MARTINEZ, Calif. – More than 50 artists are expected to exhibit their paintings, sculptures and other works in Susana Park Aug. 19 in the 49th annual Martinez Arts Association Art in the Park show.
More than an art show, this event also is the Martinez Arts Association’s largest fundraiser for the its goal of encouraging art culture and education for local youth, said President Vernon Sanders.
Money raised by the association provides scholarships to graduating seniors as well as art grants for teachers from elementary schools to high school level.
“Many of the participating artists return year after year, because this is such a special event that always draws a large crowd,” Sanders said. “It has a local community feel to it.”
For instance, this year’s beer vendor is Five Suns Brewing, one of Martinez’s own breweries that began as a hobby among the five owners, all of whom were brought up in Martinez and are graduates of Alhambra High School.
Wine also will be sold.
The owners already were supporters of fundraisers and local events before they renovated a downtown Martinez building at 701 Escobar St. and opened their craft beer brewery.
Among the musicians playing at the art show will be the Tamsen Donner Band, playing blues-influenced and original songs. Also playing are The New Frantics, Thomas Martin, The UnConcord and the Landbirds.
Art aficionados may participate in the silent auction that raises money to support the arts in Martinez schools. Among the items will be contributions from local artists , including paintings and gift certificates.
Also among the auctioned items will be the popular artist-decorated lawn flamingos.
Those who want to make a full Martinez day may park downtown and visit the Martinez Farmers Market and shops and take a golf cart shuttle to Susana Park for the art show. The shuttle will run from the art show to Main Street Plaza in the 600 block of Main Street.
Martinez Arts Association was founded in 1968 to promote art in the community and in the schools.
The Art in the Park show will take place in Susana Park, on Susana and Estudillo streets, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19. Admission is free.
