Changes for the 4th annual fundraiser include no cost and a new location
By Anthony King | SDUN Editor
Organizers of the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) have made significant changes to the fourth annual event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 – 14. Having charged an entrance fee for the initial three years, this year’s festival is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted at all festival entrances.
Launched in 2009 by Sherry Ahern, the Art & Wine Festival has raised over $120,000 for regional elementary and middle schools, including Bird Rock Elementary, La Jolla Elementary, Torrey Pines Elementary and Muirlands Middle School. All are part of the San Diego Unified School District.
Originally created through the Friends of La Jolla Elementary Inc., the festival donates profits to “underfunded programs,” organizers said, including art, music, science, physical education, technology and on-site medical care. Over 30,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event.
The juried art show and fundraiser will feature the works of 150 artists from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County and Baja, Mexico. Selected by their peers, artists from all mediums will be represented: painting, watercolor, sculpture, photography, drawing, ceramics, printing, glass, jewelry, fiber, wood and mixed media.
“It’s been an amazing experience working with LJAWF,” Paul Fisher, CEO of Juried Arts Services, said in a press release. Juried Arts Service (JAS) helped organized the attending artists, where were asked to participate after review from Frances Belliveau, Coleen Choisser, Karen Deicas Depodesta, Judy Judy Judy and Joyce Schneider.
“JAS works with the top shows in the nation,” Fisher said, “and it’s been a pleasure to see how the drive, determination and professionalism of the La Jolla Art & Wine festival has made this one of the best and fastest growing events in the industry.”
In addition to the artists’ work and silent auction, there will also be a gourmet marketplace as well as a wine and beer garden, featuring international wine and beer from San Diego’s breweries. Open at noon each day, participating breweries include Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, Stone Brewing Company, The Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, La Jolla Brewhouse and Lighting Brewery.
There is live music scheduled on two stages throughout the festival weekend, as well as “roving entertainment” by the San Diego Circus Center. Performing two to three circus shows each day, the Circus Center teaches children Cirque du Soleil-inspired performances and will stage their shows somewhere on the festival grounds each day, as a surprise to guests.
Due to a partnership with the La Jolla Village Merchants Association, this year’s festival will take place in the heart of La Jolla Village, between Prospect and Kline streets on Girard Avenue, marking another significant change for the growing event.
Entrances for the festival include the main entrances on Kline and Prospect streets, as well as two on Silverado Street and one on Wall Street. Attendees are encouraged to use the valet parking near the Kline Street entrance as well as several public garages and lots.
Additionally, there will be free shuttle service sponsored by Donovan’s Steak and Chop House. The service will run from Muirlands Middle School, located at 1056 Nautilus St., and the Holiday Inn Express at 6705 La Jolla Blvd. to the Kline Street entrance.
The 2012 Art & Wine Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. For more information about the festival, artists and parking visit ljawf.org or call 858-228-6542.
Entertainment line up
Saturday, Oct. 13
Stage One
10:30 Rob Bondurant
11:30 Robin Henkel
1:00 Euphoria Brass Band
2:30 Vanja James
3:10 Colin Clyne
4:25 Nena Anderson
Stage Two
10:45 Jull Nooren
12:00 Christy Bruneau
1:00 Aja Lee
2:10 Bart Mendoza
3:30 Erika Davies
4:40 Jesse LaMonoca
Sunday, Oct. 14
Stage One
10:35 Jeffrey Joe
12:30 Robin Henkel
1:50 Heavy Guilt Duo
3:20 Sara Petite
4:20 Steph Johnson
Stage Two
10:30 Scott Mathiason
11:45 Tweed Deluxe Blues
1:00 Peter Sprague
3:20 Sol e Mar presents The Bossa
4:25 Sol e Mar featuring Andre Monari
