Despite the organization’s recent expansion and presence in over 17 metropolitan cities and art markets nationwide, RAW:natural born artists did not pass up the opportunity to throw an eclectic, springtime art party in their own backyard -- where it all started -- Orange County. RAW teamed up with the Kaleidoscope Shopping Center in Mission Viejo on Saturday, May 21st and brought a true “kaleidoscope” of creativity to their own stomping grounds, dubbing the event “OC RAWk Fest.”

RAW packed the plaza with two stages, bands, fashion shows, dance performances, DJs, local visual artist displays, accessories booths and vendors, photo opportunities provided by OC Photo Studio, as well as crowds of art- and OC- lovers alike.

Electrocity, a local Santa Ana-based indie garage-rock band, kick-started the daylong festival with their hot, hip-shaking tunes, jibbing perfectly with the enthusiastic attendees and the hot summery weather.  And, the fellows were in good company. Pop rock group Gorgeous Got a Gun and The Filthy Violets kept the energy going with lively music.

 Throughout the day-long festival, the opposing catwalk stage featured new summer collections by talented local fashion designers like Virgina Ying, Hummingbird Designs, Rey Swimwear, Malice of Phelious and Mrs. Five Clothing.

RAW also presented a special show featuring Costa Mesa-based makeup artist Alexander Peuchot, who sent models baring his creative work down the runway.

Rock/rap musical artist and lyricist Poet Nomad Ali brought the day to a close with an appropriate song about the ever-so strange and splendid Orange County living most were all too familiar with, exciting the audience.

With major metropolitan cities like Los Angeles and New York City at the forefront of the arts and entertainment world, OC RAWk Fest served as an exciting reminder that creativity still exists in our own towns and that artists live, work, and are born in our very own neighborhoods.

“We have a lot of talented artists in our community -- especially in Orange County -- so we said, ‘Why not?’” explained Heidi Luerra, RAW executive director. “We are making plans to host many more RAWk Fests nationwide!”

RAW sends out a special thanks to all of the artists, volunteers, models, Kaleidoscope, Code 4 Media, Perrier, and of course, the guests who came out!
For more photos from the event, visit our Flickr Page