ArtWalk Carlsbad Returns This Weekend With Fine Art, Music And More

CARLSBAD, CA — Every artist has a story to share. There will be more than 150 artists sharing their stories and their work during this weekend's ArtWalk Carlsbad.

The sixth annual event returns Saturday and Sunday, bringing fine art, interactive art experiences and live music to San Diego's North County.

Vira Ustianska, a Ukrainian artist and art teacher who now lives in San Diego, will be among the dozens of artists showcasing their work during the two-day event, which takes place above the scenic Flower Fields.

This is Ustianska's second year participating in ArtWalk Carlsbad, which features every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, glass work, fine jewelry and photography.

"It was nice," Ustianska told Patch as she reflected on last year's event. "I met new friends and sold many paintings. I was happy to share my art with a new audience."

Art has always been a part of Ustianska's life.

Her love of art started with a childhood sketch that sparked a lifelong devotion to creativity. She went on to study art for 17 years, from learning at a children's art studio to obtaining a master's degree in art from a university.

"Sometimes I have doubts and I want to change my way, but I come back," Ustianska said. "Art helps me express emotions. I need it and people need it."

Ustianska came to the U.S. with her daughter in 2022.

One of the art series closest to her heart is her "1000 Sunflowers" project. Before the war broke out, Ustianska set out to paint 1,000 sunflowers because sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine. She has already painted 184 sunflowers, and plans to bring three paintings with sunflowers to ArtWalk Carlsbad.

"It is important to continue this project because my sunflower paintings express my emotions and a deep sense," she explained. "Such a longterm goal helps me keep doing my job and not give up. It is like a constant, a safe place for my emotions."

Since coming to California, Ustianska has also been inspired by the beauty of San Diego and the Golden State. Many of her recent paintings are local cityscapes and seascapes. Her space at ArtWalk Carlsbad will include pieces from this series, as well as smaller paintings and prints.

"But this year, I didn't paint many sunflower paintings because they triggered me, reminded me of the war, and made me feel powerless in the face of reality nowadays," she said of the sunflower project and her current work. "Today, I need more emotional resources for this project. I am trying to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty around me."

The fine art show is part of the ArtWalk San Diego brand. In addition to fine art, the festival will also feature interactive art for families at KidsWalk, a full palette of musical performers, and food trucks and stands.

"I like the opportunity to share what I do," Ustianska said.

The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit artwalksandiego.org for more information.