a pageant right here at home

I was recently invited to a media showcaase for a local event that I had never experienced before. I had heard about the well-known, highly-respected Pageant of the Masters for many years but had never gone to a single performance to see what all the fuss was about. I figured it would be neat ...but I had no idea.

After an enchanted evening and intimate introduction to this Laguna Beach treasure, I am amazed and smitten with this real live masterpiece. Although I have yet to see the show in it's entirety (that will change this summer I promise you) the glimpse I did get into the magic of it all was all it took to intoxicate me.

Considering this event has taken place since long before I was born and it's a So. Cal. stone's throw from where I live,  I thought what a great thing to share for our first Local Pix feature. Staycations are all about finding the gems of your own neighborhoods and taking the time to experience and enjoy them. This is one of those kinds of things. If you live here is Southern California or you will be visiting during between July 8th and August 31st, The Pageant of the Masters is a must see. It will totally amaze and inspire you. I promise. Just take a look at some of the surreal scenes I captured at the media event.

I was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look, up close and personal and what they accomplish remarkable. A perfect example of where art and life collide. Literally. These paintings are larger than life but are only part painting. The subjects, as seen in the shots above are women. For real. And some pieces have groups of people; men, women and children alike. I know. It's crazy and it's brilliant.

Got any shots that challenge you perspective? Something that makes you question what is real and what is an illusion? Share with us a beautiful mystery today.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted Your Local Pix ideas. Wow! What a great response we got. You will be notified soon and we'll start featuring some your favorite places.

Comments

[kaytee]

this shot plays with perspective a bit:
http://missredphotos.blogspot.com/2009/06/chess.html

the canvases frame the chess players.

[Marcie]

WOW! I've never seen anything like this. Absolutely fascinating!!!!

[camerashymomma]

wow, i've never seen anything like this! how creative! i would have loved to see that maxfield parish painting, his women were like fairy goddesses.

(and is it too late to submit some words/photos for my own localpix?)

[jenifer]

WOW. This is amazing...one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Would love to have seen in person.

[pbird]

The awe-inspiring beauty and magic of Pageant of the Masters is unlike anything else. I went in the summer of 1994 and it still ranks as one of my most favorites experiences of all times!

[Elizabeth]

These are crazy-beautiful! Yesterday I happened upon treasure in my parents barn...
http://mindwhisperingsphotography.blogspot.com/2009/06/hidden-in-secret-places-i-find.html

[spread your wings]

that's so amazing. i would love to see something like that. crazy but i remember seeing a "gilmore girls" episode that they did this in and thought it was such a cool idea. I can't imagine seeing it in person.

[Patty Reiser]

I do remember hearing about the Pageant of the Masters many times while living in the OC but I was too young to appreciate such art. Perhaps I will have to take a drive out of the scorching desert and visit the cool breezes of the OC again.

Wishing you a scent-sational day!
Patty

http://camerapatty.wordpress.com/2009/06/25/potd-creativity/

[marcy]

thanks for sharing, what a brilliant idea. It is now on my list of things to experience and it's not too far from my home...

[brooke]

I've been to that! It is truly amazing! It's been around for years (my mom went and saw it when she was pretty young and she is 62 now. She always thought it was amazing how they got the little girl ballerina's to stay so still and I would have to agree. I want to go back and see it again someday.