Annual arts festival will showcase local talent
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Local residents are invited to join the festivities during the 2008 Moorpark Art Festival at the Civic Center and on High Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., May 4. The event is free to the public.

"This is the city's one real artsoriented event," said Peggy Rothschild, festival organizer and Active Adult Center supervisor.

The festival has a long history. It was originally established in 1930, but the tradition had fallen by the wayside for a number of years, Rothschild said.

In 2003, a committee of Moorpark residents and local volunteers revived the tradition, and in 2006 the city assumed responsibility for planning and presenting the annual event.

"The 2008 Moorpark Art Festival is an exciting event; it's great for kids and adults," Rothschild said. It reflects the creative energy in the community and surrounding towns.

Local artists in all genres were invited to participate. The day will feature various musical acts and theatrical presentations at the High Street Arts Center and visual art displays in the Civic Center community room.

Sample performances from Cabrillo Music Theatre, Ballet Folklorico and Moorpark College Chamber Ensembles are among many that will take the stage at the High Street Arts Center.

Artistic welder Shannon Lundberg was selected to be this year's featured artist.

"Her work is just beautiful," said Rothschild.

"I feel honored when I get chosen to show my work," said Lundberg, a Newbury Park resident who attended Simi Valley Adult School and Moorpark College.

Creative curiosity coupled with the urging of a close friend led Lundberg to the world of artistic welding.

"The art of welding has become a loving challenge in my life that has no boundaries," she said.

My Hometown Photography will return to showcase the work of 19 children who took photos illustrating what the Moorpark lifestyle means to them.

Other highlights of the day include caricaturist David Boatman, who will draw pictures of festival patrons in front of the High Street Arts Center.

Matt Oppenheimer will create a "street painting" in chalk in the carpool parking lot at city hall. Children can try their hand at drawing with chalk on the border of the temporary art piece. Kids are also invited to create artwork in the Children's Hands-on Art area hosted by Young at Art, Rothschild said.

The Moorpark Library will host a presentation by Deborah Nourse Lattimore, an author and illustrator of more than 18 children's books. The library will also present the winners of the Young Illustrator Contest for children and teens.

Local High Street businesses, including Moorpark Family Resource Center and First 5 Ventura County, will host "Oodles and Doodles of Art," an interactive activity for youngsters. The High Studio Fine Art Gallery will host a landscape exhibit featuring area artists.

Artists can sign up to submit their work for display until Tues., April 29. The Active Adult Center will be open until 7 p.m. that day to accept entries. All live performance slots have been filled.