This high quality, community-friendly event is sponsored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palo Alto. In the past it has attracted over 150,000 people every year from throughout California and the West Coast. The festival-now celebrating its twenty-seventh year-takes place on tree-lined University Avenue in beautiful downtown Palo Alto, a vital economic area 35 miles south of San Francisco.
The backbone of the festival and the key to its success are the three hundred fine artists and crafters whose display booths are placed back-to-back along University Avenue. These exhibitors are the reason why this festival attracts such a high percentage of fine artists and crafters whose work you'll see only at a few select shows on the West Coast.
To keep interest high, each year the festival organizers offer something new for the public's enjoyment. This year plein air artists, Shirley Lehner-Rhoades & Tonya Zenin, will set up their "have canvas, will travel" outdoor studios and will be painting street scenes at various locations throughout the festival.
In the Italian Street Painting Expo, the Invitational chalk artists will not only be creating works of art on the asphalt, but they will also have on display in the Open Aire Gallery, work for sale. In this same area, KDFC radio will be introducing for the first time the KDFC Classical Corner: a joint effort between the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra & KDFC to bring classical music to the public—up close and personal. Don't miss this great experience from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
Lytton Plaza will also be the center of activity at 2 p.m. on Saturday. IN STYLE Palo Alto, a high-fashion show focusing on designer apparel presented by local retailers: Far East Living, Fashion Passion & JoS. A. Bank Clothiers. Local members of the community will strut down a 32 foot runway showcasing garments for the eclectic shopper.
Local participation is high at this event. The Palo Alto Parents & Professionals for Art are the organizers and beneficiaries of the kids' art & crafts area called the Kids' Art Studio. The Palo Alto Partners in Education are the organizers and beneficiaries of the ever-popular Italian Street Painting Expo. Also, the Kiwanis of Palo Alto will again manage and serve the micro-brews and fine wines that can be found throughout the festival.
For those driving to the festival, free parking is within a block or two of the festival site, but festival attendees are encouraged to use public transit. For transit information, call the TravInfo line in your area at 817-1717. For those biking to the festival, free and secure bicycle parking will be available at the Union Bank parking lot on Waverley.
For up-to-date information, call: 650-324-3121. |
