are lavishly decorated to resemble a winter wonderland. Special activities include "Winter Art Series" classes, where guests can create holiday-themed works, and a highly anticipated Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. Throughout the remainder of the year, the organization continues to provide its Sawdust Studio Art Classes in a variety of mediums, on-site and off-site. For more information, visit: www.sawdustartfestival.org.

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