Burlingame Celebrates the 37th Annual Art in the Park

More than 100 talented artists and craftspeople from throughout the western United States will help celebrate the City of Burlingame’s 37th Annual Art in the Park during a weekend of fun for the entire family. With arts and crafts galore, a wide variety of enticing food, beer and wine, live entertainment and children’s activities, the event holds something for everyone. The two-day festival, sponsored by the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department, will be held at Washington Park, located at the corner of Carolan and Burlingame avenues in Burlingame from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10.

The 2007 Burlingame Art in the Park will feature the all new Youth Activities Corner featuring take home arts and crafts, large group games and activities, and family entertainment. In addition, the central music stage will showcase a variety of exciting live bands throughout the weekend. The event will also include Beer, Wine and Beverage Gardens, presented by Burlingame Rotary & Lion’s Clubs, as well as an expanded food court hosted by local service groups and professional food vendors.

Among this year’s artists and craftspeople participating in the extravaganza is Dennis Williams of Napa Valley who designs children's wooden puzzles, toys, clocks, and more — all of which are handcrafted. “Our aim is to challenge children to use their imagination,” says Williams. “Our toys and puzzles don't come with directions. They encourage a child to put them together or build their own village or dream their own dreams.” He says his creations last longer than plastic toys and that children not only like the feel of them more, but can also learn from them. “Our clocks help your child gain a sense of time and learn how to tell time. Our clothes racks help you teach your child to take care of their jackets, pajamas — what ever needs to be hung up to use again soon. Our banks let them start thinking about saving their pennies for special things.”

San Francisco artist Krista Sheldon’s inspiration to paint evolved from extensive travel abroad as well as her comprehensive study of art history. "I strive to convey the tranquil beauty and timeless appeal that reflect the art created by ancient Mediterranean cultures," she says. Krista creates original paintings on canvas using mixed media that include acrylics, oils, watercolor, gold leaf and hand carved wood block images. Multiple layering of these media creates depth and dimension, which are finished by scraping and distressing techniques used to achieve an aged-by-time effect. "My objective is to revive the elegance reminiscent of the murals and frescoes found in Crete, Knossos and Pompeii,” she adds.

Delia Bradford of Carmel, California began studying art as a child and developed her technique after discovering the works of the masters of French Impressionism, as well as those of the early California painters. Delia has developed a style unique in capturing subtle changes in the landscape; she prefers to work outdoors to capture the energy and mood of the moment and transfer them to canvas. Delia’s work has won numerous awards and has been exhibited in many prestigious galleries throughout northern California.

Other artists participating in this year’s Burlingame Art in the Park include Chris Efstratis from Berkeley, a self-proclaimed potter, painter, sculptor and tree hugger who will showcase his ceramics; Patty Herrera of San Francisco displaying her full line of unique, fun, fashionable and high quality hair accessories and hats; and Kristi Flynn from Fresno with her handcrafted fragrant pillar candles.

Sponsors
The following companies are proud sponsors of the 37th Annual Art in The Park:
Diamond Sponsors
• Allied Waste Services
• Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department
• Rotary Club of Burlingame
• The City of Burlingame
Emerald Sponsors
• Armstrong Installation Service
• El Dorado Ranch, R-Mac and Associates, Inc.
• Kitchen Experts of California
• Investco Management & Development
• Provident Credit Union
Media Sponsor
• Daily Journal

Attendees are encouraged to take mass transit, including Caltrain, which is conveniently located across the street from Washington Park. No pets allowed. For more information, contact Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department at (650) 558-7300 or Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 296-1195 or pacificfinearts.com.