MIRTH AND JOY

by Jerry King

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: IN THE STUDIO Art World is Ready

by Kariem Farrakhan II

The arts were hit especially hard by the pandemic in 2020 with fairs, festivals and exhibitions being nixed. The cancellations have made artists and art lovers even more excited to get out and experience the art revival that will inevitably take place.

Try to fit at least one of these events on your to-do list to support the arts community. It will be a triumphant return, even more so if you are a part of it.

Below is a list of major art events to visit when they return.

SCAD Sidewalk Chalk Arts Festival (April/May)

Did you think sidewalk chalk could not be fine art? Every year, Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia hosts the nation’s grandest sidewalk chalk art competition. In 2020, it was done as a digital competition and show.

Students and college alumni create vibrant chalk art in Forsyth Park, 2 W. Gaston Street, Savannah, Georgia, while visitors watch art being created and view the stunning results. Plenty of artists take this competition very seriously, so be ready to be awed. https://bit.ly/3nZ6dLN

Affordable Fall Art Fair (May and September)

In New York City, thousands of affordable contemporary artworks are showcased twice a year at the Affordable Art Fair. The artwork is remarkably diverse and carefully curated. It is a great opportunity to see what the art world is producing and maybe even discover a great piece of art for yourself. https://bit.ly/2KtMhml

Columbus Arts Festival (June)

The Columbus Arts Festival is arguably the largest art festival in the state, exhibiting the art of 260 to more than 300 artists by the riverfront. In addition to the art village and juried shows, there are hands-on activities and workshops and five stages holding musical and theater performances. https://bit.ly/3nY6sqj

Art Basel Week (December)

Art Basel Week is one of the largest, most important art events in the country. Artists, gallerists, collectors, and patrons come to Miami Beach from all over the world for art installations, forums and networking. It is a spectacular event for anyone interested in the world of fine art. https://bit.ly/2M5CeEF

Kariem Farrakhan II is a Wadsworth artist who has experience creating art using a variety of media and enjoys sharing his knowledge, while continuing to learn. He is the art director for The Spirited Palette, https://thespiritedpalette.com/, and maintains his own solo platform at The Indigo Kid, https:// theindigokid.com/. He can be reached at kariem@thespiritedpalette.com or by calling 330-3293930.