Ventura's Harvest ArtWalk takes place Oct. 24 and 25. The free, self-guided weekend walking tour showcases 200 established and emerging artists and performers at more than 60 galleries, events and eclectic gallery-for-a day venues in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District, Midtown and Westside, just steps from the beach and pier. Multicultural performances, a variety of children's activities and a free shuttle bus connect venue restaurants,
salons, antique shops, boutiques and cafes. A free shuttle bus runs continuously throughout the event connecting downtown and venues on the Avenue.

ArtWalk Featured Artist Bijian Fan will be showing his intricate, three-dimensional paper sculptures at the San Buenaventura Artists' Union Gallery (330 S. California St.). The Beijing-born artist uses two-dimensional materials and unconventional techniques to create light and airy sculptures that have earned numerous awards and been shown nationwide as well as at the Olympic Cultural Festival during the Beijing Olympics.

Other Harvest ArtWalk highlights include:

· 6th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at Mission Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, hosted by Danza Mexica Cuauhtemoc, includes an ancient and traditional dance ceremony.

· The Empty Bowl Project, presented by FOOD Share, features handmade artisan bowls for sale donated by the Ventura County Potters' Guild to benefit hunger programs in Ventura County (on view at The Wine Rack, 14 S.
California St.).

· Docent-led tours of the City of Ventura Municipal Art Collection are available at City Hall (501 Poli) on Sat., Oct. 24 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

· Two stages of live entertainment, programmed by Zoey's Cafe and Buffalo Records, includes Brendan James ("B. Willing"), Lee Koch, Skyler, Zack Hexum, My Brother's Band and Big Tweed.

· "Park and Ride" at Stoneworks Studios is an installation of bikes and chairs in a community garden setting featuring more than 60 visual artists and live music by Sus Corez, Cole Smothers, Mark Antaky & Agents Of
Soul, and George Clig and Friends.

For a full line-up of all exhibits, performances, workshops, addresses and shuttle details, visit www.venturaartwalk.org or contact the City of Ventura's Cultural Affairs Division at 805-658-4760.

This release is available on the City of Ventura's website at www.cityofventura.net