ArtiGras Comes Home to the Gardens

by Candice Temple

Despite all of the challenges faced, the year 2020 did end with an exciting announcement. ArtiGras is coming back to Palm Beach Gardens! In its infancy, the festival was an annual staple in the Gardens and was held at The Gardens Mall, as well as on RCA Boulevard. Now in its 36th\ year, the nationally recognized fine arts festival has not been held in our City since 1999. Road construction at the site of its long-time location in Abacoa caused event organizers to search for a new venue. As a result, artists, art lovers and collectors will come together on February 13-14, 2021 at The Gardens North County District Park. The 82-acre park, which the City opened in the summer of 2019, has quickly become a favorite for locals.

ArtiGras is a two-day, outdoor juried art festival that is held over President’s Day weekend. Artists apply from around the country for the opportunity to directly sell their gallery-quality art to customers. Last year, ArtiGras was ranked one of the top 10 art festivals in the nation and, over the years, has achieved national recognition as one of the best art shows in our region. This notoriety makes it increasingly competitive for artists to make it into the festival. This year, around 250 artists have gained entry. (continues)

“We ’re so excited about moving to the Gardens. Because of the location, ArtiGras ’ new home could not be more suited for a festival like this,” said Palm Beach North Chamber CEO and President Noel Martinez. “We typically get over 600 applications for this festival. It’s the perfect location for what we ’re facing this year.”

Noting the need for increased spacing due to COVID -19 protocols, Martinez feels the timing for the change of venue was an opportunity for the Chamber to move forward with holding an event that fans have grown to love in a safe, spread out environment. City officials welcome the occasion, including increased safety precautions, as a good fit for the community.

“Art has long been a big part of our City ’s identity. That dedication has been showcased in many ways over the years, so this is a great fit,” said Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Carl Woods. “We couldn’t be more excited to be the host city for ArtiGras and we look forward to not only welcoming our residents and visitors, but also providing a platform for artists who need our support.”

While the cultural experience and support for artists selling their wares are the obvious ways the festival benefits the community, it is not the only way. In the last decade, the festival’s efforts have raised over $300,000 for local youth art education and charities. The local economy will benefit, as well. Over the two-day festival, ArtiGras is estimated to have a total economic impact of $2.87 million dollars.

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Leadership- Executive Trustee Member George Gentile & CEO Noel Martinez attend ArtiGras 2020

This year, the presenting sponsor for ArtiGras will be the Hanley Foundation. A West Palm Beach based non-profit poses with ArtiKids winners at ArtiGras 2020. focused on substance use prevention programming for youth, the Hanley Foundation has long been a sponsor of the ArtiKids area of the festival. Each year, families arrive with strollers in tow to visit booths and play in the special area dedicated to children. According to President Jan Cairnes, the sponsorship made sense because of the Foundation ’ s commitment to engaging youth.

For the Love of Kids: Hanley Foundation President Jan Cairnes poses with ArtiKids winners at ArtiGras 2020.

“What drew us to ArtiGras was sponsoring the children ’s area and the art contest. The children ’s area has always been a sought after place for families that come and take their kids to participate in some fun activities,” explains Jan Cairnes.

After sponsoring the ArtiKids portion of the festival for multiple years, Cairnes said the Foundation jumped at the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor of this year ’s event.

“One of our strong beliefs is that ‘family time is time well spent’ and that is one of our mantras. We want to encourage family time. We see ArtiGras truly as a family event. It’s an opportunity to bring kids, familiarize them with local artists and extended art.”

The planning committee begins preparation for the event a year in advance. No one could have predicted the challenges they would face, however, several precautions have been put in place to ensure the vendors, volunteers and attendees can enjoy the weekend.

This year ’s ArtiGras theme “For the Love of Art” is a rallying cry to support an industry that has suffered a blow after COVID -19 precautions cancelled many art events in 2020.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Fine art on display by over 250 artists

• Socially distanced booths (6 feet apart), mask requirement, temperature checks for vendors, one-way walking for pedestrian traffic and hand sanitizer stations throughout

• Food, music and lots of art!

RESTRICTIONS:

• No pets allowed • No outside beverages allowed • Masks are required

Saturday, February 13; 10AM – 6PM

Sunday, February 14; 10AM – 6PM

The Gardens North County District Park

5101 117th Court North

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival

General questions about the festival?

ArtiGras Contact: www.artigras.org

561 -746 -7111