History

2022 Festival of Arts Celebrates 90 Years of Art

Festival and Pageant successfully return amid much uncertainty. The Pageant’s theme of MADE IN AMERICA becomes one of its most popular shows ever.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters was cancelled.

A brand new facility debuted in 2017 to coincide with the Festival of Arts 85th anniversary celebration.

Artist residency requirements expanded to included all of Orange County

Designed by BAUER Architects, the new facade incorporates Laguna's artistic heritage with the Festival's location in the cliffs of Laguna Canyon.

The Festival board hires BAUER Architects of Newport Beach based on their stellar reputation and portfolio for design of the new facade and Festival grounds.

Ongoing improvements to the facilities and grounds of the Festival of Arts.

foaNORTH research and preservation facility becomes home to FOA Permanent Art Collection and Festival archives

SCR Award-winning actor Richard Doyle debuts as Pageant narrator

foaSOUTH gallery is opened and dedicated.

$1 million Endowment for the establishment of a year-round gallery for artists.

Two-year celebration honors the Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary of the Festival and Pageant.

New Pageant Workshops are dedicated.

A Time Capsule is buried as part of festivities for 70th Anniversaries of the Festival and Pageant and to be opened in 2041.

Festival signs 40-Year Lease with City of Laguna, effective through 2041

Attempt to move Festival and Pageant out of Laguna leads to board recall election.

Wells Fargo Gallery, First Gala and Special Events

Diane Challis Davy appointed Pageant Director.

Skip Conover becomes Pageant narrator from 1994 - 2010

Fire and Flood cause $500,000 damage to Irvine Bowl and Festival grounds. Show still goes on summer 1994.