February 16, 17 and 18: The 28th Annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

THIS WEEKEND, February 16, 17 and 18, at the Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter is the 28^th annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival.  ArtiGras has claimed the slogan, “the premier fine arts festival of the Palm Beaches.” Since it’s beginning almost 28 years ago this energetic, art festival in years past you know how much it has grown. ArtiGras used to be a small, resident show for local artists, now a nationally recognized, fine art festival!

This year, ArtiGras earned a place on the Sunshine Artist Magazine  “Top 100 List” of fine art festivals in the nation at #54. ArtiGras attracted over 150,000 art collectors and art lovers to their recent events and this year they await high numbers as well. ArtiGras is anticipating having 300 artists, 1,200 volunteers and 85,000 patrons spread out among 2.2 miles and 3 days of non-stop fun. The 300 fine artists are broken up into 14 different categories including: ceramics, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, painting, photography and more. Any style, preference or imagination can be pleased here.

Some of the events to take place include a variety of live music from pop, rock, country and jazz, local groups including gymnastics teams, theater performances and tons of unique vendors. Those at ArtiGras say, “You can’t have a great festival without great food!” and they’ve certainly got that covered. The food and beverage vendors range in a variety of styles from American to Asian, Latin to Italian. There is even a “Beer Garden” shaded by umbrellas, where can you sit and enjoy a cold beer and listen to the live music.

ArtiGras has also dedicated time and energy to making the festival a blast for kids. Youngsters love coming to ArtiGras for its plethora of events and activities designed just for them. The young artists of our area have their own gallery where they will compete with their art. These new artists, grades K-12, enter their own pieces and for display allowing all of the patrons to enjoy. Winners will be showcased on the main stage on February 18 and their schools will benefit as well. The winners will make their schools proud by earning them money for specialty, art supplies. Tiny Treasures Children’s Art Boutique is another exciting place for the kids. The special kid’s only tent, where no adults are allowed and kids can buy their own art pieces, is a unique enclave for the kids. The proceeds of this tent will go to Quantum House, a supportive home that helps families whose children are going through treatments for serious, medical conditions.

If you have not had the opportunity to visit an ArtiGras Festival, do not miss your chance this weekend! This event is fun for people of all ages. Tickets are available at the Gardens Mall Information Desk for $6 or can be purchased at the gate for $10 (children 12 and under are free).

For more information visit the ArtiGras official website.