The three-day festival at Redlands United Church of Christ will feature 69 artists, live music, food vendors and a special exhibition by landscape painter Jason Situ.
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The three-day festival at Redlands United Church of Christ will feature 69 artists, live music, food vendors and a special exhibition by landscape painter Jason Situ.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The 47th annual Art for Heaven’s Sake! Fine Arts Festival returns to Redlands this weekend, bringing together 69 artists for three days of art exhibitions, live music and community activities.
The festival will take place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16-18, at Redlands United Church of Christ, 168 Bellevue Ave.
Visitors can browse and purchase artwork in a variety of media, including acrylics, watercolors, oils, photography, stained glass, jewelry, pottery and metal sculpture. The festival will also feature a Mosaic Boutique offering handmade crafts.
This year's featured artist is Jason Situ, a plein air painter known for his California landscapes.
Born in Guangdong, China, Situ began painting during the Cultural Revolution and later studied at the Guangzhou Fine Arts Institute. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1989 and became a full-time artist in 1997. His work has been exhibited throughout the country.
The annual festival began in 1979 as a small fundraiser featuring five local artists in a private home. Over the decades, it has grown into a regional arts event attracting artists from across Southern California and beyond.
The festival opens Friday evening with a "Meet the Artists" reception, giving visitors an opportunity to speak with participating artists, purchase artwork and enjoy live performances.
Friday's entertainment includes the a cappella group Rhymes with Orange, performing jazz, folk and gospel selections, followed by the Connie Roener Band with a mix of rock, country and jazz.
Saturday's musical lineup includes the Festivo Flute Ensemble at 10 a.m., acoustic performances by church music director David Wells from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. and singer Ana González de Jorgenson from 5 to 7 p.m.
Sunday's entertainment will feature local folk musician Ellie Joy Schwartz, the Bulldawg Blues Band and a closing performance by Rhymes with Orange.
Food and refreshments will also be available throughout the weekend, including offerings from The Big Easy Sandwich Truck, Pep's Original Flautas y Mas, Happy Camper Creamery and Two Girls Specialty Coffees.
A special church service celebrating art will take place Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., before the festival opens for its final day.
For more information, visit artforheavenssake.org or the festival's Facebook page.
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