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Viaje Místico (Mystical Journey) Celebrates 10th Annual Indian Wells Arts Festival

. . . Where art is a happening! April 6-8, Easter Weekend 2012, At Indian Wells Tennis Garden

By Pamela Bieri

South American-born artist Mario Cespedes’ paintings are inspired by the Andes Mountains and the Amazon River, with color and textures that portray the magic and soul of his homeland in a contemporary style.

The internationally recognized Cespedes’ newest work, Viaje Místico (Mystical Journey), was selected as the commemorative print for the 10th annual Indian Wells Arts Festival. Using vivid colors, Cespedes creates mythical butterflies and dragonflies amid a lush and watery environment to convey wildlife migration that “is part of the mystical approach that natives believe brings rejuvenation and good luck to their communities,” the artist says.

“In 2003, Mario created the festival’s first poster, Reflections, which depicts images of the beginnings of life among the Yanomani Indians from the Amazon rain forest,” says Festival Producer Dianne Funk. ‘Viaje Místico’ is a natural progression — a metamorphosis — which captures the beauty and energy of renewal and transformation. The ascending butterflies are the perfect symbol to represent our 10th anniversary celebration as our festival journey continues."

“The butterflies were part of the natural scenery in the flatlands of Matto Grosso in western Brazil where I was traveling by steam train back in my 20s,” Cespedes explains. “We had a routine stop in the middle of nowhere to load piles of wood and to store them in the train engine’s compartment ... and afterwards I went to rest by a natural pool of water. Suddenly hundreds of butterflies appeared and joined the other dragonflies and fish. As the pond provided their refreshment, it transformed into an artist palette, creating layers of new colors. After minutes of delight, they again took flight, ascending in unison and creating a brilliant array of luminous hues. Gracefully they circled, fluttered and danced their way toward the Amazon flatlands, slowly disappearing as if an ethereal dream.

“The sound of the train’s horn calling for departure interrupted nature’s visual symphony. However this vibrant memory has remained with me as a mystical, magical moment filled with life, enchantment and energy. I found new challenges in the wetlands of the Matto Grosso state and in the northern city of Manaus, which endlessly romances the mighty Amazon River.”

Cespedes was born in La Paz, Bolivia and grew up in both Bolivia and Brazil. A self-taught artist, he acquired his early knowledge of art by visiting museums, styling the artworks there and trying to duplicate them on his own. Brazilian artist Candido Portinari was his greatest early influence. In Brazil, Cespedes became a successful artist and was invited to be in the Sao Paulo Art Biennial in 1975 and 1977. He moved to the Los Angeles area in 1982 and currently works from his studio in La Quinta.

More than 10,000 local residents families, and tourists are expected to attend this year's festival, ranked one of the "100 Best Fine Art Shows in the country" by Sunshine Artist magazine, and "Best of the Best" by Palm Springs Life magazine.

The Indian Wells Arts Festival features more than 200 exhibiting artists in a spectacular outdoor marketplace on the grass concourse at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament.

The casual ambiance, sights, and sounds create excitement and synergy as art comes alive. Stroll among paintings, drawings, glass, photography, sculpture, jewelry, apparel, and hand-crafted wares. Meet creative artists and buy directly from them.

Among many things that set this art festival apart are on-site demonstrations and a variety of special exhibits that add fun and whimsy. Glass-blowing demonstrations by Bruce Freund, Monumental rock sculpture by David Falossi, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery’s painted and embellished Recycle Bicycles, Sea to Sand, mermaids in the form of sand sculptures, Zeitgeist – Spirit of the Age, spray-paint graffiti work by young street artists — these and other up-close experiences makes the Indian Wells Arts Festival captivating.

Sunday morning features the annual Eggs + Champagne in The Garden brunch menu until noon. For three days, the artisan village encompasses children’s activities, the new Art + Design Mart, Gourmet Marketplace, refreshments, wine tasting, and more.

Live musical entertainment including Incendio, Latin guitar world fusion, OperaArts, Jerome Elliot Cabaret, Lao Tizer Jazz, and Aztec and folklorico dancers, is scheduled throughout the days. Festivities take place Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gates close at 4:30 p.m.

Parking is free and valet is available. Admission is, $12; children under 12 are admitted free. For commemorative print orders, photos, and event updates, visit www.indianwellsartsfestival.com.

INDIAN WELLS TENNIS GARDEN
78200 MILES AVE., INDIAN WELLS
1-760-346-0042
WWW.INDIANWELLSARTSFESTIVAL.COM

Text IWART to 90947 or Scan