The City of the Arts has a new monthly gig that lives up to its name.
The Costa Mesa ArtWalk is now a free monthly event, held on the lawn in front of the new library.
If you thought we already had a free art walk, you would be right — it’s a self-guided tour through the city featuring the most notable sculptures in town.
This ArtWalk, however, is different.
Third Saturdays: Costa Mesa ArtWalk, Once A Month, at Lions Park and the Library.
Photo: Brandy Young
I Heart Costa Mesa attended the inaugural event, featuring more than 25 local artists at the Lions Park event lawn, right in front of the library.
Live art demonstrations were happening all over the lawn, there was music and games, a dance battle, and oh yeah — a silent disco too!
All of it was organized by local artist and OC Laureate, Salina Mendoza, who has lived in Costa Mesa for the last 3 years. She got involved because she went to the city to propose art spaces at every public park in Costa Mesa. In the midst of that discussion, Salina was asked to work on the ArtWalk.
“Costa Mesa is supposed to be the center of the arts in Orange County,” she says. “But most people who live here don’t even know that ‘City of the Arts’ is our slogan.”
Art That Moves You: Dance Battle + Silent Disco at the Costa Mesa ArtWalk, Lions Park.
Photos: Brandy Young
It’s Salina’s mission to both activate local artists and get Costa Mesans pumped about the artwork and talent in our town. The event brings art, music, and community together in one spot, highlighting the creativity of our local artists.
She expects the free monthly event, which will be held every third Saturday of the month, to grow over time.
“We want to bridge the gap between artists and those who want more art,” Salina says.
Plus, she says, “Artists need other artists.” That’s why events like the ArtWalk help our creative community thrive and grow.
Artwork Abounds: The Costa Mesa ArtWalk at Lions Park in Costa Mesa, California.
Photos: Brandy Young
As I walk around the event lawn, I chat with artists showing all kinds of art — from paintings and drawings to jewelry and wood work.
The Dance Battle hasn’t kicked off yet, but I do check out a pair of wireless headphones so I can partake in the Silent Disco. As I walk around the event with my headphones on, I can tune into any of four different channels, each featuring a different DJ who is mixing it up live at the event.
In the future, Salina hopes to offer food trucks and more live demonstrations. At one end of the lawn, Huntington Beach artist Melissa Murphy works on a giant painting of a peaceful sea turtle, while on the other end, Salina is demonstrating her abstract geometric art.
Artist Salina Mendoza is Bringing More Art to the City of the Arts, with the Costa Mesa ArtWalk.
Photo: Brandy Young
This event is a great opportunity for the artists too — it’s free for them to exhibit these first few months, and thereafter the fee will remain low and affordable.
“If you are a part of the arts community here, let’s connect!” says Salina with a huge, welcoming grin.
The next ArtWalk is this weekend, on Saturday, July 20th. If you’re a Costa Mesan who digs art and the cool people who make it, you should make it a point to stop by and check it out. ♥
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The Costa Mesa ArtWalk is a free event for the community that is held every 3rd Saturday of the month, at the Lions Park Event Lawn, 1855 Park Avenue. For more information, follow @costamesaartwalk on Instagram and Facebook.
