CARLSBAD —This Sunday, thousands of visitors will line the streets of Carlsbad Village for Art in the Village, a one-day art extravaganza.
The 17th annual art festival will feature more than 100 local and regional artists, all from Southern California.
Each artist is hand-selected and must be exhibiting original artwork.
Christine Davis, Program Director for Art in the Village said the event is unique because of the variety of mediums that are being exhibited and the venue.
“There’s nothing being resold anywhere else so it’s very personal,” Davis said.
Viz Art Ink Studio Gallery owner Gregg “Viz” Visintainer agreed the venue is what makes the event special.
“You can’t beat downtown Carlsbad,” said Visintainer. “I love the atmosphere and the quality of the art that’s out there. You really get a little bit of everything.”
Art in the Village will take over portions of State Street and Grand Avenue.
“It’s a very relaxed, really nice ambiance. It’s very different than a street fair. This is a very relaxed, causal day of fun,” Davis said.
Among the mediums, artists will be exhibiting works in oil, watercolor, charcoal, woodwork, clay, stained glass, photography and more.
Davis said the event gives visitors a chance to connect with artists and learn more about their craft.
She said it’s different than most art events because it takes place in the heart of the Village, so people can make a day of it.
“It’s not inside an art gallery,” Davis said. “Here, you’re just two blocks from the beach strolling through downtown Carlsbad with folk music and light indie pop music playing in the background.”
Some artists will be giving live demonstrations during Art in the Village.
Each year people come from as far as Orange County and Los Angeles to exhibit and admire art.
Davis expects between 5,000 and 8,000 visitors this year.
To enjoy Art in the Village, Davis had three tips:
•“Where comfy shoes.” With more than 100 artists, Davis said there will be plenty to see and lots of walking.
•It’s outdoors so dress accordingly. She recommended wearing a hat and toting along sunscreen.
•“Plan on eating in the Village. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, there’s plenty of restaurants for everybody,” Davis said.
The family-friendly event is free to all and takes place Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visintainer has been working professionally in art for eight years and began at art shows like Art in the Village.
“This is how I got my start and I think support in the arts is extremely important,” Visintainer said.
He now runs his art gallery in the heart of the village and features about 25 local artists. The event is perfect for him to scout out new talent and connect with the surrounding art community.
