Connecting Creative Communities: Mission Federal ArtWalk
April 27 & 28, 2019, 11am to 6pm, Little Italy, San Diego, FREE to Attend
“Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity…We believe art has the power to connect communities, cultivate new artistic talent and create a better quality of life for all through cultural enrichment. Our mission is to make the opportunity of collecting original artwork accessible to everyone.”
The April Artwalk San Diego is the longest-running and largest fine art festival in Southern California. For 35 years, Mission Federal ArtWalk has celebrated both visual and performing arts in San Diego and the festival attracts artists and art enthusiasts from around the world. 16 blocks fill up with thousands of attendees who come to view and purchase artwork, enjoy music and dance performances, and participate in interactive art experiences. Artist applications are currently being accepted for all three festivals for both new and returning artists. Visit the Artwalk San Diego website for applications and to learn more about this incredible event: https://artwalksandiego.org/.
Call to Artists: Special Project Featuring Surfboard Art-Surfboard Art Auction for ArtReach
The festival is partnering with Rerip to create an art project that will be a fundraiser for artists and the community and a fundraiser for ArtReach, a not-for-profit partner that delivers art education in K-8 schools Countywide, focusing on Title One schools. Rerip is providing 35 upcycled surfboards and more than 25 artists are transforming surfboards into original artwork.
Well-known musician Jason Mraz is just one of these artists taking part in the surfboard fundraiser. San Diego artist Jeremy Sicile-Kira, an artist with autism and synesthesia—the ability to see letters, words and emotions in color, is painting a surfboard. For his surfboard, Sicile-Kira will be painting ‘the colors’ of Mraz’s “Have It All” song from his latest album.
Rerip’s unique mission of keeping surfboards out of landfills makes the idea of turning boards into works of art something we can all be proud of. “We are beyond thrilled to partner with Rerip this year to benefit ArtReach and support the San Diego art community,” said Sandi Cottrell, director of ArtWalk San Diego. “With Rerip’s generous donation, artists are able to express themselves creatively while helping ArtReach achieve its mission of providing free art classes to students who don’t have access to art programs in San Diego County!”
The boards will be displayed during Mission Federal ArtWalk at the Piazza della Famiglia (India and Date Streets) and will be available via a silent auction. The Surfboard Art Auction bidding will open online in mid-April and continue throughout the two-day event. Art lovers who want to bid can register online now and view the surfboards on both the Mission Federal ArtWalk and ArtReach websites, as well as attending at the event in and bidding in person.
If you are an artist and you wish to participate in the program, please see the Call to Artists, and return your Application to us. To learn more about ArtReach visit: https://www.artreachsandiego.org/.