The Malibu Times Staff
The 39th annual Malibu Arts Festival, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, will take place this weekend and feature works from more than 200 artists. It will also include 100 exhibitors, award-winning posters, a food court, activities and musical entertainment. This year’s dining experience follows an “around the world” theme, exposing attendees to a diverse cuisine.
“The Malibu Arts Festival is one of our favorite secrets, with over 10,000 residents and visitors experiencing the essence of Malibu lifestyle, welcoming dynamic artists from across the U.S.,” said Rebekah Evans, the chamber’s executive director and CEO. “We are proud to welcome our returning and new artists for its 39th year.”
The festival started nearly four decades ago, long before Malibu was a city and when it was a quieter coastal area not in today’s constant media spotlight. The event was the brainchild of Julie and Fred May, who wanted to showcase the many artists who had been attracted to Malibu and possibly to raise money for the then-struggling chamber. Although not a financial success, the first edition was appreciated by the community, and the festival has grown to become one of the most significant events on the local calendar.
Usually the festival includes a featured artist, but this year a poster design contest with the theme “Malibu secrets” was introduced. Sarah Larson, 15, was the winner of the adult poster competition. Liam Fox, 6, won the children’s contest. Sarah will autograph her artwork, which will be sold at the chamber booth. The Malibu resident is the daughter of national scholar and Pepperdine University professor Ed Larson.
The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Malibu Civic Center parking lot at 23555 Civic Center Way. Each day will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Malibu Optimist Club at 8 a.m. The breakfast will continue until 11 a.m. Other features include a free cataract and glaucoma screening from M*D* Eye Care Malibu, the Chamber Village showcasing local businesses, the Children’s Village that includes art, education and fun and musical entertainment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.