FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Anna Salim, Arts Fest Director, 303-449-3774, anna@downtownboulder.org
Terri Takata- Smith, Communications Director, DBI, 303-449-3774, (303-725-1421 cell), terri@downtownboulder.org
Jane Saltzman, Executive Director, OpenArts, 303-444-1862, jane@openartsboulder.org
Downtown Boulder, Inc. and OpenArts Announce Partnership to Showcase Boulder’s Creative Scene During July 2011’s Inaugural Event, Open Arts Fest
The newly created event combines the strengths of Downtown Boulder’s annual ArtFair and OpenArts Spring Art Fair for a weekend celebration of visual and performing arts
Boulder, Colorado (December 21, 2010)– Organizers have announced plans to combine Downtown Boulder’s popular annual ArtFair and OpenArts annual Spring Art Fair into a visually and culturally rich and exciting weekend celebration July 16 & 17, 2011. In its inaugural year, Open Arts Fest promises to be a celebration of Boulder’s visual arts unlike any other. Local artists will be joined by artists from around the country, providing demonstrations, workshops and showcasing their work along the historic Pearl Street Mall. There will be an expansive activities area for children, as well as live music, food, drinks – and much, much more. Attendees will also be able to participate in a silent auction benefiting OpenArts scholarship programs.
Open Arts Fest will showcase the finest artists from Boulder and the nation, with an emphasis on fine arts and fine crafts. A preview party will take place on Thursday, July 14th. During the weekend, an area will be dedicated specifically to showcase artists whose medium is recycled/repurposed art. The event will host art workshops which will take place at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art as an added cultural enhancement experience. Scattered throughout the event will be performances by some of Boulder’s finest performing arts organizations and musical groups. All activities and performances during Open Arts Fest will be free and open to the public.
“For over 30 years, ArtFair has been one of the most popular events on the mall,” said Sean Maher, executive director of Downtown Boulder. “Thanks to our partnership with OpenArts, the event has been infused with new life and energy. Longtime fans will not be disappointed and first-time visitors are sure to be impressed and inspired.” Jane Saltzman, OpenArts Executive Director added, “Bringing our two organizations and events together has created what is sure to become an annual signature cultural experience for locals and visitors alike. Boulder is home to so many gifted visual and performing artists, and we look forward to joining with Downtown Boulder, Inc. to celebrate their talent and work.”
Both ArtFair and OpenArts Spring Art Fair have extended jury exempt offers to their 2010 award winners. These include both events best of show winners, local Denver painter, Kelly Schurger and Denver-based photographer Alan Klug, as well as Israeli painter Yoram Gal. Artist applications are available through Zapplication (www.zapplication.org). Jury fees are $35 and the application deadline is March 25, 2011. More artist information is available at www.openartsfest.org.
About Downtown Boulder Incorporated
Downtown Boulder, Incorporated (DBI) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1984, dedicated to continued preservation, promotion and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart of the greater Boulder community. With a mission to maintain Downtown as the center of commerce, government, culture, and leisure, DBI’s membership supports the overall vitality of Downtown through public advocacy, political involvement, and by producing year-round community events that enhance the Boulder experience for residents and visitors. (www.boulderdowntown.com)
About OpenArts
In 1995, founder and former executive director (now retired) Gary Zeff had an idea to start a local non-profit visual arts organization that would allow the public to meet and see artists in their own studios. His passion, which remains with OpenArts today, is to educate the public about the importance of arts and arts education in our increasingly technical, impersonal world. OpenArts mission is to provide an educational opportunity for the community to gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through the personal experience of meeting artists in their private studios and other forums. (www.openartsboulder.org)
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