By Town Crier Staff Report

The successful effort by local artists in 1999 to capture “the look of Los Altos the last year of the 20th century” will be repeated this fall with a new focus: Los Altos on its 50th birthday.

Called “Paint the Town - Again,” the effort will be launched Sept. 14 when dozens of local artists set up their easels throughout town.

This time artists will produce images of homes and cars of 1952, as well as new and old commercial buildings. Working from photos, they will also include community events, such as the Festival of Lights Parade and Pet Parade.

The 1999 project resulted in a hardcover book provided at no charge to Los Altos non-profit organizations to be sold as a fund-raiser.

No book is planned this time, but the new paintings will be on display throughout November and December in several downtown locations. All paintings will be for sale by the artists. A small portion of the sale price will be a contribution for other cultural activities in the community.

Already 35 artists have agreed to participate and over 60 different locations have been selected as subjects.

The program is jointly sponsored by the Los Altos Town Crier and the Los Altos Cultural Association.

To show the contrast in styles between 1952 and 2002, artists are seeking homes built in those two years, as well as 1952 automobiles.

Residents who would like to have their 1952- or 2002-built home captured in oil or watercolor, as well as area artists who wish to participate, may call Avinell at the Town Crier, 948-9000.