Sho-En Sculpture Festival Set This Weekend

Sho-En Outdoor Sculpture Center near Ramona will hold its first sculpture festival this weekend.

The event features 31 original indoor and outdoor works by 27 local artists in addition to the more than 100 outdoor sculptures in the center’s permanent collection by contemporary artists from around the country.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Ilan-Lael, a nonprofit arts awareness organization founded by artist and sculptor James Hubbell.

At the center of the festival’s activities will be the unveiling of artist-in-residence Yoshitada Ihara’s new stone and stainless steel works. The Japanese sculptor created the pieces last October at the center.

Along with international foods and music, one of the highlights of the festival is a sculpture-building event for children. Under the guidance of artists, children will have the opportunity to build and take home a sculpture.

Live classical and Celtic music will be performed by strolling musician Consuela Healy of Great Britain, and Jim Danielson of San Diego will perform on the Shakuhachi (Japanese flute). Michael Greiner of San Diego will entertain on Sho-En’s floating pavilion, playing a glass harp (glasses filled with water producing tones) and a dulcimer.

Parking will be provided in three lots near the San Vicente Country Club, 24157 San Vicente Road, Ramona, and free shuttle buses will run at 30-minute intervals to the sculpture center.

The designated parking lots are: Avenel Lane adjacent to Ramona Oaks Road and Pappas; The James Duke Elementary School near Daza Drive off Ramona Oaks Road, and near the equestrian center off Gunn Stage Road.