On Sept. 12, downtown El Cajon will once again become an outdoor gallery as artists, makers and art lovers gather for the Alley Cat Art Fest.
More than 50 artists and makers are expected to participate, offering paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and handmade creations. For participating artist Annette Cirillo, however, the event is about more than displaying and selling artwork. It is an opportunity to share her creative journey and hopefully inspire someone else to begin one of their own.
Cirillo creates colorful, functional art using bright acrylic paint on wood, often incorporating coastal and tropical themes. She seals many of her pieces in resin, giving the colors added depth and shine. Some can also be used as serving trays or charcuterie boards.
Her path to becoming an artist came after 35 years as a cosmetologist, a career she said allowed her creative side to flourish in a different way.
“I love to create fun art using bright acrylic paint on wood. I’m inspired by coastal and tropical vibes,” Cirillo said. “As a cosmetologist for 35 years, I already had a creative soul.”
Two professional artists, Stephen Fishwick and Christopher Paluso, encouraged Cirillo to take that creativity in a new direction by experimenting.
“They really encouraged me to buy paint, brushes and play to see what develops,” she said.
That spirit of experimentation remains central to her work. One of her favorite projects is painting tropical scenes on recycled, full-size surfboards, which she finishes with resin for a vibrant, glossy coastal look.
“I love to paint tropical scenes on recycled, full-size surfboards,” Cirillo said. “They are vibrant and exude a coastal vibe.”
For Cirillo, events such as Alley Cat Art Fest also provide something that cannot happen through simply displaying artwork online or in a gallery: the opportunity to connect directly with people who see her work.
“I love to share my art journey and techniques with the public,” she said. “I have a unique style that will inspire people to follow their artistic creativity.”
The Alley Cat Art Fest grew out of the longtime Alley Cat Art Walk, which helped establish downtown El Cajon as a gathering place for local artists. This year’s event brings that tradition together with Artivál for a larger celebration of the arts.
Gabby Manocchio, assistant district manager of the Downtown El Cajon Association, said the organization reached out to local galleries and art communities throughout East County before selecting participants whose work fit the festival’s vision.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for visitors to discover both established and emerging local artists,” Manocchio said.
The festival will spread through downtown, including Main Street, Magnolia Avenue, Arts Alley and Prescott Promenade. Arts Alley is an outdoor gallery featuring murals created by local artists.
The Downtown El Cajon Association is also launching its Downtown El Cajon Public Mural Restoration & Expansion Program as part of the festival. Two murals have already been restored through support from community partners: Bird of Paradise in Arts Alley and Navajos at Castle Creek at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
Manocchio said the effort reflects the growing role of public art in Downtown El Cajon’s identity.
“Public art gives people another reason to explore the area, creates a sense of place, and helps tell the story of the community,” she said.
For Cirillo, the most important part of participating may be the encouragement she can pass along to others.
“When someone walks away from my booth I hope they will remember my willingness to share and encourage an art journey as I was encouraged,” she said. “I hope my art puts a smile on their face as I love to create fun art.”
The Alley Cat Art Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 in downtown El Cajon.
The event is free and open to the public.
