42nd Annual Art in the Park This Sunday

Question: what is 42 years old, colorful, musical, creative, socially delightful and always worthy of attention?

Answer:

This Sunday, Aug. 21, the 48th annual Art in the Park returns to Susana Street Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with its many displays of artist works, hand-crafted goods, food, drinks and fun, not to mention music from beginning to end.

The money raised from the Martinez Arts Association event supports the arts programs in local schools.

This year, in addition to the regularly scheduled activities, there will be a special event in which ten artists will be creating pieces on the spot. The public can watch the process, and at the end of the day there will be a silent auction to sell the pieces.

Artists include Jane Corich, who will be working abstractly with acrylics and various graphics. Her work is in collections throughout the Bay Area, New York City, and Hawaii.

Another artist is Stephen Lao, who will be wire-wrapping some gemstones and embellishing them. 

Pam McCauley will demonstrate her watercolor skills. 

Walter Crew will be donating a scratch art using watercolor.

Roger Renn is a “self-taught” visual artist living in Martinez. He will work on a 16” x 20” canvas and create an abstract piece using acrylics. 

Other artists will be donating sculpture, computer art, and textile art.

“The festival has weathered economic maelstroms, 9/11, terrible weather and still survives as a Martinez tradition,” said Mark Thompson, entertainment coordinator for the event. “The art booths are always good, with a wide variety of well done, artistic pieces. You won't find junk at Art in the Park.  Two local restaurants, Smoky D's and Connies, will be serving great food, along with the Knights of Columbus and their ball tip sandwiches.”
The musical lineup includes local favorites The Hopeful Romantics and other local acts.

If you'd like to see a collection of photos from various Art in the Park events over the years, click here.