Adults and children alike flocked to FestivArts 2026’s “Creation Station”; two large canvases accompanied by paint, masking tape, construction paper and other art supplies. Creative visitors made certain that these canvases would not be leaving the festival blank.
The Creation Station’s canvases now bear masking tape trees, a smiley face and the word “Lakers” in purple with a mix of upper- and lowercase letters.
This year’s version of the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art’s FestivArts event gave artists and visitors an opportunity to celebrate local art together at the Padua Hills Theatre.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1, visitors could walk through the booths of local artists displaying and selling their own creations. Artists were eager to share information about their own artistic process and variety of pieces with anyone who walked by.
Featured artist Kris Erickson said that both the artists and customers are what keep her coming back to FestivArts.
“I think the connecting thing is passion,” Erickson said. “Everybody here is passionate about art.”
Erickson notes that the passion comes from customers just as well as her fellow artists. She said she enjoys “all the familiar faces” she sees at FestivArts.
“People come back and say, like, I bought… a cup,” Erickson said. “Cups are my favorite thing to make because people interact with them a lot… I just love it when people are coming back and saying, ‘I love drinking coffee out of your cup.’ It just makes me really happy.”
Throughout its 22 years, FestivArts has cultivated a dedicated community.
Regular visitor Rachael Daniel exhibited her own art at FestivArts for the first time this year. Daniel said that it was the “caliber of art” at FestivArts that made her decide to exhibit.
“I know there’s some ceramicists outside and, like, their glazing is mindblowing,” Daniel said. “And, yeah, just the art… I find it very difficult to find artistic events like this and… the location is lovely.”
Padua Hills Theatre sits on a hill overlooking the Williams and Palmer canyons. During FestivArts 2026, visitors appreciated this view while enjoying live music by Claremont Voodoo Society or while getting their face painted at the designated booth.
Visitors were also welcome to a wide variety of food and drinks from local vendors such as El Merendero, Bert & Rocky’s Cream Co. and Claremont Craft Ales.
FestivArts’ efforts to provide a good atmosphere in which to appreciate art did not go unnoticed. Long-time visitor Ted Zehfuss enjoyed the festivities as well as the art.
“I like it here…” Zehfuss said. “They have food, music, and I know people playing the music… and everything makes it more fun.”
Like Erikson, Zehfuss’s participation in FestivArts stems from the community it fosters. He identifies a nearby artist whose ceramic work he likes, and whom he recognizes from the Claremont Farmer’s Markets that take place every Sunday.
