By Kathleen Hughes
Autumn leaves are swirling. Snowbirds are landing daily and Valley golf courses are open and ready for action. Time to reconnect with old friends at Art Under the Umbrellas at Old Town La Quinta this Saturday, November 15th from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. Parking is free.
The second Art Under the Umbrellas event of the 2014/15 Desert Season will assemble 80 talented Southern California artists along the streets of picturesque Old Town La Quinta, known for its montage of specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants. The talented exhibitors will present their original artistic creations in every possible media including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, fiber, and wood.
Artist rosters for this eight part series held on select Saturdays throughout the Desert Season vary from event to event with a mixture of local emerging artists, exhibitors new to the Art Under the Umbrellas format (numbering over 30 this year) and a long list of favorite returning artists that travel in from all over Southern California.
All but one of last year’s Art Under the Umbrellas “Top Ten Super Stars” will be onsite for the November 15th show including the number one best selling artist for the past two years, photographer Laurent Martres. Drop by his usual booth on the lawn to view his new Carnival of Venice collection, plus the rest of his amazing travel themed photographic artwork.
Other not to be missed artists with Top Ten status are: Painters Robert Ferguson, Richard Daniel, Erin Hanson, and Don McPherson; Jewelers Sarah Anderson, Kathy Caldwell, and Lauren Youngs; Mixed Media Joanne Casey; and Metal Sculptors Ric and Tim Vigallon (not exhibiting at this show).
Adding further flair to the day will be The Steve Madaio Band rocking lively entertainment and a little comic relief for patrons as they explore the artist booths, shop the Old Town shops, and dine and imbibe at the trendy restaurants. And no cover charge!
This year marks Art Under the Umbrellas’ 10th anniversary at the Old La Quinta venue. In that time, the event has grown in stature from a sleepy street fair feel with 20 or so local artists to a bustling assemblage of more than 80 highly talented artisans showcasing their one of a kind works of art to an eager and appreciative audience.
After ten years and still going strong, Art Under the Umbrellas continues to be one of the Coachella Valley’s favorite social connectors in the community. It’s the perfect spot for a family gathering, Girls’ Day Out, Couple’s Day Out, or come alone to get in some great people watching. Plus you just might find that special piece of art you absolutely cannot live without — or the perfect accessories for your new fall wardrobe.
Art Under the Umbrellas is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation, celebrating its 33rd Season in service to its non-profit mission of “Promoting and Cultivating the Arts” through which over $1.1 million has been awarded in visual arts college scholarships to Coachella Valley students.
Directions to Old Town La Quinta: From I-10 or Highway 111, take Washington Street south. Go west on Calle Tampico for two blocks; Old Town is on the left. Visit LQAF.com or call 760-564-1244.
