What happens when painters, photographers, sculptors and jewelers swap their studios for the runway? Find out on Sunday, August 9, when the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach‘s annual Runway Fashion Show returns, inviting visitors to experience one of the Festival’s most imaginative traditions. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., eight Festival of Arts exhibiting artists will trade their traditional artistic mediums for fashion design, transforming recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials into one-of-a-kind couture creations.
Months in the making, Festival exhibiting artists design and construct one-of-a-kind couture garments using only recycled, reclaimed, and repurposed materials. Promising to be a captivating blend of creativity, sustainability, and high fashion, the annual event offers a visually stunning showcase where artistic innovation meets eco-conscious design.
“This is one of our favorite traditions because it gives guests the opportunity to experience our artists’ creativity in an entirely new way,” said Christine Georgantas, Director of Exhibits and Events for the Festival of Arts. “For 16 years, our exhibiting artists have amazed audiences by transforming recycled materials into imaginative couture. We’re also proud that this event provides a meaningful way for our guests to support the important work of Working Wardrobes. By donating gently used clothing, attendees can enjoy the Festival while helping empower individuals on their journey to meaningful employment.”
For the third consecutive year, the Festival of Arts is supporting Working Wardrobes through a community clothing drive held in conjunction with the Runway Fashion Show. Guests who donate one gently used clothing item at the Festival entrance on August 9 will receive complimentary admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show. One donated clothing item equals one free Festival admission, with all donations benefiting Working Wardrobes’ mission of empowering individuals on their journey to meaningful employment through career development and professional wardrobe services.
This year’s featured artists include:
- Mika Denny (Mixed Media)
- Valerie Killeen & Jonathan Boyd (Sculpture / Woodworking)
- Becky Ryan (Painting)
- Carole Boller (Painting)
- Dylan Howard (Sculpture / Woodworking)
- Anne Moore (Printmaking)
- Sharon Whalen (Photography)
- Elizabeth McGhee (painting)
Returning to host this year’s event is Emmy Award-winning production designer Nelson Coates, whose award-winning career spans film, television and theater, including The Morning Show, Hocus Pocus 2, Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights and On the Basis of Sex. Coates brings his passion for design and storytelling back to the Festival’s runway celebration.
Designs will be judged by a panel that includes Laguna Beach arts leader Pat Kollenda, former Festival exhibiting artist and Pageant scenic artist W. Bradley Elsberry, and former Festival of Arts Special Events Director Susan Davis.
The Runway Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, August 9, from 12 to 2 p.m. and is included with Festival admission. The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show continues daily through September 3, featuring 120 award-winning Orange County artists exhibiting original paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass and mixed media. Guests can also enjoy daily live music, art demonstrations, hands-on activities and special events throughout the summer season.
To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.
GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
DATES & TIMES
July 7 – September 3, 2026
Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission: Monday – Friday $10, Saturday & Sunday $15
Students & Seniors: Monday – Friday $7, Saturday & Sunday $11
Children 6 – 12: Daily $5
Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.
Festival of Arts Membership:
Upgrade your summer by becoming a Festival of Arts member! Members receive free admission to the fine art show for themselves and a guest all summer long, plus invites to exclusive events and other VIP perks. Membership starts at $60. To view the membership levels and for more information, visit www.foapom.com/support/membership
Passport to the Arts:
Passport to the Arts for only $29. Includes one-time admission to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one-time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Passports are available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes the Pageant of the Masters.
SPONSORS
The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by
Volvo Cars, City of Hope Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and KOST Radio 103.5.
LOCATION
Festival of Arts Grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
(800) 487-3378
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