ArtiGras

JUPITER, FL – January 5, 2017 – ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival is returning for the 32nd year this President’s Weekend, February 18th through the 20th. Located in Downtown Abacoa, in Jupiter, the festival celebrates a wide variety of art, including gallery-quality pieces from artists working in the following media: Ceramics, Fiber (Wearable and Non), Digital Art, Drawing and Printmaking, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wood.

As Angelique Allen, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing and Events, explains, each year over 1,000 artists from around the nation apply to be a part of the juried festival. The jury itself is selected by a committee of experts comprised of museum board members, jewelry designers, artists, – but no past winners. This talented group of art connoisseurs narrows the pool of applicants to 300 artists from across 13 categories who will not only exhibit and sell their art at the Festival, they will also compete for $17,000 in prize money.

Allen points out that as part of the competition, the exhibiting artists “use innovative displays to accent their work,” which makes for an enjoyable and unique viewing experience. Further, she continues, “You can always count on meeting the artist in their booth.”

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In addition to meeting and supporting fine artists, the Festival provides the opportunity for the community to get artistic as well.

The “Youth Art Competition Gallery” puts the talents of local artists from area K-12 grade schools on display. For the 2017 Festival, over 200 pieces have been submitted. Winning schools will receive prize money.

The “ArtiKids Area” allows children to participate in a variety of interactive art activities, including the opportunity to shop at vendor booths which are designed to be more “family friendly,” rather than fine art-centered. New for 2017, however, the “ArtiKids Area” will feature the “Tiny Treasures Tent.” This tent will house artworks donated by fine artists and priced under $20. The Tiny Treasures Tent will be strictly kids only,” Allen says. “It will give the kids an opportunity to be independent and to shop for art on their own. All the proceeds from the tiny Treasures Tent will benefit Quantum House.” (NOTE: Quantum House is a hospital hospitality home for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for serious medical conditions.)

Every hour, exhibiting artists will lead demonstrations on the “Artist Demonstration Stage.” This provides a good opportunity to learn about various art techniques and to watch as artists actually display their skills, creating artworks live on stage.

To create ambiance, a main entertainment stage will provide a platform for live jazz, R&B rock, and blues bands to perform.

It would not be a Festival without food. The ArtiGras food court will include an international variety of offerings to satisfy all palates and palettes: The All America, Taste of Tuscany, Asian Fusion, and Green Market.

ArtiGras will be held on February 18-20 at 1200 Town Center Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458. For more information, visit www.artigras.org. •