San Diego Artist Opens Studio to Public for Neighborhood "Dia de los Muertos" Celebration

    /24-7PressRelease/ - SAN DIEGO, CA, October 26, 2006 - In addition to a new altar (or "ofrenda") honoring military service members, this year local artist John Hiemstra is also offering up his new studio space in Sherman Heights to the community during this weekend's annual "Day of the Dead" event.

This Saturday and Sunday, October 28 & 29 from 11am -5pm, the Sherman Heights Historic District hosts its 12th annual "Dia de los Muertos" celebration. Its the fifth year that John has participated in creating an altar as part of the unique outdoor festival in Sherman Heights.

Community members will display traditional altars to departed family and loved ones indoors at the Sherman Heights Community Center during the weekend, while artists like John interpret the idea of the ofrenda in their own way. Their outdoor creations are arranged at different homes as a walking tour of the historic district starting at the Villa Montezuma museum at 20th and K Streets, one of the most spectacular Victorian mansions in California.

In addition to the altar at his home, John will open the doors of his new San Diego Finishing School studio at 2279 L Street to anyone attending the neighborhood festival between 12 and 5pm. The School, which offers one-on-one, accelerated development for painters, faux finishers and muralists, will display elements and photos of John's past altars as well as many samples and photos of John's work, including the Cesar E. Chavez tile mosaics located around the corner at the 25th & Commercial Street Trolley Station.

About San Diego Finishing School
John Hiemstra founded the San Diego Finishing School this year in San Diego's historic Sherman Heights neighborhood to provide customized art education to painters, faux finishers and muralists seeking rapid artistic and small business development.

Anyone interested in the San Diego Finishing School can visit http://www.sdfinishingschool.com or e-mail John at [email protected].

For more information about Sherman Heights' "Dia de los Muertos" event, please call 619. 233. 8833 or e-mail [email protected].

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