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Mission Federal ArtWalk San Diego Celebrates 30 Years

This year marks Mission Federal ArtWalk’s 30th Anniversary. The ArtWalk is the largest fine art festival in Southern California.  A special preview event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mission Federal ArtWalk was held at the Westgate Hotel.  Members of the media were in attendance for the unveiling of the the 2014 Featured Artists.

Interim San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was a guest and speaker at the preview event. Gloria stated that the arts are critical to San Diego's vision for building a great city and proclaimed the day as ArtWalk San Diego Day.



The evening afforded the opportunity to view the art as well as a chance to meet some of the artists. Cynthia Colis, a returning featured artists, chatted with us about her work. Cynthia Colis is a resident of San Diego. Her many works include her “kiss” portraits and colorful paintings of cows.

In celebration of the festival’s 30th anniversary, festival organizers recognized several local arts advocates for supporting the community event and fostering the talent of local artists.  During the private event, Mission Federal ArtWalk unveiled the recipients of the inaugural Artie Awards.


Details for ArtWalk San Diego:

WHAT: Mission Federal ArtWalk, the largest fine art festival in Southern California, will commemorate its 30th year with a 17-block celebration in the lively neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego. Founded by local artists, Mission Federal ArtWalk has become a showcase for established and emerging artists and the ultimate event for aficionados and casual collectors.

The Art: Stroll through the outdoor exhibition of original fine art in an array of compelling media including paintings, sculpture and photography. More than 700 artists apply for the sought after slots each year, with about half selected to participate. Exhibiting artists represent California and beyond, and some hail from as far away as Europe. These one-of-a-kind collectibles are available for purchase directly from the artist with an expected price range of $50 to over $15,000.

Fun for Families: Families are invited to bring their kids to enjoy KidsWalk, a special area at the event offering more than 15 hands-on art activities provided by regional non-profit organizations such as children’s museums, performing art schools and art instructors.

Live Performances: For decades the festival has also celebrated San Diego’s diverse performing arts with an extensive lineup of music and dance performances. While roaming Little Italy this April, visitors will be treated to five stages of live music, a dedicated venue for San Diego’s dance companies, terrific eateries and creative vignettes of performing and interactive entertainment.

Food and Drink: Little Italy’s award-winning dining scene satisfies art lover’s appetites with flavors from classic Italian favorites and innovative new restaurants. The festival will also feature booths from local restaurants and the Little Italy Association sponsored beer and wine garden.

WHEN: This two-day event takes place on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

WHERE: San Diego, California; the outdoor fine art festival is held in the Little Italy community, a part of downtown adjacent to San Diego’s “Big Bay.” For more information on the event visit www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal.

COSTS: Mission Federal ArtWalk is a free public event. Thanks to sponsorship support, participating artists obtain reasonably priced exhibit space to showcase and sell their fine art, and more than 120,000 visitors have the opportunity to experience a unique mix of original fine art at no cost.

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.artwalksandiego.org; call (619) 615-1090; or engage on social media, @ArtWalkSD on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.



Disclosure: We were invited as members of the media for the VIP event. Hosted beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres were served at The Westgate Hotel Versailles Ballroom. The preview event was sponsored by Mission Federal Credit Union.  All opinions are my own.

Comments

  1. How fun that would be! Next to the beach, sipping wine, and looking at artwork. Nice, huh;)

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  2. Good write up! An outdoor art exhibit in February--only in Southern California, lol! I wish I could jet on down there and see it. I'm in the Bay Area, so it is also beautiful here. No art exhibits in my area, though, oh well. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa. Love living in Cali! We are very lucky to have this amazing art festival - great family fun and FREE! The Bay Area is amazing - one of our favorite places to visit.

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  3. That sounds like so much fun! Our local art walk is much smaller, but it's great that they support the arts.

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