Carlsbad ArtSplash Celebrates "TENtastic" 10th Anniversary

On Sept. 22 and 23, Carlsbad held its 10th annual Carlsbad ArtSplash Chalk Art and Entertainment Festival. Featuring the work of local artists and the collaboration of local organizations and businesses, the Carlsbad ArtSplash is a free family event that promotes community art.

The ArtSplash was first started in 2002 by a nonprofit organization with the goal of creating a fall classic community event that benefits arts and music programs in North County schools by donating its proceeds. Since then, the ArtSplash has become a prominent cultural event for Carlsbad. With street entertainers, artists, and vendors, the ArtSplash features every aspect of cultural art that North County has to offer. The ArtSplash has also recently introduced  an event where local restaurants come together to provide samples of their cuisine.

An integral part of the ArtSplash is the chalk art. Each year, street painters gather to create masterful chalk paintings, many of them sponsored by local businesses. Visitors can stroll down the street and watch artists at work, talk to the artists about their creations, or admire finished pieces.

Artists exhibit and sell their work, including paintings, photography, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, and more, displaying a diverse array of fine art. One exhibit this year both celebrated the ArtSplash's 10-year anniversary and commemorated the 50-year anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death; artists Ron Juncal and Phyllis Swanson of Studio 2 used a thousand empty water bottles to bring the face of Marilyn Monroe to life.

And, of course, there are contests. Cake decorating, chalk art, and floral design competitions all returned to this year's ArtSplash.

There is also a family area where children and adults can make their own chalk squares together. This year, various local organizations added to the family fun with booths for arts and crafts, including the Museum of Making Music, which provided a drumming circle, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium, which had a booth for making crab headbands.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the ArtSplash featured new events, including a free Atomic Groove concert and a fireworks show, both on Saturday night. The ArtSplash also collaborated with He'Ro'es For Hope and held a three-mile walk on Sept. 23 to raise proceeds for the Komen for the Cure, helping to fight breast cancer. 

Check out the Carlsbad ArtSplash's website for more information on how to get involved in next year's ArtSplash events.