The Warner Springs Artisan Guild and local businesses will collaborate in presenting the Warner Springs Wine & Art Trail on May 20-21. Professional artists and talented artisans will be stationed at 10 venues along scenic Highway 79 South. Original art and handmade, one-of-a-kind crafts will be available at artists’ studios, galleries, four wineries and a craft beer emporium.
The Wine & Art Trail will showcase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, photography, ceramics, textiles, hand-crafted purses, artisanal bread, handmade musical instruments and more. Featured artists include painter Sacha Hope, photographer Linda Todd-Limon and scratchboard artist Heather Lara. Multimedia artist Kristen Cameron takes the unexpected to new heights like transforming a Yucca stalk into a mythical goddess or transforming a desiccated cactus pad into a fairy dress.
The event offers an opportunity to enjoy a self-guided driving tour, exploring the little-traveled, picturesque corridor between Santa Ysabel and the North boundary of San Diego county. Visitors can spend the day or weekend browsing art, viewing unique vistas, hiking beautiful trails, picnicking and sipping award-winning wines at boutique family wineries (Emerald Creek, Hawk Watch, Sierra Roble and Shadow Mountain) as well as craft beer at Garage 79. Mad Mike’s will be offering samples and sausage sandwiches at its Warner Springs Clubhouse. Sky Sailing will be offering tours of the Gliderport and discounts on glider rides.
“This started as an idea for a neighborhood studio tour,” oil painter Laurie Roberts said. “And wow, has it grown! We are partnering with local businesses and other SoCal art guilds to offer a bigger, better event. Together, we are creating something fun and new. People can shop for art and crafts, sip some wine or beer, have a picnic, explore the area, go hiking and see what Warner Springs has to offer. Hopefully this is something that will become an annual event.”
Mike and Lisa Schnell, owners of Hawk Watch Winery, agreed. “As a small business in our quaint, rural community of Warner Springs, we’re delighted to be part of this amazing community and to be participating in this event. The artists in North County San Diego are incredibly talented, and we’re excited to see their work!”
Organizing the event has been a huge, grassroots, volunteer effort. Participating artists are pulling double duty, painting event banners, sorting logistics and promoting the event. “It’s been a lot of work but it’s also been delightful to connect with creative people in the area, both artists and entrepreneurs,” metal artist Liisa Kyle said. “And we’re proud that, unlike other art shows or galleries, 100% of art sales go to the artists. The Guild isn’t taking any commission. That’s incredibly rare.”
If you would like to support local artists and businesses, the Warner Springs Wine & Art Trail offers a unique way to do so. For a map and details about the event, visit www.warnerspringsartisanguild.com/events.
About the Warner Springs Art Guild
The Warner Springs Art Guild is a nonprofit group of professional artists and talented artisans working in many media. We are painters, sculptors, glass artists, jewelers, woodworkers, photographers and textile artists. The Guild was formed to provide opportunities for local artisans to connect, collaborate and market their work as well as to foster creative and business opportunities in the community. For more information, www.warnerspringsartisanguild.com.
