![\"Arting](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/web-MAIN-152_E3G_8984.jpg\")
After moving to Downtown last year, following two decades in La Jolla, the San Diego Festival of the Arts \u2014 formerly the La Jolla Festival of the Arts \u2014 has found its home on the steps of the San Diego Bay.<\/p>\n
Still produced by the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation in conjunction with San Diego Magazine, the 2017 festival will take place June 10\u201311, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.<\/p>\n
With nearly 200 established and emerging artists from all over the world scheduled to participate, the festival is expected to bring a diverse offering of art \u2014 including photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, printmaking, fiber and textiles, ceramics and mixed media \u2014 to Waterfront Park on Harbor Drive.<\/p>\n
Don Ludwig, co-director of the 2017 festival, stated in a press release that after the festival moved to Downtown, the response they received \u2014 not only from artists, but also guests and the local community \u2014 was \u201cincredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled to have so many wonderful artists committed to this year\u2019s festival, set in such a stunning venue to showcase their work,” Ludwig said.<\/p>\n
Despite falling just one month after the popular Mission Federal ArtWalk, held annually in nearby Little Italy, organizers feel there is room for everyone when it comes to the enjoyment of art. They also point to the allure of the bay and its sweeping views as one of the things that sets the two festivals apart.<\/p>\n
In addition to the shared arts and community, there is also the mission of the festival that helps it stand out.<\/p>\n
Since the festival\u2019s inception in 1987, the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation \u2014 a 501(c)(3) nonprofit \u2014 has used the festival as a fundraising vehicle, distributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to \u201cimprove the lives of San Diego children, adults and wounded warriors,\u201d through their grant and scholarship program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SD Festival of the Arts is a major fundraiser for the San Diego adaptive sports community, raising more than $2 million over the past 30 years for programs and organizations that support individuals with disabilities,\u201d Peter Ballantyne, co-chair of the festival, said in the release.<\/p>\n
In 2016, 23 organizations received disbursements from the $90,000 earmarked from the festival\u2019s proceeds, including, Ability First; Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association; ArtsBusXpress; Autism Society San Diego; Aseltine School; Challenged Sailors San Diego; Children\u2019s Holiday Magic Project; Helen Woodward Animal Center; San Diego Brain Injury Foundation; St. Madeline\u2019s Sophie\u2019s Center; and many more.<\/p>\n
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A local angle<\/strong><\/p>\n With dozens of international artists participating, one local, long-time SDAF participant performs her own philanthropic work.<\/p>\n Marna Schindler, a 14-year resident of East Village, gives a portion of the proceeds from her art to rescue organizations and animal shelters.<\/p>\n A former graphics artist and illustrator, Schindler has been working as a full-time artist for the last 11 years and bringing her bright and whimsical style to the festival for nearly a decade.<\/p>\n \u201cI loved the La Jolla locations it\u2019s been in before, but now at its Downtown Waterfront Park location, I feel it\u2019s even better than before,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n To that end, Schindler points to the festival\u2019s new central location and accessibility, and the fact it\u2019s nestled between the historic San Diego County Administration Center, the Downtown skyline and the San Diego Bay, which all together, she said, offers attendees \u201can unparalleled aesthetic experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Schindler also calls the festival itself \u201csophisticated\u201d and \u201con par\u201d with the award-winning Sausalito Art Festival, which was identified at No. 2 on the Art Fair Source Book\u2019s \u201cPrime 100\u201d Fine Art events of 2016. SDAF also made the prestigious list, which can be found at artfairsourcebook.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis level of sophistication is my favorite aspect of the show \u2014 it’s such a privilege to be a part of it,\u201d Schindler said.<\/p>\n Citing her childhood teacher, Joe Nyiri, as her first mentor, Schindler said his initial impact at age 8 is still felt today.<\/p>\n \u201cHe taught me \u2026 that if you wanted to be an artist, you must use everything you see and experience as inspiration for your art,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s how I continue to see the world and I\u2019m so grateful for his influence and generosity of spirit and talent.\u201d<\/p>\n Schindler works with acrylic paints, known for their versatility and easy cleanup, and finished works can easily pass as more challenging mediums such as pastels or even oils. While she said she has many styles, the \u201cunifying characteristic\u201d of her artwork is \u201cbright, vivid colors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a spontaneous, paint-by-the-seat-of-my pants kind of gal, so I enjoy a medium with maximum flexibility and color spectrum,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd, it\u2019s a lot less of a hassle to clean up the cats when they choose to take part in the fun.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sidebars at the festival<\/strong><\/p>\n In addition to the rows of art on display, SDAF will also have top-notch entertainment, food and beverages.<\/p>\n Three stages, the Main Stage, the Fountain Plaza Stage and the Acoustic Stage will offer a plethora of live music and local favorites. From U.S. Navy Band Southwest ensembles, to Dave Scott and Monsoon, Gilbert Castellanos, Island Mist, the Benedettis, and the Bayou Brothers, this schedule has something for everyone.<\/p>\n There will also be no shortage of food and drink at this festival. Hunter Steakhouse, Bottaro, Flavors of East Africa, Tres Tacos, Cousins Maine Lobster, Divine Fresh, Lemon Life, and Doggos Gus will all be in the offing.<\/p>\n Breweries and wineries on hand include Ballast Point, Mike Hess, Mission Brewery, Karl Strauss, Rough Draft and Stone Brewing, as well as California Fruit Wine and Falkner Winery.<\/p>\n Organizers say the giant games section, which was a big hit last year with kids and adults alike, will again be near the beer and wine tasting area and give festival goers a chance to take a quick break from the art. Giant games planned this year will include Cornhole, Connect Four, and a Jenga-like Giant Tumble Tower.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best way to experience any art is in person for sure, so I encourage everyone to come out and make a great day or weekend of enjoying the festival,\u201d Schindler said, adding that she will located near the northwest corner of the County Administration Center, by the circle of palm trees nearby. \u201cCome by and see what my latest adventures have hatched!\u201d<\/p>\n San Diego Festival of the Arts takes place June 10 and 11, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m., daily, at Waterfront Park, located at 1600 Pacific Highway at North Harbor Drive, Downtown.<\/p>\n Day tickets are $12 online and $14 at the door, and weekend passes are $16 online and $18 at the door. Children 16 and younger are admitted free, along with sctive duty military with ID. Follow them on social media at @SDFestivalArts<\/a> o visitar sdfestivalofthearts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Arting](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/web-Marna-Schindler-EV.jpeg\")
to the festival again this year. (Cortes\u00eda del artista)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Arting](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/web-MarnaSchindlerPhoto2.jpeg\")
inspired pieces. (Cortes\u00eda del artista)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Arting](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/web-2-085_E3G_8794.jpg\")