If it’s Mother’s Day weekend, it’s time for the Sunset Beach Art Festival.
It’s been that way for the past 42 years and they are doing it again this Saturday and Sunday on the community’s greenbelt in the area near the community center and fire station at 12th Street and South Pacific Avenue in Sunset Beach.
The Sunset Beach Art Festival is the main fundraiser of the year for the long-running Las Damas service club that raises money for local charity causes.
Members of Las Damas and members of the Sunset Beach community hand-make a quilt every year. It is raffled off at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, at the close of the festival.
The quilt raises money for art programs in 7 local schools in Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Huntington Beach. In addition, a portion of the funds raised support continuing education grants to local residents.
“It costs $1 for a chance to win our beautiful quilt and for several years we have sold out of raffle tickets by the Sunday drawing so we encourage people to buy their tickets early,” said Sandy Stour, Las Damas member.
The community fundraiser is also an opportunity to meet hundreds of artisans and craftsmen who are exhibiting and selling their original art and fine crafts.
Fine jewelry, art glass, paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, clothing and accessories will be on display. Each item is created by the exhibiting artist and cannot be found in a mall or shopping center.
With all the activity, there is still something for the kids.
A free booth is set up for children that allows them to create their own handmade masterpiece for their mom. A face painter is usually on hand and is a big hit with the kids.
Local bands entertain the visitors, locals, and volunteers as they chat and enjoy the festival fair such as Philly steak sandwiches, fish tacos, and shaved ice.
The highlight of the festival is the raffle of a handmade quilt, sewn by members of the community and Las Damas.
It features multiple squares designed to resemble events, landmarks, and business in the community.
The Funds raised at this event support charities for the mentally ill, homeless families, and shelter for abused women. They also support multiple art programs for the local children as well as college scholarships.
The Sunset Beach Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9. Admission is free.
For more information call (714) 846-4932.
