OLD WEST ART FEST: JOIN US FOR A PLEIN AIR ART CONTEST AND ARTS/CRAFTS SALE IN THE ANZA BORREGO DESERT, APRIL 2-3, 2016

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March 5, 2016 (Anza Borrego Desert) - Calling all artists to take part in a plein air art contest in the high desert community of Shelter Valley outside of Julian, CA. This is an opportunity for artists and their friends and families to get outside and enjoy the Anza Borrego desert in the springtime. Two plein air contest categories will be featured, including desert landscapes and local Native American and stagecoach trails history. All visual art formats allowed.

This art contest will benefit the Shelter Valley Community Center, located halfway between the towns of Julian and Borrego Springs. Shelter Valley is bordered by Anza Borrego State Park on all sides. The Great Southern Overland Trail emigrants passed through this valley after a grueling trek through the lower Colorado Desert. The Butterfield Stage Coach Route stations followed this trail. At this time of year the area abounds in flowers. This area is also known for its Native American village sites, pictographs and morteros.

Pre-register at least a week in advance for a $20.00 entry fee (late entry $25). Send a $20 check made out to contest co-director, Donna Beers, to address: PO Box 675323, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. Please include your phone number, postal mailing and email address.  We will then mail the contest details to participants, including contest art locations where they can produce their landscape or historical art entries.

Once artists have preregistered and received the contest details by mail, they may come out before the contest to scout art locations and enjoy the desert. Preregistered participants must fill out a contest entry form at the Shelter Valley Community Center on Saturday morning between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. where their canvas will be date stamped.  Last minute entries will be accepted on Saturday morning entry fee of $25. Call 760-765-0840 for more information. The Shelter Valley Community Center is located at 7217 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849 (also known as S-2) 2 miles south of Hwy 78, Julian, CA 92036,  next to the Fire Station.

Artists will be required to produce their artwork in the field between 7am on Saturday, April 2 through noon on Sunday, April 3.  Finished artwork is due at the Community Center between 9am and 1pm on Sunday, April 3rd for display. Final judging will take place at 4pm and prizes will be awarded in both categories (landscape and history) at that time. First place winners in both entry categories will each be awarded one quarter of the total entry fee monies.

There will also be an arts and crafts sale/antiques and collectable sale on the Shelter Valley Community Center grounds on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. Tables will be provided. A fee of $10 will be charged per table. Call 760-765-0840 before Sunday to reserve your space. Last minute table spaces may be available the day of the event.

Nearby accommodations are available in Shelter Valley at Stagecoach Trails RV Park and Resort (760-765-3765), with RV and tent camping, cabins for rent and a deli and store onsite. Hotel accommodations and restaurants are also available in the historic mining town of Julian and Borrego Springs.  You can check Chamber of Commerce listings on the internet.  Many nearby attractions are also available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, sail plane rides, boating, art and history museums, shopping, mineral springs, wine tasting, swimming and America's largest Off Road Vehicle Park. Call 760-765-0840 for more information.


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