Fine Art: All About the La Quinta Arts Festival

The world of fine art can be an intimidating one—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Join more than 20,000 art enthusiasts as they converge March 3rd through 6th for the highly–anticipated La Quinta Arts Festival. With art as the main attraction, the La Quinta Arts Festival showcases the finest in contemporary artworks presented by 220 of the nation’s premier artists hailing from 35 states, Canada and Argentina to exhibit their original works in ceramics, drawing and pastel, fiber/textile, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. From the hot, new up–and–comers to the accomplished masters, you will uncover remarkable treasures in every price range.

After retaining its position as number one in national listings of fine art rankings for three straight years (2013, 2014, 2015), La Quinta Arts Festival has firmly established itself as a premier destination for arts and culture, primarily through its commitment to sustaining the superb quality of work and general prestige that its patrons have come to expect from this show year after year.

Come experience what thousands of art patrons have been raving about for years. Here’s a preview of the 34th annual event staged on the visually stunning site of the La Quinta Civic Center Campus located a short drive east of legendary Palm Springs. You don’t have to be an art expert to know what you like—and you’re sure to discover that one special piece made just for you at the La Quinta Arts Festival.

La Quinta Arts Festival 2016 Featured Artist - Trés Taylor

A contemporary self–taught mixed media painter living in Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor was a biochemist for over 20 years before he experienced somewhat of an epiphany upon interviewing Georgia folk artist R.A. Miller in 1999, which inspired him to begin his journey as a professional artist. At their core, his paintings are about spiritual seeking. He paints about love, divine love, peace and joy. His subjects are usually monks, couples and houses,

but always they retain a symbolic relationship to the idea of love.

Taylor’s medium is usually tarpaper. The tarpaper enables him to draw freely, carving in a strong black line. He frequently employs layers of mud, sometimes Alabama red clay, that give his paintings a rich, yet raw texture. Trés has exhibited in Japan, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida and Pennsylvania.

The Art of Entertainment

Art alone does not a festival make; La Quinta Arts Festival is set to present a variety of performance and musical entertainers that will delight the crowds. This year’s daily line–up includes some returning favorites and surprising new attractions like Lana Chromium, a fine art body painter from San Diego—winner of GSNTV’s "Skin Wars"—who will demonstrate her extraordinary talents on Saturday, March 5th.

Fabulous Festival Fare

Art may feed the soul, but it takes great food (and refreshing libations) to satisfy the appetites generated by our festival goers! To this end, La Quinta Arts Festival has partnered with some of the top eateries around to offer the ultimate casual dining experience. Head over to Restaurant Row to find Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Fisherman’s Market & Grill and Shanghai Red’s or the Corner Pub for Westcoast Hofbrau brats and more, plus a wide selection of high–end craft beers and wine. Lighter fare will be available at Island Bar and Meadow Bar, along with well–known vendors E & E Pel’s Italian Ices and Brandini Toffee’s luscious hand–dipped ice cream. Stella Artois, the official beer of the La Quinta Arts Festival, will be served at all bar locations on site.

What you need to know before you go:

• The 34th Annual La Quinta Arts Festival is slated for March 3rd through 6th, 2016 at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA. Event hours are 10 am to 5 pm.

• Ticket prices: Adults $17, Multi–Day Pass $22. Children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at www.LQAF.com.

• Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self parking options.

• La Quinta Arts Festival is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta.

• Event proceeds have to date funded LQAF scholarship awards totaling $1,190,002 to students pursuing an education in the visual arts. More info: The La Quinta Arts Festival or 760-564-1244.