08/15/2026
When I was invited to help shape the environment and art experience for the inaugural Paleta Fest at the historic Ramona Bowl, I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it.
Paleta Fest is very much the baby and vision of Jose Esparza of NBC Jose Esparza — a celebration of community, family, culture, art, music, food and, of course, the wonderfully colorful little treat that inspired it all: The Paleta.
As a native Californian, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the influence Hispanic culture has had on the way we live here - its traditions, food, music, art, incredible use of color, and especially the emphasis on family and community.
So when I started thinking about the design, I kept coming back to the paleta itself.
Colorful. Joyful. Nostalgic. Simple. Fun.
It became my jumping-off point - a little reminder of life’s simple pleasures and the joy that can come from something so wonderfully uncomplicated.
And that’s really how I approach any project. Before asking How should this space look?, I ask:
How do I want people to feel when they’re here?
For Paleta Fest, I want people to feel welcomed, relaxed, curious and celebratory. I want the spaces to invite people to sit down, stay awhile, discover some fabulous new art, share delicious food and conversation with family and friends, and simply enjoy being together.
I’m so happy to be collaborating on this with my friend Fina Meraz of Tile Designs by Fina Fina Meraz, and over the next several weeks we’ll be sharing more of our inspiration, the artists and collaborators joining us, and some of the behind-the-scenes process as we bring it all together.
There’s a lot to do…..but this one is going to be fun. ✨
Paleta Fest | September 19–20 | Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre