The Carmel Art Festival held on May 19-21, 2017 in Carmel-by-the-Sea will once again include exhibits and activities in Devendorf Park adjacent to the closed-off street between Mission and 6th Avenues.
Besides the juried plein air event that attracts some of the finest artists of our generation to participate in the Carmel Art Festival, organizers this year will once again offer Sculpture-in-the-Park exhibits and exhibitions of the artistry in Devendorf Park.
Founded 24 years ago by a group of gallery owners in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Carmel Art Festival has become one of the most prestigious plein air events in the country, attracting art collectors year after year. It was started not only to have artists immortalize the beauty of the scenic Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur Coastline through their art as seen today, but also to promote youth art programs to encourage talented artists for the next generation.
Although the plein air event is the main mission of the Carmel Art Festival, organizers are offering attendees of the festival the Sculpture-in-the-Park event, giving them the opportunity to see works by some of the most highly acclaimed sculptors of our time carried by art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Steven Whyte, internationally acclaimed figurative sculptor whose work is displayed at the Smithsonian, will be creating a large sculpture of a famous person in Devendorf Park over the course of the festival. Only on the last day will the subject be identified formally. Attendees enjoy watching the progress of Steven’s work and come back repeatedly.
Besides sculpture displayed throughout the park, live bands will entertain crowds who often bring picnics and end up spending time with family and friends on the lawn.
A sales booth with festival t-shirts, posters, totes and hats will also be in the park.
On Saturday afternoon, "Kids Make Art Day" let's children have an opportunity to create something special to take home. The Youth Arts Collective of Monterey assists budding artists. Participation for youngsters is FREE.
On Sunday morning, the last day of the festival, a “Quick Draw” will be held. Winning festival artists will have 2 hours to paint and this will be displayed and then offered in a silent auction at 11AM.
For more information, please click on the Carmel Art Festival website here.
The Carmel Art Festival is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Entrance is FREE.
And please call me, Hella Rothwell, if you are interested in volunteering or have other questions. I have been an organizer of the event since 2001, and a board member for the past several years.
Hella
