Murals, Music and Lowriders Are Taking Over Downtown Vista |
The free Chicana Art Festival will put women, culture and some very polished chrome in the spotlight on October 17. |
A parking lot is about to become one of Vista’s more interesting art galleries.
No hushed voices. No velvet ropes. And unless someone gets wildly ambitious with the decorations, probably no tiny plaques asking visitors not to touch anything.
The Chicana Art Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Vista Gazebo Parking Lot in downtown Vista.
Admission is free.
Presented by Elevated760, the festival will celebrate the creativity and cultural contributions of Chicana, Latina and Indigenous women through visual art, music, storytelling and community activities.
Art That Happens in Front of You
This is not simply a browse-the-booths-and-head-home affair.
Organizers are advertising live mural painting, local artists and vendors, cultural exhibits, interactive art, live entertainment, community organizations, family activities and food.
Then come the lowriders.
The festival’s free vehicle showcase is inviting lowrider owners, clubs and enthusiasts to register classics, customs, bombs, trucks, bikes and modern builds. Registration information describes the vehicles in terms of pride, craftsmanship, artistry and cultural history.
Correctly so. Some canvases come with carburetors.
Advance vehicle registration is requested so organizers can plan placement and leave enough room around each display.
Registration is free, but available space may be limited.
Ten Walls, Carefully Chosen The live-art portion has room for only 10 muralists.
According to the official registration page, the mural program is curated and vetted.
Applying does not guarantee a place. Selected muralists receive a complimentary vendor booth, although artists are generally expected to bring their own painting materials.
Artwork must also be appropriate for a public, family-friendly setting.
One detail remains unanswered: Organizers have not said whether the completed murals will remain on public display after the festival.
Enjoy the brushwork while it is happening; permanence should not be assumed.
Free Really Does Mean Free
Visitors do not need a ticket, donation or RSVP to attend.
Organizers encourage a free RSVP because it helps them estimate attendance and prepare space, activities, seating and resources. An RSVP also provides event announcements and reminders, but it does not include reserved seating or special access.
The event is advertised as rain or shine. Food and vendor merchandise will be available for purchase.
As of the latest check, organizers had not published a complete list of participating muralists, musicians, vendors, food operators or lowrider clubs. That lineup could still develop as October approaches.
Downtown Vista lists the venue at 102 S. Indiana Street. The registration page gives 110 S. Citrus Avenue. Because no preferred entrance is specified, visitors should use the named Vista Gazebo Parking Lot and review any final arrival instructions before leaving home.
Downtown parking should not become the day’s greatest work of abstract expressionism.
Questions You May Have About the Chicana Festival
When is the Art Festival?
Where will it be held?
Is admission free?
What activities are planned?
Who is organizing it? |
6 Comments
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I love that admission is free, makes it easy to bring the whole family. Looking forward to the food vendors too!
Wish they would be more clear on the parking since those lots get packed fast downtown.
It’s awesome they’re highlighting Chicana and Indigenous artists. Hope there is plenty of shade though!
Lowriders and live music? Count me in. I always wanted to see muralists at work too.
This sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday! I hope the murals stick around after, even if just for a little bit.
Anna R.Me too, Anna! I’d love to be able to go back and see the murals after the festival. Would be nice if they could leave them up for at least a few weeks.