EAST COUNTY ARTISTS ON DISPLAY AT 30TH ANNIVERSARY ART WALK APRIL 26 AND 27

April 6, 2014 (San Diego)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 two-day celebration runs April 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nearly a dozen East County artists are among those whose works have been selected for display, including:

• Oil painter Vanessa Rusczyk- Alpine http://www.studiosoledad.com
• Watercolor painter Ally Benbrook- El Cajon http://www.allybenbrook.com
• Watercolor and Oil artist Jesse Miller- El Cajon http://www.jmoceanart.com
• Acrylic and Mixed Media artist Karina Bania- La Mesa http://www.karinabania.com
• Acrylic artist Brenda Helt- La Mesa http://www.brendahelt.com
• Oil and Acrylic Todd Howe- La Mesa http://www.howefineart.com
• Mixed Media, Pastel, Oil Monique Straub- La Mesa http://www.moniquestraub.blogspot.com
• Clay/Pottery/Porcelain Cindy Teyro- La Mesa http://www.teyroscollection.com
• Mixed Media, Acrylic Ron James- La Mesa
• Photographer Christopher Talbot Frank- Lakeside http://www.ctfphoto.com/

Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances as well as artwork available for purchase, food and drinks from local restaurants, and activities for children. Below are additional details.

• 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.