Local artist David Schepps has been announced as the Featured Artist of the 2023 Redlands Festival of Arts Live Show and Sale, May 27-28, 10 am to 5 pm, in downtown Redlands’ Smiley Park.
Event and Board Chair Shirley Harry said, “The Redlands Festival of Arts welcomes David Schepps as its 2023 Featured Artist. He is not only a talented artist, but also a dedicated member of the Festival Board of Directors who directs our Youth Arts Grant Program that provides much needed funding for local youth arts education programs.
Schepps is a local Redlands artist who sketches in graphite and charcoal and paints in oil. He has been painting in earnest since 2011. His painting “Jazz at the Carlyle” was purchased by the William E. Leonard National Orange Show Permanent collection.
Schepps said, “My influences are 18th century classic realism and 19th century impressionism. I love the idea of creating art from the beauty of the natural world and people in natural settings.” His paintings try to evoke emotion and tell a story by using setting, color, contrast and shading.
Schepps’ intention is that his work helps the observer feel connected to the art emotionally. He said, “I also enjoy painting portraits and bringing my subjects to life with an eye for detail and insight into the spirit of each person.” His wife Margene Mastin-Schepps also inspires him with her keen eye for photography, which is often the inspiration for his art. https://redlandsfestivalarts.com/2023-featured-artist/
Celebrating its 11th annual show, the Redlands Festival of Arts will feature the work of over 100 fine artists from across the United States in both the juried art exhibit area and at the Redlands Art Association’s “Art in the Park” next door near the Redlands Bowl. The 55 juried artists will compete for $6,000 in prize awards during the Memorial Day weekend show.
In addition, the show includes the Youth Art Expo as part of its Kids Zone displaying the art of school students. It is sponsored by the Margaret Clark Art Education Enrichment Fund (MCAEEF). The Festival also offers three stages featuring live music, a youth chalk art competition and demonstration, as well as a hands-on painting experience designed to bring smiles to the faces of budding artists.
Since Shirley Harry and Jerry Bean founded the nonprofit Festival in 2013, it has grown from a first small juried art show to a respected regional event in the nation’s arts community.
This family-friendly show, which charges no admission fee, attracts thousands of daily visitors from the Inland Empire and all of Southern California who enjoy art, food and music.
Festival Chair Harry said, “I am truly grateful to our artists, board, sponsors and volunteers for their dedication to this outdoor show during the great times and the more recent pandemic years. Your commitment allows us to fund youth arts program grants for kids of all backgrounds in our community. I’ve seen their talent, and some of them will become the next generation of fine artists bringing beauty to our world.”
This family-friendly event draws art lovers and serious collectors, young and old, who buy a wide range of art, including paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, glass, fiber, metal, wood, ceramics, jewelry and more. Event sponsors include: The Rochford Foundation, Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty–Shirley Harry & Lynn Whitmer, ChurchWest Insurance Services–The Cutler Group, Maupin Financial Advisors, Redlands Community News, Hatfield Buick-GMC, Matson Waner Wealth Management, Redlands Cultural Arts Commission, Rotary Club of Redlands, Citrograph Printing, Gerrards, Raising Cane’s, Ritual Brewing, MCAEEF and the Redlands Art Association.
The Festival also includes the Redlands Symphony’s hands-on instrument Petting Zoo, a high school student Chalk Art Competition, a food truck fantasy area, beer and wine garden, three musical stages, with one of them featuring student musician performances, and the popular Art in the Park exhibition sponsored by the Redlands Art Association (RAA).
The Youth Art Expo is sponsored by the Margaret Clark Art Education Enrichment Fund and the Redlands Art Association (RAA). Expo Director and RFA Board Member Annette Weis invites all parents to bring their children to the two big tents housing the kids painting fun art activities.
The annual Art in the Park exhibition, also sponsored by the RAA, is located on the Eureka Street side of Smiley Park adjacent to the Mission Gables House. It features the creative work of RAA member artists, many of whom are award winners with works found in multiple galleries.
Visitors to the Festival will find it is also located within easy walking distance of downtown Redlands’ charming vintage architecture, dining, antiques, shopping, and the RAA Gallery.
Live musical artists will perform daily on multiple Festival stages. Appearing on the Wine & Beer Garden Stage are: Dan & Cindy, Ride Share Jazz, The Honey, Sal & Isela Con Los Salerosos, The Smudge Pots, Coleslaw, Sumeau, The Marvels, Minor Mood Swing and Pickle & Bean.
The Mission Gables House Stage will feature: Ryan T. Martinez, Fear the Gray, Cecilio Alvarez, Paul Olives, Annie Jay, Porkboil, Evelyn Rayn, The Dust Brothers, Gilman Carver, Three From 100, Silver Sounds Flute Ensemble and Felonious Plunk.
The Youth Stage will feature Young Student Artists and the youth band, Tomorrow’s Anthem. Visit the Festival web site: www.redlandsfestivalarts.com for musical artist performance times.
The food truck fantasy adjacent to the shady beer and wine garden welcomes show visitors hungry for a snack or a meal. These amazing trucks and pop-up eateries feature the best of Festival cuisine in Southern California. Food purveyors scheduled include: Cousins Lobster, Van’s Kitchen (Thai & Laotian), Rock ‘N Roll Coffee, Tasty Creations, Kona Ice and Happy Camper Creamery.
