The streets of Old Town Newhall will showcase beautiful, temporary works of art inspired by the tradition of Italian street painting at this year’s Santa Clarita Street Art Festival, slated for Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8, 2006.
This exciting two-day festival will be located along San Fernando Road between Market Street and 5th Street. The Street Art Festival is a free outdoor event, open to the public. It will feature live entertainment; the fine art of street painting, the beauty of international dance, rhythmic sounds of the world, Art and Craft vendors for unique wares.
The entire block between Market Street and 6th Street will be transformed into a canvas of original images with incredible design and color. All ages and levels of artistic experience are welcome to join in the fun and chalk paint on San Fernando Road. Guests can purchase a box of chalk at the Family Art Booth for $10 and create a two-by-two foot square masterpiece.
Guests are invited to be artists for a day at the Art Zone. To keep the street party going guests can stop by the Make a Mask tent to create a wild and crazy mask for free. In the same area, film enthusiasts can enjoy short films throughout the day, sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival.
The focus of the festival is the process and display of professional and guest chalk artists work in the Farmer’s Market parking lot in Old Town Newhall. Festival guests are invited to watch as artists create “temporary” masterpieces on the pavement. Festive and eclectic music and dancing will be presented on two stages at the north and south ends of the festival. International music from Ireland, the Caribbean, the Latin World, Zydecco, and the islands of Hawaii will be featured. Also scheduled to perform on the festival stage are international dancing performances from Ireland, the Philippines, Mexico and the Andes. Guests can visit many of Old Town Newhall’s charming shops, boutiques and eateries while attending the festival. There are more than 15 “mom and pop” style restaurants and small diners that offer delicious food.
In an effort to restore the arts in the Old Town Newhall area, the City took over the festival, which was once dubbed the “Bella Via” art festival, and began hosting the event in 2005. The annual Street Art Festival is one of many programs the City hopes to establish in Old Town Newhall. On Saturday October 7, festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday October 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking will be available at the Community Center and the William S. Hart Museum.
For more information on the Santa Clarita Street Art Festival, please contact
Jennifer Shadle, Arts and Events Coordinator at (661) 286-4018 or visit the web at www.streetartfest.com.