First Saturday in October
On the Plaza, Arcata, California

Twenty years ago a handful of artists were persuaded to meet on the Arcata Plaza for the first Saturday morning of “sidewalk” art.  Local businesses made a donation to Northcoast Children's Services for each of the 29 squares.  The art was scattered along the spokes of the Plaza.  The City of Arcata staff was dubious about such an event.  Sue Williams (event creator and then coordinator) persuaded them to give it a try—just for this one time!  Those “one time” artists and businesses had such a good time it was continued until Pastels on the Plaza became the largest art event on the north coast and a major fundraiser for Northcoast Children's Services local children’s programs. 

 

With October the weather is sometimes a consideration—wind, rain, drizzle fog or sunshine—the artists endure and the event goes on.

 

The Farmers Market has always been very accommodating and the harvest bounty creates a wonderful back drop for the art and shoppers alike.

 

The way it works…

 

Businesses or Sponsors  “buy” a square for $100 or $200 Sponsor Card.  Artists sign up for the event Artist Card.  Some businesses and artists will agree to work together, but for the majority, we match up artists and businesses a few days before the event.  We provide the pastels and a square of cement.  At 8:00 on Saturday morning, artists show up to start drawing.  After their art is complete, we host a reception for the artists and their sponsors at the Plaza Grill.  Within a month both artists and sponsors receive a photo of their artwork to treasure for the next year.

 

For additional information regarding Pastels, please call:

 

Kathy Montagne                                         Gwenda Ashburn

Executive Director                              Event Coordinator

825-1302                                                      825-1313