For our readers out there in the greater Coachella Valley who have never attended La Quinta Arts Festival, or haven’t been in awhile, THIS event is the one not to be missed. It’s #1 and it’s in your own back yard. So what exactly makes La Quinta’s show the BEST?
For starters, La Quinta Civic Center Campus is The Best Venue anywhere, as attested to by Greg Lawler of Art Fair SourceBook, the publication which evaluates thousands of arts and craft shows every year. The magnificent site transforms into an outdoor artist gallery as visitors stroll the lush green lawns and shady paths amidst quaint gazebos, cool waterfalls and lakes shared by the resident koi and ducks.
On this stunning site you will find 230 of the The Best Artists anywhere assembled at one time. The Festival Artists are selected through a highly competitive jury process where 45 art experts to evaluated 1,000 applicants who applied from 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Israel, and Germany – all vying for one of the 230 coveted spots. This year’s artists are arriving from 29 states and Canada including 26% of new first time exhibitors, plus returning favorites.
Be sure to visit the La Quinta Arts Festival 2013 Featured Artists that include Photographer Mark Stephenson, who was chosen as the Poster Artist for his amazing “Golden Cattails” nine panel piece —signifying that La Quinta Arts Festival has set the Gold Standard for art festivals everywhere. Three others, Kathy Ross (Mixed Media); Stacy Dynan (Painting); and Scott & Naomi Schoenherr (Ceramics) will share Featured Artist roles. All are known for their whimsical styles that convey this year’s theme, “All Roads Lead to La Quinta Arts Festival.” Their wacky creations have been used in promotional collateral and are available in the form of note cards and commemorative t-shirts at the Festival Store.
In 2012 the Festival Artists sold more of the Best Art than any other show on the planet, thus paving the way to its #1 standing. Out to surpass that record, this year’s exhibiting artists will be showcasing their original artworks in a dazzling array of media: Photography – Painting – Ceramics – Mixed Media – Glass – Jewelry – Sculpture – Fiber – Wood – Drawing & Pastels. Visitors will find unique treasures in every size and price range to decorate your home or office, or a wearable adornment created just for you!
Let’s never forget to acknowledge The Best Volunteers! La Quinta Art Festival’s “Red Shirt Brigade” is an army of 300 smiling, energetic, and knowledgeable volunteers decked out in bright red t-shirts ready to assist, guide, direct, and inform the artists and the patrons. The show could not go on without them.
The Best of Times can be shared with family and friends with the opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists, learn about the inspiration for their creations, and how they craft their work. This sets the Festival apart from the usual gallery experience. Being exposed to so many and varied kinds of art in one setting, La Quinta Arts Festival patrons are guaranteed The Best Experience possible — a visual feast and unparalleled cultural experience. Music, performance art, trendy food in Restaurant Row featuring Ruth’s Chris and Fisherman’s Market & Grill, and craft beer and fine wine from the Island Bar, all set the stage for yet another award winning La Quinta Arts Festival. Four days of fun for the price of a movie ticket.
Discover for yourself why La Quinta Arts Festival is the #1 Fine Art Festival in the Nation. Presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta, La Quinta Arts Festival runs Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 10, 2013 at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico. Gates will be open 10 am to 5 pm daily. Single Day Admission is $12 or return all four days for just $15 with a Multi-day Pass. Children under 12 are free. Find ticket specials and complete information at www.LQAF.com or call (760) 564-1244.
