Paint the Town: 2011 Mission Federal ArtWalk in San Diego

Recognized as the largest open-air fine art festival on the West Coast, the annual Mission Federal ArtWalk will return to sunny San Diego on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st.

Now in its 27th year, ArtWalk will transform 16 blocks in the historic community of Little Italy and feature over 9,000 pieces from more than 400 talented artists from California, Mexico and neighboring states. The event’s featured artists are a prominent selection of talented individuals who have distinguished their work in painting, sculpture, glasswork, photography, and other mediums.  

“A quote from Thomas Merton grabbed my attention as it’s exciting to recognize this year’s featured artists”, said Sandi Cottrell, Managing Director of Mission Federal. “He was noted for saying that art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time...With this line-up of featured artists and hundreds whose work has established them to be able to participate in the festival, attendees will find their own unique experiences that will take their breath away.”

Some of the event’s most notable artisans include Manuel G. Avendano, best known for his traditional Hispanic scenes of flamenco and tango dancers, and commissioned pieces of major Mexican figures and politicians (pictured above); Nelson de la Nuez, AKA the “King of Pop Art,” and his collection of mixed media paintings that use acrylic and watercolor paints, oil pastels and inks (pictured left); Roy Kerckhoffs and his special brand identity of “eyeball photography” which captures patterns, textures and more from nature; Esther Barr and her unique copper creations focused on sea creatures; and self-proclaimed “image junkie” Robert Weil, with his unique collection of lithography, silkscreen, etching, monotype, offset lithography, computer graphics, photography, acrylic painting on wood, aluminum, and canvas. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to get to know more about what inspires these featured artists as well as the hundreds who round out what’s set to be an extraordinary year for the annual event. In addition to dozens of critically acclaimed pieces of artwork, local art organizations will team up to be a part of KidsWalk, a free- family friendly event that offers opportunities for kids of all ages to experience their own creative potential in the arts.

ArtReach, a non-profit visual art organization that gives children the opportunity to explore their artistic potential with professionals, will host a “Four-Square Art” which gives children the opportunity to create their own personal miniature masterpiece; and Art with Larisse will be on-site to provide fine art for kids by offering classes that teach basic techniques including how to draw using basic shapes, lights and darks, texture and details.

Children will learn about wildlife as the Chula Vista Nature Center will be in attendance to introduce families to animals native to San Diego Bay and the wetlands habitat; and Birch Aquarium will be inspiring kids to explore the wonders of the ocean and to go green using recycled materials to make an ocean themed craft.

2011 Mission Federal ArtWalk in San Diego is a free event for all and will be held from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st with a packed schedule of opportunities for individuals and families to engage in, create and purchase art. For more information about current artists and events, please visit missionfederalartwalk.org. 

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