La Quinta Arts Festival gives art lovers something to celebrate

The La Quinta Arts Festival is giving art lovers something to celebrate this weekend, at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus.

The 37th annual event welcomes 220 juried contemporary artists from 36 states, also Argentina, Canada, Italy, and Nicaragua.

Festival goer Margie Kluth said, “Oh I like the variety of art, from pottery to painting, watercolor oil paintings– everything.”

The La Quinta Arts Festival has been named the top fine arts show in the nation for five of the past seven years, awarded by Greg Lawler’s Art Fair Sourcebook. The festival also received the number one fine art and design show award this year from Sunshine Artist.

And there’s something here for everyone and every budget.

“We always walk away with a little something,” said Laura Moser who added, “Some of the artists have some prints that are very affordable, so you can start a collection with them.”

With the scenic Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop, patrons can enjoy fine art, music, and great food all weekend.

Lisa Lopuck is one of 220 juried artists 220 exhibiting their original works in nine art categories at the festival.

Lopuck, of Aguanga, said “I have a lot of fun doing these. I actually laugh out loud as I do these.”

She says her iconic simple lines art pieces each tell a story and are affordable.

“Everything is under $300, or so, which is nice for people walking around who want something fun for their bar or their home. I even have a kids line,” said Lopuck.

Susan Pollack of Sun City Shadow Hills said, “It’s a variety. The weather. It’s a great day to be outside.”

A first this year is an audience participation mural Saturday you can help paint. It’s created by artist Peter Tigler, who’s created public participation murals for The Getty Museum, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. Tigler’s program is made possible by an Arts Tank Greater Palm Springs grant from the California Desert Arts Council (CDAC), the La Quinta Arts Foundation’s sister non-profit.

You can find ticket information at www.lqaf.com.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the La Quinta Civic Center Park.

More than $60,000,000 of art has been sold at La Quinta Arts Foundation events sine 1983. Event proceeds have funded more than $1.3 million in Visual Art Scholarships to students pursuing an education in the visual arts.