4th of July Festival of Balloons Parade

10" x 8"
Gouache on cold press board
2024

This scene captures a moment in time just before the annual South Pasadena 4th of July Festival of Balloons. A parked vehicle, decorated with balloons and likely carrying a city official or honored guest, waits patiently in the South Pasadena Library's east parking lot. This area serves as the staging ground for parade participants, including the Boy Scouts, the High School Marching Band, and various city organizations such as Dads Uniting Dads in Education and Service (D.U.D.E.S) and the South Pasadena Education Foundation (SPEF).

In 2024, the city-hosted parade marked its 44th anniversary, originally started in 1982 by civic leaders Ted and Joan Shaw, along with David Margrave. Residents often claim that half the city walks in this popular hometown parade, while the other half watches it.

Martinez captures the scene with raw, objective authenticity. This behind-the-scenes glimpse of the parade offers a humanistic, somewhat blunt, and unflattering perspective while still emphasizing the strong sense of community. The well-loved landmarks—such as the South Pasadena Library in the background, the classic car adorned with balloon ornaments, and the enthusiastic spectators alongside parade participants, most likely residents of South Pasadena—encapsulate the close-knit, celebratory atmosphere synonymous with the 4th of July Festival of Balloons Parade.

Original artwork by Jimi Martinez, created in the plein air style of painting—a practice that involves producing a finished piece outdoors while capturing the natural light, color, and movement of the subject in real time. The term originates from the French phrase en plein air, meaning "in the open air." This piece, created in 2024, was painted using gouache on cold press board.

This is an original artwork; no prints are available. The piece can be purchased online and is available for local pick-up or delivery within Los Angeles County. Domestic and international shipping is available upon request, with additional charges for packaging and shipping.

For shipped artwork, please allow 2–3 days for processing. Local deliveries are typically processed within two days.