ArtWalk @ Liberty Station celebrates a potpourri of fine art nestled within the grassy knolls and picturesque rose gardens of Ingram Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13. More than 200 local, regional and international artists will showcase their paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, metal and woodwork set against the backdrop of San Diego’s burgeoning arts and culture district. Touting its theme, “Liberate Your Senses,” the annual event will also host live music and dancing as well as interactive, family-friendly arts and crafts activities featured as the ever-so popular KidsWalk. More than 25,000 attendees are expected to peruse and enjoy the arts festival along with Liberty Station’s Arts District’s wide array of artistic and retail space, historical museums, dining and entertainment. “ArtWalk is delighted to host our fine arts festival at Liberty Station, one of San Diego’s premier arts and culture venues,” said Sandi Cottrell, managing director of ArtWalk @ Liberty Station. “Ingram Plaza is the perfect, park venue – surrounded by its natural beauty and lush rose garden – to celebrate artistry at its finest. The vibe is elegant, festive and inviting. Our interactive kids and family art activities on KidsWalk encourage everyone to express themselves and find their inner artist, which exists in all of us.”
“Sandi Cottrell and her team do such a great job collaborating with the Arts District for what has become a signature event at Liberty Station,” added Andrew Waltz, marketing and program manager of Liberty Station, NTC. “The art festival places the Arts District on the map for artists and art patrons to enjoy all that Liberty Station offers. Community involvement and reception is good. It’s not unusual to see smiling, happy people carrying purchased art – even huge canvases – in their arms.” Artists, both seasoned professionals and proven newcomers, will show their artwork to collectors and first-time fine art buyers. Kevin Winger, artist extraordinaire and owner of Mod-Est Studio Gallery, located at Liberty Station, finds sharing real-estate with ArtWalk a great opportunity to show guests his “unique’ approach to oil painting. “Liberty Station is a gem of a location for ArtWalk,” he said. “The event – which has grown every year – offers easy access, free parking and a great setting. Families can enjoy a picnic on the grassy parks without worrying about cars and the heat; we’re cooler by the water. And there are so many galleries to enjoy and eateries to choose from. ArtWalk @ Liberty Station is a great place to see art and enjoy a cultural experience.”
Winger will share his unique style of painting by painting live. Years ago, frustrated with his training in “traditional and classical” artistic methods, Winger serendipitously discarded his paintbrushes and used palette knives on large canvases to “use up” extra paint. Pleased with the visual outcome he experimented further, adding sculpture tools to create pieces “vibrant in color and texture.” Today, he continues to “push” the limits of dimension, driven by “spontaneous expression” to create work that expresses “joy.” “Kevin’s signature abstract and colorful paintings have a depth of texture that make them very unique and intriguing,” added Cottrell.
Point Loma resident and returning abstract artist, Sally Samins, is also excited to participate in an art show that exhibits original arts – not “crafty crafts.”
“Liberty Station is a great place to celebrate true art,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be here again. The show is always a success. It’s a pleasure to share space with such talented local artists.”
Sporting a degree in graphic arts, Samins became a well-known sports photographer most noted for her work with America’s Cup. Influenced by her Australian childhood, life as a painter followed suit. Richly colored and detailed compositions of deserts, oceans and urban landscapes have become her signature trademarks. “My paintings combine color, texture, layering and design influenced by the sea, travel and my constantly changing life experiences,” she said. “I enjoy geometric components and creating movements and patterns with composition.” A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to ArtReach San Diego, a non-profit organization that offers children from kindergarten to sixth grade, free hands-on, visual education workshops regardless of their socioeconomic status. “ArtReach has provided free art classes to students who wouldn’t normally have access to art programs in San Diego County,” explained Cottrell. “To date, we have worked with thousands of students and look forward to working with even more. “We work closely with our sponsors, vendors, featured artists, entertainment, community and local non-profit organizations to bring an extraordinary art experience to San Diego,” concluded Cottrell. Arts District Liberty Station, noted as one of San Diego’s largest arts and dining districts, is located within 38 historic buildings of the former Naval Training Center. Nearly 120 museums and galleries, art studios, dance companies, educational groups, creative and retail space along with fine dining and entertainment venues span across its 28-acres.