The 42nd annual Mission Fed ArtWalk in San Diego’s Little Italy drew over 80,000 visitors, showcasing 250 artists across various mediums. Highlights included metal sculptures by Michael Stachowski, paintings by Antonio Proa and Karla Preciado, and ceramics by Jeffrey Siegal. The event, sponsored by Mission Fed, emphasized the importance of art in community and education, offering free admission and interactive experiences like the 'Gemini Project.'
SAN DIEGO, CA – April 26, 2026: The Mission Fed ArtWalk in Little Italy transformed the neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of creativity, drawing over 80,000 attendees across two days.
The event, now in its 42nd year and sponsored by Mission Fed for the 18th consecutive time, showcased the works of 250 artists, ranging from painters and sculptors to ceramicists and jewelers. Among the highlights was Michael Stachowski, a sculptor whose metal works, inspired by classical Greek art, captivated visitors.
Stachowski, who only began his artistic journey after turning 50, described his craft as a form of communication, saying, 'I realized that for me, communication was easier through drawing or painting. That for me was my language.
' His piece 'Stargazer,' which took 400 hours to complete, stood as a testament to his dedication. The festival also featured Antonio Proa, a Tijuana-based artist whose painting 'Motivos Dali' paid homage to Salvador Dalí. Proa, who has been a professional artist for nearly 30 years, shared his journey from business administration to full-time artistry, describing painting as 'like flying.
' Another standout was Jeffrey Siegal, a local ceramicist who initially pursued a career in finance before turning to porcelain clay. Siegal’s work, which has been exhibited in Italy and the Los Angeles Museum of Folk Art, reflects his meticulous approach to a challenging medium.
Meanwhile, Karla Preciado, a Chula Vista resident, drew inspiration from nature for her expressionist paintings, using color to convey emotion rather than realism. Her artistic awakening came during her husband’s military posting in Spain, where she discovered her passion for oil painting. Beyond the individual artists, the ArtWalk fostered community engagement through interactive installations like the 'Gemini Project,' where visitors wrote their hopes and desires on a collaborative artwork.
Mission Fed’s Courtney Pendleton emphasized the importance of supporting the arts, noting that the credit union’s sponsorship ensures the event remains free to the public. For attendees like Martha Carver, a longtime visitor, the ArtWalk offered a much-needed escape from daily stresses.
'I just love looking at the creative side of humanity,' she said. 'It is such a salve in these fraught times. ' The event’s success underscored the enduring power of art to inspire, connect, and uplift communities
Artwalk San Diego Little Italy Mission Fed Contemporary Art
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