For 62 years now, the Sausalito Art Festival has helped define this waterfront community’s artistic heritage. It has also been a boom for the town’s economy, local vendors and not-profit organizations and has contributed over $2 million in the past decade to local arts programs and art scholarships and other local community groups.
Sausalito has a legacy of creativity having been a haven for artists since the early 1900’s. From the art festival’s humble beginnings on a beach (it was even staged in the city hall parking lot for a few years), the festival has grown in stature and is now recognized as one of the premier art festivals in the country, attracting art aficionados, curators and collectors.
Not only has it endured, it has thrived. The juried “fine art” show now boasts over 260 artists from across the country; it is so popular with artists that some have been participating for over 40 years. That being said, there are 70 new artists this year. The show is always fresh and remarkable in its range and scope of innovative art – from painting to ceramic, sculpture and textile, mixed media, jewelry and photography.
In addition to the art, the festival is now an event for every sensory indulgence –– there is continuous live music on two stages, ranging from classic rock & roll and headline performers like Tower of Power, to classical and jazz, Latin and world music (think Pete Escovedo and Taj Mahal); gourmet food, waterfront cocktail lounges, a winetasting experience with over 30 premium California vintages and almost as many micro brews in a new beer garden area.
It’s all outdoors along the scenic Sausalito waterfront. And – it’s all for a good cause. What more could you want? The weather promises to be splendid this weekend so release that inner artistic spirit, come savor the fabulous art, fine wine and terrific music in Sausalito’s Marinship Park.
The Gate opens at 10 a.m. this year and the festival will rock on until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, closing at 5 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are $25; $20 for seniors (62+) and $5 for juniors.
To expedite entry, purchase tickets online in advance at sausalitoartfestival.org where you will also find a full schedule of events and entertainment. And remember: every home should have at least one piece of original art….no excuses.
