The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns to Girard Avenue for its third annual season, showcasing the works of the finest local, regional, and international artists from San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Baja, and beyond. This two-day event, taking place on October 1-2, has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the most prestigious art and wine festivals in Southern California, and is expected to draw in the largest crowd to date.

The festival will feature more than 100 juried artists presenting an eclectic mix of original artwork, an all-star line-up of live entertainment, a gourmet marketplace, and the Geppetto’s Family Art Center, which will host a variety of activities for kids of all ages. In addition to art and entertainment, LJAWF also presents an expansive wine and beer garden featuring the finest regional wineries and local breweries. Since launching in 2009, the LJAWF has raised over $40,000 per year, with all proceeds benefiting local elementary schools.

Drawing from its artist colony roots, the LJWAF revitalizes La Jolla’s historic passion and innovation for art, stemming from the infamous “Green Dragon Colony” of 1894.  Located in the La Jolla Village, the colony served as a retreat for writers, actors, musicians, and other artists to perfect their craft. Today, thousands flock to La Jolla for the festival to enjoy a world-class collection of art in a picturesque coastal setting. The LJAWF was originally created by Friends of La Jolla Elementary, founders of the La Jolla Open Aire Farmer’s Market.

“Using artistic and creative resources, we’re raising money for La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Bird Rock Elementary schools, all of whom are part of the financially troubled San Diego Unified School District. Key programs such as art, music, science, physical education, technology and on-site medical care have either already been cut or are on the chopping block. We owe it to the next generation to preserve these creative outlets, and important programs ” says Sherry Ahern, chair and founder of LJAWF. “The support from the local community is phenomenal and continues to gain momentum each and every year."

Highlights of this year’s festival include an exciting lineup of live entertainment from 11am-6pm on both days including nationally renowned blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Robin Henkel and SD Music Award Winner for “Best Jazz Album”, Steph Johnson. Artists’ works include a number of mediums such as paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. The artists showing at the LJAWF were selected by a highly qualified jury of artists, authors, critics, and collectors.

“After a decade working as the executive director of the Sausalito Art Festival, I see potential to repeat that kind of immense success with the LJAWF due to the strong support from the local community,” says Joseph Lillis, LJAWF consultant.  “With artists coming from over a dozen states, the quality of the art is extraordinary. From the gigantic whimsical sculpture of Fredrick Prescott of Santa Fe to the memorizing photography of David Rowell from St. Petersburg to the immensely popular jewelry of Sheri Liebert from La Jolla, this is a world-class collection of fine art and fine craft.”

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival takes place on upper Girard Avenue (between Pearl and Genter Streets). Tickets to the festival are $10 for general admission; and $5 for children 12 and under, military, and seniors 65+. There is no admission charge for children age two and under. Tickets are available for purchase day-of at the festival. Please note: pets are not permitted within the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, however off-site dog sitting by Dog Zenergy is available for a fee. In addition, the La Jolla Open Aire Farmer’s Market will not take place on Sunday, October 2 due to the LJAWF. (www.ljawf.org)