I didn’t know what to expect at first, but when we pulled up to the LA Café [Waterford] art fair, I was delightfully surprised and impressed that the name of the festival was “Peace Fest”. I found it ironic that I had decided to wear my floral vintage dress that day, as well as my companion chose to wear a shirt that had a peace sign on it, not knowing that we would be attending a celebration of peace.

The day [Sunday, June 20] was perfect, not too hot, with a cool soft breeze in the air and the sound of relaxed, joyful people exhibiting their masterpieces. We decided that we would first treat ourselves to some lunch at the LA Café, next door to the art booths. The LA Café was uniquely designed with table tops that had vintage pictures of celebrities, and the seat we choose just so happened to have a collage of the Beatles. Since the Beatles are so associated with peace and revolution, this seemed fitting for the event. My eyes wouldn’t stop traveling the building, since they were being continuously lured to something vivid and interesting.

Pic:  LA Café, Out Front

The multicolored tile blocks on the wall caught my eye right away and also the handcrafted dotted painted sign that said “LA Café”. Overall the ambience of the café, reminded me of a beachfront diner combined with a homey coffee house feel. They had many options on the menu and I decided to go with the veggie omelet, which was very satisfying. The cook took the time to ensure the fresh savory taste, unlike an omelet you might get at a Coney Island.

Pic:  LA Café, Inside

The café didn’t have a beach boardwalk, or a busy LA roadside outside. Instead, there was an array of captivating art awaiting us.

 Pic:  LA Café, Hollywood Sign

 Pic:  Painting by artist on exhibit at Peace Fest

The booths were located on a hillside and I was very pleased to see how low-key and personal the event seemed, evidenced by the few people attending and the number of booths available for viewing. This gave me a chance to get really close to the artwork and gaze at all of the pieces. There were all different mediums of work displayed, from intricate jewelry, tie die and soft hue clothing, painted artworks and ceramics. In addition, there was even a place to be pampered and receive a professional massage or psychic reading.  This event had all the elements of a unique art fair, surrounded by the feeling of peace and genuine people.

  Pic:  Homemade clothes shown off in foreground, in the background artist Ian Anglin shows off his work.

Peace fest gave me a warm feeling and inspired my creative side. All of my senses were stimulated- from the sights of the exquisite art, the smell of the fresh air and summer grass, the comfort of the hot sun and tasty food-as well as the sense of emotional well-being that comes from being around people who enjoy celebrating life through the arts. The festival gave us a little taste of LA and also immersed us in a world of wonder and harmony.