The 41st annual Mission Fed ArtWalk is set to take place this weekend in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego.
This exciting event will showcase more than 250 talented artists from local, national, and international backgrounds, with particular attention given to the contributions of local moms in the art scene.
Among the participating artists are Gretchen Weidner and Jen Duran, both of whom have made significant strides in their artistic careers over the past decade.
**Gretchen Weidner**
San Diego resident Gretchen Weidner has embraced her identity as an artist for as long as she can remember, inspired by her grandmother’s influence on her early creative pursuits.
Weidner’s artistic journey took a transformative turn about ten years ago, when she sought to empower youth through the arts.
Her vision materialized into a successful solo exhibition in downtown San Diego that attracted over 250 attendees, marking the beginning of her burgeoning art career.
Since then, Weidner has been prolific; she has created over 100 murals and established her own gallery in Upstate New York, successfully launching a bicoastal business that fuses fine art with community engagement.
A highlight of Weidner’s work is her contemporary floral collection, which she describes as bold and expressive.
Each piece signifies strength, softness, and womanhood, and reflects her own experiences as a mother.
“These pieces are fast and emotional, much like my painting style, which is influenced by my athletic background,” Weidner shared.
She embraces the notion of “perfectly imperfect” artwork, emphasizing that such qualities resonate with individuals managing their own chaos and beauty.
Her role as a mother has intricately influenced her artistic expression.
“Their joy, curiosity, and chaotic energy have pushed me to let go of perfection and be more present,” she revealed.
Through her paintings, Weidner conveys that art is not meant to be flawless but rather authentic and real.
**Jen Duran**
Similarly, Jen Duran has been a professional artist for approximately ten years, with her career taking a dramatic turn in 2017 following the creation of her poignant work, “Consumed by Chaos.”
This piece served as a personal outlet for Duran, helping her confront frustrations and ultimately liberating her creative process.
Duran believes that her journey through motherhood significantly shapes her artistic voice.
“They’re a constant source of support and joy, and my work often reflects the experiences, challenges, and growth that come with motherhood,” she said.
She aspires for visitors to her booth at ArtWalk to feel the emotional depth behind her art.
“I hope that people feel something when they view it — whether it’s a spark of connection, curiosity, or reflection,” she noted.
**ArtWalk Event Details**
Celebrated as a free community festival, the Mission Fed ArtWalk invites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in San Diego’s vibrant art culture.
It provides a unique opportunity for attendees to meet artists and purchase original art pieces directly from them.
The event features artists from various mediums including painting, sculpture, glass work, photography, and fine jewelry, offering an extensive array for art enthusiasts.
In addition to the art, attendees can enjoy four lively stages of music, interactive art experiences, delicious street food, and family-friendly art projects through KidsWalk.
Supporting its nonprofit partner, ArtReach San Diego, the event also aims to enhance equity in visual arts education throughout San Diego County.
This organization delivers free or low-cost workshops to Title One schools lacking resources for art education.
The ArtWalk will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday along India Street in downtown San Diego.
Attendance is free, making it accessible to everyone interested in celebrating art.
For further details regarding the event and its programs, visit www.artwalksandiego.org.
San Diego Moms will be publishing additional stories related to the event.
For story ideas, connect via email at [email protected] or follow on Instagram at @hoawritessd.
image source from：https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2025/04/26/san-diego-moms-meet-these-moms-at-the-little-italy-artwalk/
