Treasure from "Trash", $500 Cash—Flagler Fine Art Festivals “Clean Up” for New Art Challenge

PALM COAST, Fla. - Oct. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- Flagler Fine Art Festivals are becoming known for bucking trends--the monthly third Sunday festivals strictly limit crafts to keep the focus on fine art, and the festivals showcase the work of Florida artists exclusively--providing a venue not only for established artists but emerging talent, student art programs, galleries and arts organizations looking to increase their audiences.

With that unconventional approach in mind, coupled with the festivals' consistent track record for promoting non-profits, the 1st annual Assemblage Art Challenge may not sound too unusual--until you consider the specifics. With a hat tip to popular television shows such as Food Network's "Chopped", the "challenge" aspect of the event is aptly named.

Entrants must create an assemblage art piece in less than 5 hours onsite at the festival, incorporating the contents of a box or bag containing 5 items gathered from the most recent International Coastal Cleanup organized by Friends of A1A. The artists will not see their items in advance. All work must be completed and tools laid down by exactly 3pm. The resulting works will be judged on-site, and the winner will claim the $500 prize.

Those attending the Flagler Fine Art Festival at Veterans Park that day will have the opportunity to watch the creative process unfold--at a slight distance, for safety's sake--while the artists work their magic, repurposing items once discarded on our beaches and in our ocean into unique works of art. Flagler Fine Art Festivals and the Friends of A1A hope to see this exciting annual event  grow into a much-anticipated community tradition, bringing additional attention to Coastal Cleanup and the benefits of recycling.

The festival will also provide its ever-changing selection of juried fine art from Florida artists, performing arts on the festival stage, children's crafts and more. Attendees are encouraged to cast their vote in the monthly festival artists' contest, and those purchasing festival art of $50 or more are eligible to receive a gift certificate to a local restaurant or business, subject to availability.

Recently announcing an additional December 15th date, the festivals are currently accepting applications for the November and December festivals, as well as entries for the challenge (challenge entry fee $25). The challenge entry form and artist application are available at http://www.FlaglerFineArtFest.com, or call (386)986-9567 for more information.