For 15 years the Old Town Temecula Street Painting Festival has presented an extravaganza of giant detailed and colorful murals on the streets of Old Town. The event which features over 90 murals, 125 fine artists painting on their hands and knees, showcases artists from ages six to 80.
The Festival returns to Old Town June 26-28. Street painters and muralists are encouraged to register early as space is limited. Each year Temecula’s Street Painting Festival draws thousands of visitors to Old Town. Fine artists come from all over Southern California and Arizona to participate in a unique form of performance art. Asphalt is turned into an art gallery of masterpieces – some as large as 12 feet by 12 feet.
The event is one of several artistic exhibits during the Temecula Art Festival. Sam Hicks Monument Park and the Temecula Valley Museum present the 2nd Annual Yarn Splash. Yarn artists will color trees, park benches, and sidewalk railings with their brightly knitted and crocheted art. Last year the vibrant display provided a colorful backdrop for the summer programs at the museum.
Artists are encouraged to reserve a park amenity to splash with colorful yarn. Then the artists will design their creation and install them during the Temecula Street Painting Festival, Saturday, June 27. The exhibit will remain through August 30th.
Fine art exhibits are also part of the Temecula Art Festival, with fine artists, ceramicists, potters and photographers showing and selling their work in Town Square Park and at the Civic Center. The Temecula Art Festival is a juried art show.
Street painters begin Friday, June 26th at 5 p.m. The goal is to complete the artwork by 3 p.m. Sunday for judging and awards. Families, children, and beginners join in the creative endeavor in the family section where more than 1,800 smaller squares are blocked out for spectators to paint. Prizes this year are being provided by the City of Temecula, Blick Art Materials and Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff.
Street Painter Best of Show winners receive a $500 cash prize and are honored the following year as the featured artist. Additional prizes are awarded for People’s Choice, Best Monochromatic, Best Theme and Best Youth with two categories. This year’s theme is “My Favorite Time.”
Street painting applications can be downloaded at www.temeculacalfiornia.com. For more information call (951) 678-1456. Applications are also available at the City of Temecula.
