Padua Hills Art Fiesta
A To Do List for a Big To-Do.
Needless to say, I am a bit overwhelmed. I was invited to participate in the 2016 Padua Hills Art Fiesta. To complicate matters, I was asked to paint in my booth during the event. I believe that I am the only exhibiting artist asked to “perform.” At first I declined, but as you can see by the above list, I ultimately relented.
Not that I wasn’t flattered to be included with such illustrious artists. I hesitated because I imagined insurmountable logistics. And, given the fact that neither my husband nor I build things or haul stuff, my concerns are not unfounded.
So, this article is really a disguised cry for help! If you are willing to lift, loan, schlep, sit, or talk; let me know. I will try to make it worth your while.
Even without my incentives, attending this event will be worthwhile. In addition to a wonderful opportunity to see original fine and functional art, there will be a special exhibition of Claremont midcentury art and architecture. If the past six events are any indication, the food is really good. And, the venue of the Padua Hills Theatre is a treat.
Finally, there is a story about this event. Since 2011, the Fiesta has been the recreation of “the Art Fiesta produced annually by the Claremont artists from 1953 through 1959.” To further quote the October 2011 Claremont Museum of Art newsletter, “First held in 1953, the Padua Hills Art Fiesta was organized by local artists to bring art into the community. The studio art movement that flourished here in the 1950s centered on the use of natural materials and traditional sensibilities – watercolor, pottery, woodworking, sculpture in stone, bronze and ceramic, mosaic, textiles as well as painting. Visitors came from miles around to meet the artists and watch “art in action” at the popular festival.”
For me, this is a big to-do.
