ArtWalk has been one of my favorite Springtime events since it first started, many years ago. I’ve tried to attend every year, and have always enjoyed walking the streets of Little Italy, looking at assorted art from various artists. Once we had kids, I began taking them to ArtWalk as well.
A few years ago I discovered they had an area called KidsWalk, which is solely devoted to kids activities. KidsWalk is set up at Amici Park on Date Street & Union Streets, next to Walker Elementary. The area is set up with lots of tents from various affiliations, such as museums, art organizations, and local businesses.
Most tents have free art related activities for the kids. ArtReach, a local nonprofit associated with ArtWalk, has one such area. If you stop by KidsWalk at the right time, you might see the Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts performing, which is something our kids always find amazing to watch. One of our favorite KidsWalk activities is to join in with a group of others playing instruments with RhythmWorx.
This year, Birch Aquarium, The New Children’s Museum, & Rare Hare Studio will have crafts to make out of recycled materials, Art with Larisse will have a tent showing basic drawing techniques, and San Diego Seaside Scrollers will offer wood projects, to name a few! Mission Federal Credit Union, ArtWalk’s title sponsor, will also be at KidsWalk, with savings banks for kids to paint.
I’ve found that if you have kids, and head straight to KidsWalk, walking around the remainder of ArtWalk is much more enjoyable. KidsWalk allows them to use some of their energy, and gives them the opportunity to use their own creative outlet. I suggest setting aside an hour to and hour and a half to spend at KidsWalk.
ArtWalk San Diego, including KidsWalk, is from 11am-6pm, April 29th & 30th, 2012. There’s lots to see and do, and the festival is free! Click HERE to go to learn more about KidsWalk. Perhaps we’ll see you there!
Is it this weekend or Monday and Tuesday? I’d love to attend!
Hi Danielle! I’m so sorry I missed your comment. The event was Saturday & Sunday, 4/28 & 4/29. If you didn’t make it this year, you’ll have to go next year. It’s a great event for the family!
drat, i totally forgot that was this weekend. maybe we can get down there tomorrow after church….*fingers crossed* thanks for the reminder! 😉
Hi Rory! Thanks for your comment! Hope you made it! If not, ArtWalk also has an event in the early Fall called ArtWalk on the Bay, down by the Hilton Bayfront. It’s super fun too! I’m sure we’ll post about it in August or early September.
Thanks for the reminder about this event. My son is a huge fan of art and has begun – at a young age – to appreciate art of every kind thanks to events like these.
You’re welcome, Sondra! Thanks for your comment! We love events like this as well. They truly do help kids gain an interest in art. I love all the hands-on, free projects at KidsWalk!
Such a great event! Kids need art in their lives.
Agreed, Joann! Kids do need art, and they just aren’t getting enough in public schools these days. Thank goodness for events like these. : )
Every year I mean to go to Art Walk but every year we miss it. I’m marking my calendar so we can be sure to get in on the artsy fun this year. Thanks for the heads-up!
Colleen, I hope you made it this year! If not, there’s always KidsWalk at ArtWalk on the Bay in September. Both are great events, and your kids are a great age to enjoy them. : )
I’m so glad you mentioned the kids part. I wouldn’t have known about it. Going to see if we can make it today!
Thanks for your comment, Becky! Yes, the KidsWalk area of ArtWalk is so fun for the family! As I mentioned in the replies above, ArtWalk has an event in the Fall called ArtWalk on the Bay as well. It’s not as big as ArtWalk in Little Italy, but it does have an area for KidsWalk as well, and includes fun, free, hands-on projects, and is in a beautiful setting. I’m sure we’ll post about it again this coming Fall. : )