8 minute read
ArtiGras: A Celebration of Art, Community & Legacy
Written by Sarah LaPierre2025 ArtiGras Poster ArtistPhotographed by David L. Williams II
As a small child, I remember ArtiGras always feeling so big. This massive, important event that showcases the largest quantity of art Palm Beach Gardens would see at one time, all thrillingly packed into a single weekend. The very first time I attended, I was in a stroller at the young age of 9 months old, so my sense of scale might have been a little different. From then on, over almost 17 years, it was my mom with me and my older brother attending in support of my dad, Joseph LaPierre, until his passing in 2009. Then I picked up the torch.
My very first full exhibit of artwork was ArtiGras in 2010 (their 25th year). I was a part of the “emerging artist” program that my dad had once assisted in developing in years past. The only goal 18-year-old me had at the time was to sell enough artwork to fund a trip to Portugal, and I did just that! My friends showed up to encourage me by wearing handmade “I Heart Sarah LaPierre Paintings” shirts. And the biggie - the first sale of my artwork to a total stranger - huge moment!
As I reflect on multiple decades of attendance and participation in the fine art festival, those feelings of “this is something big” still hold true. ArtiGras stands out to me as a major holiday would for other people. My entire immediate family would always participate, sometimes even aunts, uncles, or various cousins. There would be many hours of prep work and heightened anticipations and then, this huge gathering of artists; many of whom also felt like extended family members. All there for one purpose: to celebrate art.
ArtiGras is truly an event that allows all to celebrate. Some celebrate by making and showcasing art. Others celebrate by collecting it. Many just by taking in the sight of it and letting it brighten their spirit. Even children, with their families, create their own art at the activations. And of course, there is the music, tasty food, and drinks. All the staples that come with any well-worthy fete. It marks a high point of the season in Palm Beach County, fully bustling with activity, and when we’re lucky, the most beautiful Florida winter weather!
My style has developed and deepened over the years, going from soft brushwork to bolder palette knife techniques, and now, bringing in assemblage and weaving found objects into my paintings. I still hold dear to many of the same familiar points of inspiration, though. The things that always give me pause, and make me think, “How would I put that on canvas?” It’s always nature, wildlife, and the unique feeling of life in South Florida, especially from the perspective of a full-time resident who was born and raised locally.
Attendees of ArtiGras this year will get to see my brand-new assemblage series “Second Nature” for the first time. For those who have come to know my work, you’ll still recognize some telltale thick paint strokes, but with these new works, I began including found objects and repurposed materials. Little details that will catch your eye and hopefully give you a reason to pause with the art for a few moments more. It’s something that I’ve been very keen to work on. The new portion of this creative process is much more time-consuming, but fortunately, it’s just the kind of thing I’ll happily lose track of time doing.
The series is mostly portraits depicting some of Florida’s special and notorious wild inhabitants, like the Florida panther, roseate spoonbill, black bear, alligator, gopher tortoise, scrub jay, and more. A standout in the series is the piece I created to be this year’s commemorative poster titled “Local Legacy” and it holds many hidden treasures and references to our city, and my own personal history and family legacy.
I can’t give more than that away, but I’m very excited for this year's poster to be revealed at the ArtiGras Kickoff Party on January 29. I’m so honored to be the featured artist for this 40th anniversary year, and I look forward to sharing my new paintings, assemblage works, and limited-edition reproductions in booths #336-337, located just inside the red gate entrance.
ArtiGras has become a keystone event for so many artists. It's one event that’s impacted my artistic journey greatly. Without it, I wouldn’t be the same. I may not have recognized the influence early on, but the example set by the festival stuck with me. They set a high standard for the caliber of art exhibited, the manner in which it’s shown, and the organizational skills required from all parties involved to make a truly excellent and successful event for both professional participants and attendees.
Beyond meeting hundreds or thousands of art enthusiasts for the first time and getting to form relationships with many of them, I also know every year there are people from the community that I can expect to see. Whether they’re a part of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce team working tirelessly, friends who volunteer (hi Kerri!), fellow local artist comrades, or many of the wonderful people I’m lucky enough to call collectors, it’s always been a place to connect with people through art and I look forward to that feeling every single year.
ArtiGras includes 300 juried artists exhibiting and covering a diverse range of mediums from painting and ceramics to photography, jewelry, fiber arts, metalwork, and many others. Plus, special features like kid zones with fun activities, live music, and even cooking showcases that highlight the art of cuisine and feature local chefs.
As soon as the gates open, there is a steady stream of people coming through, and that energy is thrilling. I have some of the sweetest memories of ArtiGras, many with my dad, watching a master at work in his element, and many with his collectors who came to see me and share stories with me after his passing. I’ve been a part of this community my whole life, and truly, the support and encouragement that is received from the heroes behind this festival is like nothing else. They work their tails off for months putting this on every year and they make art for our community a year-round part of their mission. Just in the past decade, ArtiGras has raised over $300,000 for youth art education and local charities. They have free mentorship for local emerging artists, and they are always seeking to improve ways to support arts and culture in our area.
I’m always going to encourage people to attend because it’s a full-on immersive art experience. It’s in a beautiful outdoor park venue in Palm Beach Gardens, there is something for every age, and it’s an opportunity to connect with local, national, and international artists. Supporting these types of events is so important because art is something that always gives back. It feeds us. It is a universal language, one that can foster curiosity and inspire new ideas. It can provide joy or be an outlet to voice heavier emotions. It’s shared humanity that has the power to connect us across time and space. For some people, it may be beauty, and for others survival, or a combination of both.
Mark your calendars, invite family and friends, and experience the event firsthand! For so many reasons this is a must-attend event. There is inspiration waiting here for everyone, whether you’re looking for art to decorate your home, adding to a unique collection, finding a special gift, or just making colorful memories. I invite you to attend ArtiGras 2025, on February 15th & 16th and be a part of this vibrant artistic celebration!
To find out more about my art journey you can visit SarahLaPierre.com or follow @thickpaint on Instagram.
ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival - Celebrating 40 Years!
Saturday and Sunday, February 15 & 16
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Gardens North County District Park, 5101 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens
Tickets are conveniently available online at ArtiGras.org.
