In just under two weeks, 200 award-winning artists from around the US and some 20,000 visitors will mingle at the annual Downtown Burbank Arts Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15. The festival, now in its 15th year, is free and open to the public and will present a unique blend of groundbreaking digital and special effects, animation, and traditional handmade art forms — thanks to a partnership with the concurrent CTN Road Trip event along San Fernando Rd. between Angeleno and Olive.
In addition to phenomenal art for sale, other highlights of the festive street fair will include participatory events such as a teen art challenge, book signings by Disney animators, a “Doodle Run” and “Sketch Fever” drawing sessions at CTN Road Trip, which is adding many of the animation, VFX and video game artists into the festival mix.
“As the Animation Capital of the World and home to legendary entertainment companies, Burbank is an essential hub for those interested in animation and meeting world-famous influential animators,” commented Tina Price, founder of the Creative Talent Network and producer of the CTN Road Trip. “In that light, the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival offers an incomparable opportunity for professional animators to display their personal work, and for fans and the general public to meet them, receive personalized drawings, and purchase their creations.”
Book readings & signings will be held by Walt Disney Animation artists and authors Benson Shum for Holly’s Day at the Pool (Sat. 1 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.) and Andy Harkness for Bug Zoo (Sat. 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.)
The Doodle Run challenges participants to collect mini works of art created by top animators to create a doodle masterpiece and win a shot at special prizes; the Doodle Map is created by Chris DeBoda, designer at Blizzard Entertainment.
The TEEN CTN Art Challenge offers a chance for aspiring animators, illustrators and media arts students aged 13-18 a chance to win great prizes by delivering a piece on the theme “Illustrate Your Favorite Song. Submissions can be made via Instagram using #TEENCTN2018. Winners will be announced April 14. First prize is a $300 gift coupon from Mac Hollywood and 3-day Passport to CTN eXpo 2018; Second prize is $100 for Mac Hollywood and 3-day Exhibit Floor Pass to CTN eXpo; Third prize is $50 for Mac Hollywood and one-day Exhibit Floor Pass to CTN eXpo. All winners receive a six month CTN Prime Membership.
Traditional artwork showcases will fill the two blocks from Orange Grove to Magnolia Blvd., where exhibits curated by West Coast Artists will feature surrealist, fantasy and retro-futurist styles, with an emphasis on “green” pieces incorporating found and repurposed material. Techniques on display will range from painting, collage and drawing to photography, pottery, sculpture and more.
Visitors can also take in live music, chalk artists, hands-on activities, recently completed local murals, and kick back in the Verdugo West Brewing Co. Beer Garden at Market City Caffe.
More information at dtnbur.com and ctnroadtripburbank.com.
