Life is short, but Art Endures Forever at Festival of the Arts

Photo by Local Kicks The Festival of the Arts fills the lower end of King Street with prized artwork from around the country.

Every September, the quaint streets of Old Town are rendered more beautiful by the presence of 200 artists vending their creations.  
 
This year, the seventh annual Festival of the Arts comes again to King Street on September 12 and 13.  Meander through the kiosks to find painting, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, wood, glass, photos, collage, ceramics, and other works of art by national and local artists.  

Photo by Local Kicks Nearly 40,000 people attended last year's Festival of the Arts.

Locally based painter Jane Gillette will be among the exhibitors.  
 
Known for her jubilant watercolors of botanical still life, architecture, and golfing parties, this is Gillette’s seventh time to be selected for the show.  Gillette has participated in over 20 juried shows throughout her career, which she began with a degree in Fine Arts.  
 
“The promoters of the Alexandria Festival of the Arts do a good job," Gillette said. "It is a high-end show and represents a real credential for an artist.  It is very difficult to get in.  It brings a lot of good art to the communtiy that people don‘t get to see.  I think it’s great.  And show goers really seem to appreciate that local artists are qualified to be in this competitive show.”

All told, the combined value of the art that will be on exhibit the weekend of the festival is estimated at $15 million.   The event is free and open to festivalgoers, who can meet and talk with the artists personally, asking questions about their art and inspirations.  Prices of the artwork range from $25 for a pair of one-of-a-kind earrings, to $20,000 for a bronze sculpture.
 
Howard Alan, producer of the Festival of Arts, believes that show goers will invest in art even in an uncertain economy because, he said, "art heals, art soothes; this is art that is handmade in America.”
 
Howard Alan Events is a Florida-based company that develops and presents art and craft shows throughout the country.  

The city of Alexandria is consistently rated as among the Top 25 arts destinations by American Style Magazine.  The city is nationally recognized for its vibrant art scene, such as at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center.  
 
For further information, visit www.artfestival.com.

Photo by Local Kicks A clown entertains at last year's Festival of the Arts in Old Town.

Photo by Local Kicks Art Drauglis, a woodworker and furniture maker, at last year's Festival of the Arts.

Photo by Local Kicks One of Art Drauglis' works from last year's show.