The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale National Art Festival on Las Olas Returns!

Nov. 3, 2008 - PRLog -- FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, a division of Nova Southeastern University, will present one of the community’s most prestigious art shows as the organization’s National Art Festival returns to South Florida Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 2009.

An al fresco visual feast is in store for patrons of the two-day juried event, which will be held in beautiful Huizenga Plaza, situated along historic Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale.  The show also will encompass parts of scenic Riverwalk promenade along the New River, providing a relaxed atmosphere in which art enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a wide range of activities.  An additional bonus:  The festival grounds are located proximate to the museum, offering event patrons an opportunity to also enjoy the facility’s exhibitions.

This rain-or-shine event will showcase the finest works of over 100 high-end artists from around the world, whose creations in a wide range of mediums will be available for purchase, including paintings, sculptures, glass, mixed media, ceramics, metalwork, photography, jewelry and more.  A select number of artists will also be accepting commissions for custom pieces.

To add to the ambience, the event will present live music and performances by area school groups in the park’s amphitheater as well as a delectable selection of food and wine.

The Museum of Art’s Studio School will host The JM Family Art Corner during the Festival, providing hands-on fun for aspiring artists of all ages.

And, in acknowledgement of art festival patrons who are also Super Bowl fans, the event’s pre-game show will be shown on monitors in the Museum’s breezeway.

A suggested $3 to $5 per person voluntary admission donation is requested, which also includes admission into the Museum. All festival proceeds will benefit the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale’s Studio School Scholarship Fund, which offers both merit and need-based scholarships to students in grades 1 - 12.   The Studio School has awarded over 400 scholarships since its inception in 2004.  

After a hugely successful run of more than 20 years, the Museum of Art re-introduced this event under its new title in 2008, following a brief hiatus.  Celebrating its second anniversary, the show hours will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

The official festival kickoff will occur Friday, January 30 with a Meet the Artist event.  Details are TBD; please visit www.moafl.org or contact the Museum of Art for more information.  

Though the deadline has passed, artists interested in participating in the 2009 National Art Festival may send an e-mail to MoAFLartfestival@moafl.org  to receive exhibitor information, and may be considered for the wait-list.    



ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ART | FORT LAUDERDALE
The Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale , a division of Nova Southeastern University, is open daily 11 am -5 pm with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students (6 -17) , military and seniors (65+). College students with a valid ID, children 5 and under, students 6 -17 with a Broward County Library card and Museum members are admitted free. Join us every Third Thursday for free admission from 5-8 pm.  The Museum also features a Studio Arts School for adults and students (grades 1 to 12). The 10-week program, taught by professional artists, focuses on painting, drawing, design, art history, and musical theater. For more information or to enroll in the winter 2009 program (January 13, 2009 – March 28, 2009), please call 954-670-2828 or email: education1@moafl.org.  The Museum also features a Museum Store Café with specialty coffee drinks, wine and beer.  

MUSEUM FUNDING SUPPORT
Funding for the Museum is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.  In addition, the Museum is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; and the City of Fort Lauderdale.  Additional annual support is provided by AutoNation, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, David Horvitz and Francie Bishop Good, Hudson Family Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, the Sansom Foundation, and many others.

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