On April 26 and 27, noon to 6 p.m. San Diego's historic Little Italy district will bloom with the white tents of ArtWalk. Hundreds local and national artists show and sell their creations in a variety of media including paint, sculpture, dance, photography, digital imagery, architecture and design - along 16 blocks throughout hip and historic Little Italy, mostly along Kettner Blvd. and India Street.
This free event gives the public a rare opportunity to meet nationally known and emerging artists and perhaps, begin or round out a personal art collection. Activities take place in the heart of Little Italy. Serious art collectors and browsers alike will spend a delightful day exploring the restaurants, galleries and shops that make Little Italy the hippest community in San Diego.
This year's ArtWalk highlights:
ArtReach Bench Project
In 2008, ArtWalk is introducing the ArtReach Bench Project. ArtWalk artists are using their skills to paint and decorate high quality wooden garden benches, donated by Dixieline Lumber, to support ArtReach, ArtWalk’s art education program for elementary schools. ArtReach’s mission is to bring visual art programs into schools in the region. The finished benches, showcasing a wide variety of art medium, will be prominently displayed at ArtWalk, and will be sold via a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting ArtReach.
Art Miles Mural Project "Shoes of Hope and Mural Project"
The Art Miles Mural Project (AMMP) is a passionate and colorful movement combining the efforts of children and adults worldwide to promote global harmony through mural art, one mural at a time, one mile at a time.
Music and More
Local musicians, dancers and performance groups will entertain attendees during the 2008 event. Stages along India Street will feature bands, solo performers and dance troupes. This year's performers include Robin Henkel, Steph Johnson, Barbara Nesbitt, Cathryn Beeks, Astra Kelly, and more.
KidsWalk
Local arts organizations team up with ArtWalk to offer fun and creative hands-on projects for kids throughout the ArtWalk weekend. This inviting grassy area is a perfect spot to enjoy both the KidsWalk activities and the Art Miles Murals. Located at Amici Park on Date St, three blocks east of India St.
Bi-National Showcase
The Consulado General de Mexico/Mexican Cultural Institute, located in the Consulado building at India and Cedar Streets, celebrate artistic excellencefrom Mexican artists by bringing more than 25 artists from all over Mexico to ArtWalk. These artists include Cecilia García Amaro, Silvia Galindo, Alejandro Martínez Peña, Julio Rodriguez, and Angel Valrá.
Parking Info
Limited street parking and pay lots are available throughout the area. The largest parking venue is the ACE Parking lot located at the County Administration Building, 1600 Pacific Highway. It is three blocks west of the ArtWalk area.
A better way to ArtWalk is to take the MTS Trolley to get to ArtWalk. The Trolley stops right at the western edge of the event area, between Cedar St and Beech St (the "County Center/Little Italy" stop). Walk east on Cedar or Beech to begin your exploration. For routes and fares, visit www.sdcommute.com
