MAFA Kicks Off Summer with Art Walk Saturday Night

If it’s summer, as far as MAFA is concerned, it’s time for art.

The local organization has planned three events, each the last Saturday of June, July and August. The first is coming Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. along the 400 and 500 blocks of Myrtle in .

“The Art Walks are both an important showcase for local talent and a way for MAFA to raise funds,” , owner of the, said. “We have really expanded the offerings this year.”

“We’ll have Jack-FM set up as well as music from the Locke Brothers,” Cyndi Bolander, the event planner said. “We’re really excited about the activities this year.”

In addition to the artists who will be displaying and selling their works, there will be an exclusive exhibit  at Paint-N-Play 2 Studio & Gallery featuring the “Los Angeles Windows Collection” by photographer .

Paint ‘n’ Play will also host a free ceramics night. The first 50 children (ages 12 and under) will be able to paint a ceramic piece in the Paint-n-Play studio for free. MAFA is sponsoring this opportunity to further interest in the arts for local children. 

“An important part of our mission is to support the arts in local schools,” Bill Beebe, president of MAFA, said. “With more looming budget problems, it’s up to the local community to help keep arts alive in our schools.” 

Live art demonstrations will include ceramics wheel throwing by, plein-air painting and clay sculpture. By popular demand, artists and Heather Shaw will bring back the “Brush-Off” or “Swap-a-thon” which is a fun demonstration of two artists painting on each other’s canvases as a collaborative effort in the process of making artwork.

Many Old Town Merchants will be holding sales and special events, including the popular Traditional Music Gathering at .

So, clear some wall space. There will be plenty of offerings for a variety of tastes and budgets.