The Catalina Art Festival

Catalina Island offers visitors endless opportunities to soak in the Mediterranean ambiance, sunny skies, and oceanfront experiences. Each May, the island also transforms into an artistic hub during the annual Catalina Art Festival, showcasing top contemporary art against the island’s backdrop.

For one vibrant weekend each year, artists from across the country gather to exhibit their works along Avalon’s scenic waterfront. From paintings to photography, ceramics to sculpture, festival goers can appreciate mediums while supporting the island’s thriving creative community. 

History of the Catalina Art Festival

While Catalina Island has long inspired artists, the Catalina Art Festival is a relatively new tradition. The inaugural festival kicked off in 2015 in honor of Catalina’s 100-year anniversary as part of Los Angeles County. 

The Centennial Catalina Art Festival sought to commemorate the island’s history as an escape for painters, illustrators, and architects like William Wrigley Jr., who found creative fuel in Catalina’s beauty. The first festival attracted over 10,000 attendees and 150 artists to Avalon’s waterfront.

Due to the overwhelming success of the initial event, the Catalina Art Festival was established as an ongoing annual tradition. In 2019, the festival expanded to a multi-day schedule with more artists, art workshops, and live music performances accompanying the 2-day gallery showcase.

Today, the Catalina Art Festival continues the island’s legacy as a haven for creativity by bringing in artists from California and beyond. The festival has become a premier May event that art collectors and Catalina lovers look forward to each year.

What to Expect at the Catalina Art Festival

Held along the Crescent Avenue shopping corridor and Avalon Bay oceanfront, the Catalina Art Festival stretches over a lively weekend with diverse attractions for art enthusiasts. Here’s a taste of the festival offerings:

• 170+ artists exhibiting paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more
• Live art demonstrations and make-your-own workshops for all ages 
• Glass blowing, plein air painting, and other interactive art experiences
• Live music performances on outdoor festival stages
• Art lectures and discussions in the Catalina Casino and local venues
• Film screenings focused on artistic topics
• Art tours exploring Avalon’s public murals, tile work, and landmarks 
• Food, beverages, and art vendor kiosks throughout the festival grounds

The festival schedule balances showcasing established talent and emerging artists and providing engaging experiences for all interests.

Artist Highlights to Look For

While the Catalina Art Festival artist lineup varies yearly, many regular exhibitors have become festival favorites. Here are some notable names to watch for:

• Lisa Coscino: This California-based abstract painter generates intense movement and color in her large-scale acrylic works. Vibrant textures mimic the fluidity of water.
• Mian Situ: His dramatic oil paintings depict Western historical scenes in exquisite realist detail. Atmospheric light effects infuse frontier landscapes and Native American portraits. 
• Gregory Siff: The multimedia artist is known for his vibrant pop art style, which he applies to paintings, prints, sculptures, and public murals centered on unique characters.
• Rachelle Leftik: Specializing in impressionist-inspired Palette Knife oil paintings, Leftik’s textured landscapes dazzle with light, color, and thickly applied paint.
• Christine Kierstead: Boldly blending photography, painting, printmaking, and drawing, Kierstead’s mixed media works have an abstract modernist flair.
• Lydia Elias: Her artfully handcrafted jewelry incorporates natural materials like crushed shells, opals, turquoise, and etched metal in organic free-form designs.

Featured Artists and Artworks

As you explore the Catalina Art Festival, expect to encounter various creative expressions. This section will guide you through past highlights and introduce the current year’s prominent contributors.

Highlights from Past Festivals

• Billy Al Bengston: Known for his affinity for shiny, elegant surfaces, Bengston has been a notable presence in past festivals. His works often reflect a Southern California vibe that resonates well with the Catalina setting.

You can revisit some of the artist’s previous contributions at Made in California.

• Carmen Lomas Garza: Her intricate paintings that depict Chicano culture have been pivotal pieces at prior festivals, offering insight into the Latino experience through art.

Discover more about Garza’s impact at From Barrio to Mainstream.

Preview of Current Year’s Featured Artists

• The Mermaid Aesthetic: As a nod to local heritage, expect to see a mesmerizing range of mermaid-inspired art pieces, ranging from murals to sculptures. These artworks celebrate Catalina Island’s coastal mythology and reflect its unique community.

For a deeper understanding of this theme, refer to Englamoured: Mermaid iconography.

• Latina/o/x and Indigenous Art: This year’s festival prioritizes diversity, showcasing works from Latina/o/x and Indigenous artists that challenge narratives and introduce varied perspectives.

At Unraveling Latinx Racial Politics, engage with the contemporary conversation on race, politics, and art within the festival’s context.

Tips for Attending the Festival 

As Catalina’s largest annual arts event, the Catalina Art Festival attracts big crowds. Use these tips for making the most of the experience:

• Arrive early – Best chance to browse artist booths before larger afternoon crowds.
• Allot ample time – The festival spans several blocks, so budget a full day to see everything.
• Bring sun protection – Lots of time is spent outdoors along the bay. Hats/sunscreen are musts.
• Travel light – Avoid bags/strollers that might be cumbersome in crowds. Most areas are pedestrian-only.
• Cargo service is available – Artists can ship purchases home for you from the festival.
• Wear comfy shoes – There will be extensive walking between festival zones.
• Check the online schedule – Special events, demonstrations, and tours change yearly.

Still have questions? Check out these answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Where does the art festival take place?

The festival spans Crescent Ave. along the Avalon Harbor waterfront and other nearby streets/venues around downtown Avalon, such as the Casino. 

Is the Catalina Art Festival wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the festival offers wheelchair-accessible exhibits, walkways, restrooms, and checkpoints with necessary transportation assistance.

Can you purchase art on display at the festival?

Yes! All artwork is for sale. Artists are on-site to discuss their works and process purchases securely. Cargo services are also available.

Is there a cost for attending, or is the festival free?

Festival admission and entry are free and open to the public. You only pay directly if you purchase art, food, beverages, etc.