More than 40 local artists will set up shop at Padua Hills Theatre this Sunday as the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art stages its 22nd annual FestivArts, a showcase of ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event also brings live music, food and drink, and a hands-on ceramic activity led by featured artist Kris Erickson to the grounds at 4467 Padua Ave.
According to the Claremont Courier, the festival will showcase original work by more than 40 local artists alongside live music from Claremont Voodoo Society. Admission runs $10 for adults, with free entry for students, children under 18 and museum members, the paper reports. A free shuttle will also run from Padua Avenue Park, 4200 Padua Ave., for anyone who'd rather skip hunting for parking near the theater.
What's on Offer at the Fairgrounds
Vendors will be selling ceramics, glass, jewelry, paintings, prints, weaving and woodwork, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The newspaper also reports that craft demonstrations, art-making and face painting by Sara Heady are planned, along with a food and drink spread of tacos, snacks, beer and wine.
Kris Erickson, named FestivArts' featured artist this year, will display her own artwork and lead a participatory ceramic activity for attendees, per the same report. The courier's account of the event lists art and craft demonstrations from local arts organizations plus a creation station aimed at both children and adults, in addition to the ceramics project with Erickson.
A Festival Tracing Back to 1953
The gathering has deep roots in Claremont. The original Padua Hills Art Fiesta began in 1953 with the goal of bringing art into the community, and it once drew visitors who could meet artists and watch them work live, the Daily Bulletin notes. The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art revived the decades-old festival in 2011, reviving it with a new generation of artists sharing their work.
This year's event carries sponsorship from Claremont Lincoln University, according to the Daily Bulletin's reporting. The museum's event page, clmoa.org/festivarts-2026, is listed as the source for additional details and a full vendor list for Sunday's showcase.
The museum also held an art festival at the Padua Hills Theatre grounds on Nov. 5, 2023.
