The Carmel International Arts Festival (CIAF) this year will welcome artists from two of Carmel’s Sister Cities during this year’s event, which will take place Sept. 24 and 25 in the Arts & Design District.
The VanRiper-Woodard Family Foundation has agreed to sponsor this special part of the festival that helps to tie in not only the art of other cities and countries, but the values and cultures, as well.
Carmel city officials recently announced two new Sister Cities relationships with Jelgava, Latvia, and Cortona, Italy. Previous agreements are already in place with Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan and Xiangyang, Hubei, China.
CIAF and the city share the mission of spreading the art and creativity of artists from two of these cities with visitors to this year’s festival as a way to promote diversity of artistic expression and multi-cultural understanding.
“CIAF is excited to have the sister cities join us for the weekend to share their history, culture, and rich art heritage,” CIAF Board President Jill Gilmer said. “I have met the artists and believe the city and festival spectators will love having them be a part of our Festival.”
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard recommended that the festival host the artists.
“During my time in Italy, while finalizing our Sister Cities relationship with Cortona, I was able to experience first-hand the art and culture of this region,” Mayor Brainard said. “I have also come to learn more about the art and culture of Latvia. I look forward to our residents and visitors having the chance to share in the experience as part of the cultural exchange of our new relationship. I appreciate the work that has been done by the festival board to make this happen so quickly.”
The Artists
Sebastian DelBrenna of Cortona, Italy, has built on his family’s history of jewelry and chain design and created his own collection using gemstones, Italian coins and sculptural elements. (Photo provided)
Sebastian DelBrenna of Cortona, Italy, is an artist who works with jewelry. Building on his family’s history of jewelry and chain design, DelBrenna created his own collection using gemstones, Italian coins and sculptural elements. His goal is to be a jeweler who “not only celebrates jewelry and Italy’s rich traditions, but one that also stirs a deep sense of connection,” according to his website.
Click here to learn more about DelBrenna.
Cortona is a beautiful, historic city in the Tuscany area of Italy that enjoys landscapes of low mountains and lakes. It is known in the area as a city that appreciates the art of fine food and fine wines, in addition to beautiful art.
Ilze-Emse Grinberga of Jelgava, Latvia, is an artist and sculptor who works in many different forms but is known for her “Chamotte Sculptures” which adorn a special garden by the river in her home of Jelgava. These sculptures are actually unveiled while still on the kiln with the fire going, and then are placed permanently in the garden.
Grinberga
Grinberga has a Master of Humanities in Art. She has had solo exhibitions in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden and Finland among others. Other than her works along the river, her works appear in public spaces at the Jelgava University Forestry Faculty, Jelgava Post Island, and Abgunste Manor.
While she cannot bring these sculptures with her, Grinberga will bring large photo posters to share her incredible work. In addition, she will bring smaller pieces of her porcelain meant for Christmas tree ornaments and will bring items from MIL DESIGN and leather works made by her sister-in-law, leather artist Ilizan Grinberga. These items will ensure visitors get a feeling of the Latvian culture. You can see more of her work at Facebook.com/ilze.emsegrinberga.
* * *
After discussion with the Mayor, the CIAF Board fully embraced the idea and is making booth space available for both artists. This will undoubtedly be a highlight of the festival and something both the community and visitors will enjoy.
The project is made possible by the VanRiper-Woodard Family Foundation’s contribution toward this Sister City program portion of the festival.
“It gives me and my family great joy to support the Carmel arts community, especially the initiative to bring two international artists in to display at this year’s festival,” Turner Woodard said. “Our family has had strong ties to the local arts community, dating back many years to when my stepfather, Guernsey VanRiper, displayed his works in Carmel. The VanRiper-Woodard Family Foundation is honored to carry on this legacy.”
The Carmel International Arts Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Main Street and Range Line Road.
Click here for more information on the festival.