My Summer at The Sawdust Art Festival

This summer, I had the opportunity to work in Guest Relations at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, and it became so much more meaningful to me than simply having a seasonal job!

The Sawdust Art Festival has a special place in Laguna Beach, and being part of it gave me the chance to experience that community from a completely different perspective! I met an incredible number of artists, learned about so many different forms of art, and got to hear the stories and techniques behind the work they create.

One of the highlights was getting to know the artists personally. I had the opportunity to booth sit for artist Mary Ann Guerra, where I learned more about her glass art and the techniques behind her work. Experiences like that made me appreciate just how much creativity, time and passion goes into the art displayed throughout the festival!

I also have to give a huge thank you to my coworkers, leads and managers! My leads taught me the ropes, my managers were incredibly supportive, and along the way our group of coworkers became its own little community. We worked together, helped each other, occasionally went out after work, and made friendships that I hope continue well beyond the summer season.

One of my favorite things now is walking around Laguna Beach and seeing familiar faces. I’ll recognize an artist from the festival, say hello, and realize that I’m no longer just seeing people around town. I actually know them, and they know me. That feeling means a lot!

The Sawdust Art Festival also gave me an even greater appreciation for Laguna Beach’s local art community. For the summer Sawdust Art Festival, participating artists must be Laguna Beach residents, which makes the festival such a unique reflection of the local community. There are so many talented artists in town, and I’m grateful I got to know even a small part of that group.

And I’m not done yet...

I’m already looking forward to returning for future seasons, including Winter Fantasy from November 20 through December 20 and the Spring into Summer event that lead into another Summer at Sawdust. Winter Fantasy will also give me the chance to meet an entirely different group of artists, since its artist requirements are not limited to Laguna Beach residents.

After spending the summer surrounded by artists, coworkers and visitors, I’m excited to see what the next season brings. There are still so many artists I haven’t met, stories I haven’t heard and artwork I haven’t discovered.

Most of all, I’m grateful for the community I found along the way!!

This summer helped me feel even more connected to the people who make this town so special. I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces around town, staying connected with the friends I made, meeting new artists and continuing to be part of the Sawdust community for seasons to come!

-Gerson

Written by Gerson Seise REALTOR®  Cell: 949.533.7053
GERSON SEISE REALTY - Real Brokerage Technologies