San Diego, CA -- (SBWire) -- 12/22/2010 -- Art enthusiasts save-the-date for Southern California’s largest open-air fine art festival celebrating 27 years in Little Italy -- Weekend long event will be held Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011

WHAT: A treasured regional event attracting visitors to San Diego for nearly three decades, Mission Federal ArtWalk brings more than 400 artists, dozens of musical performances, more than 120,000 spectators and art buyers to enjoy 15 blocks full of art available for display and purchase. The two-day fine art festival is well-known for bringing together all facets of the arts, while promoting the opportunity for people of all incomes to own original pieces of art. Mission Federal ArtWalk is held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a packed schedule of opportunities for individuals and families to engage in, create and purchase art.

What makes Mission Federal ArtWalk unique is its welcoming atmosphere that creates an opportunity for attendees to meet and greet with artists so that they can get to know their inspiration, experience and training on a personal level. This free event features more than 9,000 pieces of artwork created by artists from California and neighboring states, as well as Mexico. All applicants must be accepted into the event to ensure attendees will experience a range of fine visual and performing art including painting, sculpture, glasswork, photography, select jewelry, and other artisan work.

Celebrating its 27th year with major sponsorship support from Mission Federal Credit Union, event admission is free for all to attend. Every year the festival attracts experienced art buyers searching for a new investment piece, families with kids who head straight to KidsWalk to enjoy free hands-on art activities, and visitors who plan their stay in San Diego months in advance to experience two full days of art and entertainment. Corporate sponsors also include Cymer, The Westgate Hotel and JetBlue, who know the value in celebrating the arts and making such cultural events available in the community.

WHEN: Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 2, 2011 / 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Mission Federal ArtWalk will stretch from Beech Street to Grape Street, filling Little Italy with both visual and performing art. For directions, visit http://www.missionfederalartwalk.org/directions.htm

Information: More details on this year’s featured artist line-up, musicians, KidsWalk activities, and special exhibitions to be released in the coming months. Interviews and photos are available. For more information, please visit http://www.missionfederalartwalk.org.