Santa meets Sawdust

For photographer and landscape painter Mary Gulino, exhibiting at the Sawdust Art Festival has been a longtime dream, one that compelled the Phoenix resident to relocate to Laguna Beach nearly a year ago in pursuit of an art career. "I've been coming to the festival for more than a decade and have always loved it," the New York native said. "I've been dreaming about being a part of it all of this time, and am thrilled that it's finally happening." As one of 44 new artists to the 20th annual Sawdust Winter Fantasy, "A Palette of Holiday Treasures," Gulino will exhibit a palette of work including acrylic paintings of the California coastline and countryside, colorful land and seascape photography, and digitally manipulated nature photo paintings. "The goal of my work is simple: to create a sense of happiness and peace," she said. To bring some holiday happiness and peace of mind to those still facing economic troubles in this time of gift buying, Gulino has specially created a collection of 6x6 Laguna scenes, which will be sold for $55. The founder of The Artist Loft, who also teaches photography and art, will also provide free lessons to patrons during the festival. Also new to Laguna and the festival this year is Leanna Cairns, who will sell her environmentally and farmer-friendly organic handbags. Boho-meets-sophistication with an array of patterns like floral, paisley and gingko in earthy colors on her handmade tailored pieces. A civil engineer by day, Cairns says her inspiration for décor and handbags came when her grandmother passed away a couple of years ago. "She made everything in her wardrobe herself, from hats to clothes to handbags," she says. "Like her, I also love color and fabric and creating things. After she passed, I just hit the ground running with it." The Arizona resident, who is in the process of moving to Laguna and hopes to eventually make handbags full time, said she is eager to share her hobby with people at the Sawdust. "I've been coming to the festival for years, and it's just awesome. Being a part of it has been even better. My love of architecture and interior design has made setting up — albeit labor-intensive — so much fun. I've really enjoyed creating an environment that's inviting and defines who I am," she says. The Sawdust will turn into a Winter Wonderland on Saturday and will run four weekends through Dec. 12 at the Sawdust Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road. In addition to the wide variety of artwork — from paintings to furniture to blown glass to clothing — of 170 local artists, patrons can enjoy food and beverages, live music entertainment and hands-on workshops taught by Sawdust artists, said Marketing Director Cynthia Fung. The tradition will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday with the annual tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Elizabeth Pearson, Sawdust President Jim Stanaland and a special appearance from Santa Claus. Laguna residents with ID receive free admission after 3 p.m. The festival will also offer free admission on Sundays to anyone who donates to Toys for Tots. Supported by the Marine Corps Reserve, the foundation will collect toys for kids younger than 17. Painter Marty Gray, who returns to the Winter Fantasy for the second year with his coastal and desert landscapes, praises the festive atmosphere of the show. "The Winter Sawdust is especially great with all of the [holiday] decorations and wide-eyed kids looking for Santa," he says. "It's just a wonderful time."