April Named ‘Arts, Culture & Creativity’ Month in Escondido

The Escondido Public Art Commission and Escondido City Council – together with the Escondido Downtown Business Association and Visit Escondido – announce April as ‘Arts, Culture and Creativity Month’ (ACCM) in Escondido. Throughout the month (of April), Escondido will host a variety of free events and resources in celebration of arts, culture, and creativity.

The Public Art Commission is excited to fund nine projects that celebrate Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month this spring. All events are free to the public. The following are the recipients and the funded projects:

- ArtHatch will host a month-long April Arts Showcase beginning April 12

- ESCO Alley Art & Downtown Business Association will complete a Community Unity School Initiative project at John Paul the Great University

- CoLabCrafts will host weekly Escondido Makes Art workshops tailored to various ages and skill levels.

- Escondido Arts Association will hold the Mayor's Art Contest and Exhibition, April 9 – May 2 A gallery reception will take place April 12 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

- Escondido Choral Arts Foundation and California Center for the Arts, Escondido will host a First Wednesday at The Center Concert. The musical festival showcase will be on April 2 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

- Glass House Arts and California Center for the Arts will display a temporary sculpture installation * (pronounced star). The installation will be on display all month on the lawn of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

- Escondido Arts Partnership will host two events:

o Local Color and Ripple Effects, and

o An opening day event in Heritage Garden on April 1.

- Stone & Glass and California Center for the Arts will present a live glass blowing demonstration April 18 and 19

- Daydream Here Gift Shop will host an Escondido Art Tank a Shark Tank style pitch event on April 28.

In addition to the events listed (above), Escondido’s MAGEC (Museums and Art Growing Escondido Culture) group is planning a full month of activities, including:

- Art scavenger hunts,

- Guided sculpture and mural walks,

- Educational opportunities,

- Pop-up art galleries and shows,

- Hands-on art activities, and

- 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

The projects funded by the Public Art Commission are free. Some of the other activities may be ticketed or fee base, and may require reservations, while others are “drop-in.”

Escondido takes pride in its well-established and diverse arts and culture community, which supports hundreds of artists. Numerous organizations offer youth programs, internships, and scholarships:

- The Escondido Art Association, established in 1959, began with the mission of enriching the community through art. They later opened a gallery on Grand Avenue to support their artist members, hosting monthly art shows open to artists of all levels.

- The California Center for the Arts, established in 1994, serves as a vibrant cultural hub that enriches lives, fosters creativity, and empowers communities through transformative artistic experiences.

- The Escondido Arts Partnership, founded in 1995, aims to strengthen and enrich our community as a cultural destination through the power of the arts.

- The Queen Califia Magic Circle, opened to the public in 2003, is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle, attracting visitors from around the world.

- Distinction Gallery, opened in 2004, is renowned for its extensive collection of pop surrealism, highly detailed figurative art, and Western-style oil paintings.

- ArtHatch provides affordable, juried exhibition space for local artists and studio spaces for artists and creative small businesses, as well as free exhibition space, art supplies, and education for teen artists.

- The Photographers Eye Collective, led by Donna Cosentino, has brought high-level photographers from around the world to participate in exhibitions and has taught photography for more than 30 years.

- Esco Alley Art, established in 2021, creates public art and outdoor gallery spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors in Escondido.

Escondido invites the community to join in celebrating Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month by attending an event, exploring local art, and supporting creative businesses. A full calendar of events is available at VisitEscondido.com/calendar/, and community members or organizations interested in adding their own arts and culture events can submit them at VisitEscondido.com/submit-your-event/.

For questions on Arts, Culture & Creativity Month in Escondido, reach out to the Escondido Downtown Business Association at (760) 715-4958.

Host or Publisher Escondido Downtown Business Association