Founded by artists, Mission Federal ArtWalk enters its 28th year as a treasured event in San Diego. The fine art festival takes over 18 blocks of downtown San Diego in the hip and historic Little Italy community. Set apart from other art events, Mission Federal ArtWalk is considered an accessible and welcoming venue for art collectors and visitors to interact with artists, view the works up close, and purchase their artwork, all whilst enjoy an outdoor casual atmosphere under southern California’s sunny skies.

For two whole days, Little Italy will be taken over by the talents of visual and performing artists, for your viewing pleasure…and maybe you’ll even find that perfect little piece of art for your own collection! There will be plenty of activities going on all weekend long at this festival, and the best part about it…its free, so come on, you gotta check it out.

This years featured artists include:

Liz Abetya: Acrylic and Oil

Rey Alfonso: Mixed Media

Mario Cespedes: Acrylic

Patricia DeLeon: Mixed Media

Chris Honeysett: Photography

Jon Koehler: Sculpture

Hasuyo Miller: Clay and Mixed Media

Harold Pickern: Acrylic

Hugo Rivera: Mixed Media

Susanne Slater: Watercolor

Mark Stephenson: Photography

Marcus Thesing: Glass Art

Some of the other highlights of the festival include live music, dance performances, children and adult activities, and lots of food. There will be five stages set up along India Street featuring local bands and musicians, and believe me, the line up is great. For the first time there will also be a there will a stage devoted to celebrating the dance community in San Diego featuring a showcase by Peter Kalivas, Artistic Director of the PGK Dance Project.

Kids will stay thoroughly entertained as they venture through KidsWalk, a free creative, hands-on, interactive arts area for kids. Don’t let the kids have all the fun…make sure you get in on the action and join noted artist Valentine Viannay to create an original silkscreen print of your own, or to contribute to a community collaboration piece of art.

 It wouldn’t be a festival without food, and food there will be. Located in Little Italy, you will be disposed to some of San Diego’s finest and yummiest dinning, as well as plenty of food vendors bringing treats from all over. And for the adults, there will be a beer and wine garden to quench your thirst throughout the day.

Help ArtWalk and ArtReach in their continued commitment to promote the arts in San Diego schools and younger generations as well as all local artists of our beloved community. So make sure you venture on over to Little Italy this Saturday and Sunday, April 28 & 29 from 11am-6pm. Admission is free and will provide for a great, entertaining weekend!