RAW: Natural Born Artists in San Diego

 “The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist.” ~ Eric Gill

For over a year, the RAW: natural born artists organization has been serving Southern Californian creative communities by showcasing up-and-coming artists from all artistic genres. From visual art, photography, music and performing art, to fashion, music, hair and makeup artistry, RAW hand-selects the most inspiring individuals across the globe and awards them with the unparalleled opportunity to inspire the masses so that they might be seen, heard and admired.

RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events. Each RAW event features local, hand-picked talent across a variety of aesthetic platforms, including a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. And on Thursday, February 24th from 8pm-10:30pm at Ivy Nightclub at Andaz San Diego Hotel, RAW: Catalyst will feature the top emerging movers and shakers of the San Diego art scene.

Get the Inside Scoop on RAW: Natural Born Artists -

Discover Art
Event-goers will have the opportunity to peruse organically-inspired jewelry from San Diego native Sarah Gibson; surreal, dark fairy tale paintings from Carrie Anne Hudson; Jason Acton’s unique acrylic on canvas paintings and vibrant screen prints on fabric; Michael Boshart’s detailed pencil sketches and realist oil paintings of female nudes and wildlife; Christopher Kim’s inspiring modern take on traditional Asian paintings; animated graffiti-style artwork from Alex Minch; and ethereal etchings and paintings from Carlie Stracka.

Discover Photography
Conceptual and Fashion Photographer Arabella Dacquisto will be showcasing her photographic series, "Imagined Reality" which brings the audience into the world of a young girl forced into sexual adulthood. Guests will also have the opportunity to peruse and purchase current nature-inspired pieces from Mackenzie Nemeth and scenic San Diego landscapes of Rich Soublet II. 

Discover Hair, Makeup and Fashion
Lila Shakti Romay has been selected as the head makeup artist for the fashion show at the San Diego RAW artist showcase been selected as the head makeup artist for the fashion show and will awe event-goers with her talented expertise in Print, High Fashion Editorial, Beauty and Bridal.  In addition to beautiful makeup by Lila, the event will also feature beautiful hair styles by San Diego native, Laura Ashdown; and high fashion and special effects makeup from Melanie Campbell. RAW will also feature beautiful Day to Evening wear by Jaq Wear, goth-glam fashion by Ms Formaldehyde and Bohemian dresses and skirts from elyse oRiGiNaLs.

Discover Music & Performing Art
RAW event-goers will have the opportunity to jam along The Filthy Violets, a four-piece rock 'n roll band (think Jimi Hendrix and The Strokes) comprised of gritty guitars, bellowing bass lines, dynamic drumming, and catchy vocal melodies. After your music fix, be sure to catch a glimpse of the Ooh La La Dance Company featuring The Hot Tamales, a flashy LA-style salsa troupe of dance performers, training and performing at beginner and semi-pro levels; and The Cosabellas, San Diego's premium all-female dance team, performing sexy salsa and burlesque.

RAW: Catalyst in San DIego: Don’t miss this action-packed music, fashion and art showcase on Thursday, February 24th at Ivy Nightclub hosted by San Diego native runway fashion model Sacita Duffy with deep house beats by DJ Carlo Arvizu. All RAW events are 21 and up and dress code is cocktail attire, so dress the occasion and get ready for an artistic circus of creativity. For more information, please visit rawartists.org/sandiego.

Discover more of the best San Diego art events and follow our San Diego lifestyle blog.