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Community Corner

Mission Federal ArtWalk Unveils Featured Artists for 30th Anniversary Festival

Southern California’s largest fine arts festival, Mission Federal ArtWalk, today unveiled the distinguished gathering of featured artists who will be showcased at its diamond anniversary. Selected from over 700 applicants, the 12 featured artists will join the festival’s 350 artist participants on April 26th and 27th for the 30th year of this exciting event.

“We were overwhelmed by the incredible quality and diversity of applicants for the featured artist slots,” said Sandi Cottrell, managing director for ArtWalk San Diego. “Each of the featured artists illustrate this year’s celebratory theme of ‘creativity connects’ through their work. They represent some of the most talented established and emerging artists in the region.” 

Mission Federal ArtWalk’s 2014 featured artists include:

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· Cynthia Colis a resident of San Diego, is known for fusing the innocent and the provocative. Best recognized for her “kiss” portraits and colorful paintings of cows, Colis’s works have previously been displayed at San Diego’s JETT gallery.

· Darrell Driver creates works of art that vary widely in subject and include vibrant Native American portraits and whimsical animal paintings. Driver’s goal is to put the observer in a happy mood.

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· Nancy D. Eckels comes from a family of artists, and aims to make viewers fall in love with her abstract, colorful paintings by sharing her emotions.

· Danny Hughes creates large mixed-medium pieces using wood panels and stained newspaper. With an impressive list of celebrity clients, Hughes’s work continues to be in demand.

· Steve Kell, a Vietnam veteran, works mainly en plien air. A Laguna Beach based impressionist, Kell’s work depicts landscapes, seascapes, missions and urban settings.

· Igor Koutsenko is a native of the Ukraine who moved to Southern California because the climate and scenery reminded him of his seaside town of Evpatoria. Now residing in Fallbrook, Koutsenko teaches drawing and painting at the Fallbrook School of the Arts while producing original work in a variety of mediums including his signature linocut pieces.

· Grant Pecoff paints cityscapes, coastal views and buzzing cafes, always focusing on the light in the scene. His vivid use of color gives his work a distinctive look. A native of San Diego, Pecoff’s world travels have informed his works for decades. Most days, Grant can be found painting in his studio/gallery in the heart of Little Italy.

· Marna Schindler is inspired by the bold styles and vibrant palette of early twentieth century artists. With a studio in downtown San Diego, Schindler paints acrylic representations of animals, places and objects with an unrestrained and spontaneous style.

· Dorit Schwartz, seeks to use her sculptures as a “bridge to the human spirit” to “express feelings and explore the depths of strength and fragility.” In addition to her artwork, Schwartz pursues several other professional endeavors, including fashion and restaurant management.

· Ray Shaw works with wood and paint to create three-dimensional works that capture schooling fish. His Safety in Numbers series features moveable fish that allow the viewer to create their own configuration.

· Jeff Yeomans, a plein air painter, resides in San Diego and produces work featuring urban landscapes, seascapes and landscapes.  His work captures familiar San Diego scenes from sweeping seascapes to gritty urban streets.

· Rafael Gevorkian is a glass artist who creates colorful sculptures, wall art and design projects that are both functional and beautiful. Rafael uses minerals and pigments to create heavy works formed by fire and pressuring which are unique to his signature style.


About Mission Federal ArtWalk

In its 30th year, Mission Federal ArtWalk brings more than 120,000 spectators and art buyers dozens of musical performances, interactive elements and 17 blocks of art to enjoy in the heart of Little Italy. The two-day fine arts festival is well-known for connecting artistic communities, while creating the opportunity for individuals to fall in love with 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. This free event features thousands of pieces of artwork created by artists from California, neighboring states, and Mexico. All must be accepted into the event to ensure attendees experience a range of fine visual and performing art including painting, sculpture, glasswork, photography, select jewelry and other artisan work.  For more information, visit www.missionfederalartwalk.org, Twitter: @ArtWalkSD, or Facebook: ArtWalkSD.


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